Seaquarium

The Emperor Angelfish is found from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef. Juveniles hide under reef overhangs or in holes in outer lagoons, while adults prefer caves in coral-rich areas. These fish feed on sponges and form pairs for reproduction.

This fish lives near diadem-urchins. At the slightest danger, it takes refuge between the long spines of sea urchins. The male guards the eggs in the mouth until they hatch. It is threatened in the wild because of fishing for the aquarium trade. This species breeds in captivity.

The large pectoral fins of this fish serve as a fish net to capture prey. Its color (alternating dark and light bands) indicate to predators that it is poisonous: there are poison glands in the skin covering its spines. It can cause serious or fatal accidents.

This moray is narrower than most other species. Over time, the male becomes a female (protandrous hermaphroditism). This sex change is accompanied by a color change. This moray adapts easily to life in the aquarium.

During the day, it lives in schools and often "grazes" Posidonia leaves (underwater flowering plant). It also eats small animals that live hanging on the leaves. Juveniles live in very shallow waters. It flesh, soft and bland, is not appreciated.

It swims very badly and lives on the bottom where it is camouflaged among underwater vegetation. It is hunting from a hide and, like all the scorpion fishes, it is venomous. Very sought after for its flesh, it is easily captured with a harpoon or a net.

It often lives below 30 meters depth. In the spring, it goes close to the surface to spawn in the sea grass. Its spines are venomous. The sting is very painful, but rarely fatal. It is one of the essential ingredients of bouillabaisse.

It breeds easily in captivity. During mating, which can last between 30 and 45 minutes, the male forms a loop around the body of the female. Its flesh is edible, but it liver is toxic. Its reproductive behavior has been studied at the University of Liège.

It is especially active at dusk. During the day, it stays on the bottom. It can close it eyes with a sort of eyelids. Its flesh is edible, but it liver is toxic! Its eggs can be incubated and hatched in an aquarium.

The eye of this fish is masked by a black band that disrupts the visual perception of it body by predators. It has venomous spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins. It is easy to maintain in captivity but they need hiding places for shelter.