Atlantic spadefish

Due to their reputation as strong fighters, they are popular game fish, especially during the summer
months when they are most active.

The Atlantic spadefish lives in the reef-associated, oceanodromous, brackish, marine, depth
range 3 - 35 m environment. The Atlantic spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) is a species of marine
fish endemic to the western Atlantic Ocean. They are commonly found in shallow waters off
the coast of the southeastern United States and in the Caribbean.
The Atlantic spadefish was originally described as Chaetodon faber by the French naturalist Pierre-
Auguste-Marie Broussonet in 1782. This name was later changed to the currently valid
Chaetodipturus faber (Broussonet, 1782). More
The Atlantic spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber, is silvery gray in color with vertical black bars.
It is known and named for its characteristic spade-shaped body, which is compressed with a
short snout.
Atlantic spadefish are found schooling near coastal reefs, wrecks and pilings from New England
to southern Brazil, including the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
The angel-like Atlantic spadefish is actually in the Ephippidae family which includes the batfishes
and scats. These gregarious fish can often be observed in large schools of up to 500 individuals
from Massachusetts to Southern Brazil. More
The Atlantic spadefish reaches a maximum total length of about 3 feet, and a maximum reported
weight of about 19 pounds. The largest spadefish ever caught, according to the International Game
Fish Association, was 14 pounds. The expected lifespan is 8-10 years. More
Atlantic spadefish have a very diverse diet. They feed primarily on coral, anemones, worms,
mollusks, crustaceans and plankton. More
Atlantic spadefish have a disk-shaped body that is almost as deep as it is long. That, combined
with the nearly identical second dorsal fin and anal fin, gives the fish a spade-like profile. More
Reproducing the Atlantic Spadefish at the Tulsa Zoo = By: Stephen D. Walker Curator of Aquaria
The Atlantic Spadefish Chaetodipterus faber is the only Caribbean representative of the batfish
family Ephippidae. More
Atlantic spadefish may look like angelfish but you can tell them apart by counting the fins on their
backs. If they have two dorsal fins, they're spadefish; if they have only one, they're angelfish. More
The Atlantic Spadefish or Chaetodipterus faber is a sporting fish that is found in the shallow waters
of the western Atlantic Ocean.
The Atlantic Spadefish is a flat, disc-shaped fish similar to angels, but not related. They feed on
small crustaceans, invertebrates, and can even be seen nibbling on the tentacles of jellyfish!
Schools of spadefish can be composed of hundreds of fish.
Atlantic spadefish will congregate around a variety of environmental super-structures - including
reef systems, sunken vessels and debris, and oil derricks.
Summary: The Atlantic Spadefish is a very distinctive looking fish that is usually very large and
easy to identify. Learn to identify Atlantic Spadefish with tips from a Caribbean scuba instructor
in this free tropical fish identification video. More
The Atlantic Spadefish is sometimes mistaken for an angelfish because of the shape of its fins.
Spadefish and Angelfish are members of two separate fish families: Ephippidae and
Pomacanthidae.

Balloon Fish Facts For Kids | Facts About Balloon Fish

Isnt the name balloon fish sound funny? Yes indeed. Even though it has a balloon in its name
but it doesnt mean that it looks like a balloon all the time. Having big and protruded eyes, the fish
has an angular topmost section.
Typically, the scales or big spines lie down efficiently on its body. There are very nice fins
particularly at the end of this creature. With the whitish shade on its outer shell as well as murky
spots sprinkled over its body, balloon fish looks magnificent with its speckled appearance.
A very strong ring-shaped outer skin with a plane face and forward-pointing eyes makes it a perfect
hunter during the night and also eludes the upcoming danger. Lets read more about balloon fish
facts for kids.
Balloon Fish Facts For Kids
The size of balloon fish can stretch up to 50 centimeters though the average size of this fish
ranges from 20 cm to 30 cm.
This fish doesnt try to plunge over 100 meters deep within the water.
It is a night-time or nocturnal predator that likes to stay out of sight during the daylight
hours.
When the enemy approaches balloon fish and the attack is imminent, it responds with
a magnificent armor and fills its stomach with water. This process continues until the
stomach bulges and the spines stand vertical. That is why it is known as balloon fish
because it turns itself into a balloon when it is scared.
Front of Balloon fish
There are 19 different species of porcupine fish, a class under which balloon fish falls.
The entire body structure is imbued with coffee color spots while the unique tan coloring
around the eyes is the hallmark of balloon fish.
The eggs of balloon fish move smoothly over the water surface at almost 96 hours before
young ones are produced.
This type of fish goes swimming rather sluggishly.
The adult balloon fish prefers to stay alone while some young ones usually come together
in groups.
Once in a while, it varies the shade of its body when feeling tension.
Since they are nocturnal species, so youll not spot them in open water during the day rather
they confine themselves inside caverns and also ledges to seek shelter.
They have big eyes that allow them to lurk for prey in the dusk.
According to experts, the tiger shark stalks balloon fish more often which seems to be the
single killer of this fish.
Distribution and Habitat
Balloon fish fancies living in shallow water and resides mainly in the rocky seabeds,
mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the
former (Atlantic Ocean), the species of balloon fish extends toward humid regions of
 West Brazil from Bahamas while in the latter (Pacific), the animal flourishes in large
number within various land masses.
The population of balloon fish sprawls across South California, Caribbean seawaters,
Florida and islands including Galapagos, Easter and Equatorial islands while countries like
Australia, Canada, Mexico and Japan are home to such species.
Although they do not like staying deep inside water but some have also seen them at two
hundred meters deep inside water.
Feeding Ecology and Diet
The happy menu of balloon fish includes hermit crabs (mostly hermit crabs), snails, coral
polyps, sea urchins, mollusks.

Banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon striatus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Chaetodontidae

Overview
A perfect choice for beginners, The Banded Butterflyfish is an easy going species that gets along
well with other reef fish. Striking in its contrasting beauty, it has a deep, thin, somewhat disc-
shaped body, with a concave forehead and short snout. The coloration of juveniles and adults
can be quite different. Juveniles have large, ringed black spot at the base of the dorsal fin, four
vertical body bars, with an overall body color of brownish-yellow instead of the white that adults
have as a base.
A peaceful fish, Banded Butterflyfish are most commonly found alone or in pairs, in shallow
waters around coral reefs. Most active during the day, and sleeping at night, they seek shelter in
the evening, as they are highly vulnerable to larger predators.
The Banded Butterflyfish is a carnivore, feeding on reef inhabitants such as tube worms,
anemones, corals, and occasionally crustaceans. Use care when housing in a reef tank, as they
will eat most invertebrates in the aquarium! The coarseness of its teeth allows it to scrape at
invertebrates that make up its diet. Supplement their diet with a variety of meaty preparations and
vitamin enriched or color enhancing food. They may also clean parasites from other fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/" to 2" Medium 2" to 3 1/4" Large 3 1/4" to 4 1/2" X Large
4 1/2" to 5 1/2"
The black triggerfish or black durgon (Melichthys niger), called Humuhumu'ele'ele in
Hawaiian, is a blimp-shaped triggerfish with bright white lines running along its dorsal and anal
fins. From a distance, it appears to be completely black. However, upon closer inspection with
good lighting, one can see that it is actually mottled dark-blue/green coloration often with orange
toward the front of the head. Black durgons are capable of changing color based on their
surroundings.[1]

These are not to be confused with their cousins, the Indian triggerfish or black-finned triggerfish
(Melichthys indicus), which are often mistaken as being black triggerfish within the aquarium
trade. The Indian triggerfish has never been found near Hawaii, but bears a striking resemblance
to the black triggerfish because of the similar shape and coloration.
Range
Circumtropical. Hawaii, up through Polynesia, westward to the East Indies and across the Indian
Ocean. The black triggerfish is also located around the southern coast of Africa. Although, the
black triggerfish is commonly found in the Indo Pacific and Red Sea.
Habita

School of black triggerfish near Waikiki

This species is found in open waters, shallows, and exposed reefs, 535 metres (15115 feet)
Seems to prefer inland/shores in the Ascension island region where they are strangely prolific.
Size
On average, 12 inches, although it can grow to be up to 18 inches.
Diet
Omnivorous. Feeds upon small fish and squid. Shrimp, zooplankton, algae, and other marine plant
life.
A study conducted in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago of the southwest Atlantic Ocean,
revealed the feces and vomit of Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) formed part of the diet of
twelve species of reef fish from seven different families. The most prolific consumer was the black
durgon, which could even discern the postures dolphins assumed prior to voiding and positioned
themselves for effective feeding. All these offal eating fish species are recorded plankton eaters
and it is considered that this type of feeding may represent a change in its usual diet, i.e. drifting
plankton.

Big Eye Black Bar Soldierfish (Myripristis sp.)

QUICK STATS

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Orange, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
 Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Maldives, Sri Lanka
Family: Holocentridae

What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here

Overview
The Big Eye Black Bar Soldierfish, also known as the Blackbar Soldierfish, is bright red
with thin white outlines on the fins. The eyes are very large and the center pupil is black,
giving this fish a unique look.
A 70 gallon or larger aquarium with large amounts of live rock for hiding will provide a good
environment. A small group is suitable as long as there are adequate hiding locations and space
in the aquarium. It is a nocturnal fish, hiding while the lights are on, and swimming in the
darkness in search of food. It will eat invertebrates such as worms (including fireworms),
crustaceans and serpent stars.
When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice
this fish to eat. The diet varies between live feeder shrimp, freeze dried shrimp, and chopped
marine meats that will move in the water column.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 4"; Large: 4" to 5"

The blue parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus) is a member of the parrotfish genus Scarus. It is
found on coral reefs in shallow water in the tropical and subtropical parts of the western
Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Contents
Description
They are uniformly blue with a yellow spot on their heads that fades as they age. They average
3075 cm in length with a maximum length of 1.2 m. They develop a large "beak" like other
parrotfish that is used for scraping algae and small organisms from rocks. They have pharyngeal
teeth that grind ingested rocks into sand. No other species has this uniform blue color as adults.
They weigh about 20 pounds.
Reproduction
In summer, blue parrotfish gather in spawning groups. Sexual interaction occurs and the females
deposit their eggs into the water column after which they sink to the seabed. The eggs hatch after
about twenty-five hours.[4]
Distribution and habitat
Blue parrotfish are found on coral reefs at depths of 325 m (9.882.0 ft) in the western Atlantic
from Maryland in the United States to Bermuda, the Bahamas, and south to Brazil. They are also
found throughout the West Indies but are absent from the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico.
Juveniles are found in beds of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum).[2]

Diet
Their diet consists of small organisms found in the sand and algae that they scrape off rocks.
They spend 80% of their time searching for food.
Status
The blue parrotfish has a wide range and is abundant in much of that range, some of which is in
marine conservation areas. Although larger individuals are targeted by fishermen, the population
of this fish seems to be stable overall. For these reasons, the IUCN has listed this fish as being of
"Least Concern".[1]
Paracanthurus hepatus (BLUE TANG)
Conservation status
Paracanthurus hepatus is a species of Indo-Pacific surgeonfish. A popular fish in marine aquaria,
it is the only member of the genus Paracanthurus.[1][2] A number of common names are attributed
to the species, including regal tang, palette surgeonfish, blue tang (leading to confusion with the
Atlantic species Acanthurus coeruleus), royal blue tang, hippo tang, flagtail surgeonfish, Pacific
regal blue tang, and blue surgeonfish.
Description
Paracanthurus hepatus has a royal blue body, yellow tail, and black "palette" design. The lower
body is yellow in the west-central Indian Ocean.[3] It grows to 30 cm (12 in.).[1] This fish is rather
flat, like a pancake, with a circular body shape, a pointed snout-like nose, and small scales. The
blue tang has nine dorsal spines, 2628 dorsal soft rays, three anal spines, and 2426 anal soft rays.
Ecology
The species' range is broad, but it is common nowhere. It can be found throughout the Indo-Pacific.
It is seen in the reefs of the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, New
Caledonia, Samoa, East Africa, and Sri Lanka.[4][1] The regal blue tang is one of the most
common and most popular marine aquarium fish all over the world. They live in pairs, or in small
groups of 8 to 14 individuals.
The regal blue tang is ranked LC (least concern) by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), but is
of low vulnerability.[1]
Diet
As a juvenile, its diet consists primarily of plankton. Adults are omnivorous and feed on
plankton, but will also graze on algae. Spawning occurs during late afternoon and evening
hours. This event is indicated by a change in color from a uniform dark blue to a pale blue.
The fish is important for coral health as it eats algae that may otherwise choke it by
overgrowth.[5]

Life cycle
Males aggressively court female members of the school, leading to a quick upward spawning rush
toward the surface of the water during which eggs and sperm are released. The eggs are small,
approximately 0.8 mm in diameter. The eggs are pelagic, each containing a single droplet of oil
for flotation. The fertilized eggs hatch in twenty-four hours, revealing small, translucent larvae
with silvery abdomens and rudimentary caudal spines. Regal blue tangs can also, when faced with
danger or dark spaces, make themselves semi-transparent, in order to help with evasion and light
passivity, respectively.[citation needed] These fish reach sexual maturity at 912 months of age.

Importance to humans
The regal blue tang is of minor commercial fisheries importance, however, it is a bait fish. The
flesh has a strong odor and is not highly prized. This fish may cause ciguatera poisoning if
consumed by humans. However, regal blue tangs are collected commercially for the aquarium
trade. Handling the tang risks the chances of being badly cut by the caudal spine. These spines, on
both sides of the caudal peduncle, are extended from the body when the fish becomes excited. The
quick, thrashing sideways motion of the tail can produce deep wounds that result in swelling and
discoloration, posing a risk of infection. It is believed that some species of Acanthurus have venom
glands while others do not. The spines are used only as a method of protection against
aggressors.[citation needed] Two sharp spines stick out at the caudal pedunclethe area where
the tail joins the rest of the body.

Aquarium life
Paracanthurus hepatus in a home aquarium
The regal tang is commonly found in the aquarium trade, despite being one of the more fragile
popular fish. In particular, it needs a source of spirulina to regularly graze from, and achieves a
respectable size of 30 cm (12 inches). In addition, it is prone to parasitic infections and lateral line
disease.[6]
The blue striped grunt (Haemulon sciurus), also bluestriped grunt, is a
subtropical species of grunt native to the western Atlantic Ocean.[1] It was described by the
English naturalist George Shaw in 1803.
Its common name comes from its blue stripes and from its habit of grunting by grinding
its pharyngeal teeth. The swim bladder, acting as a resonator, amplifies this sound.
Description
The blue striped grunt commonly grows to a length of 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches), and its
maximum recorded length is 46 cm (18 inches). The maximum reported age is 12 years. It can
weigh up to 750 grams.
The head and the body is yellow with many narrow, horizontal blue stripes. The stripe under
the eye has a characteristic arch. There is one yellow dorsal fin with 12 dorsal spines and 16-17
dorsal soft rays. The anal fin is dusky yellow. It has three anal spines and nine anal soft rays. The
soft dorsal and caudal fins are blackish. The scales above the lateral line are enlarged, while the
scales below are oblique.
Distribution and habitat
The blue striped grunt is found in mangroves, seagrass beds, dropoffs and coral reefs at
depths up to 30 meters. Its range includes the Western Atlantic, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and
the Caribbean down to Brazil.
Behavior

k
Blue Striped Grunts in Belize
The fish travels in schools with the smaller French grunt (H. flavolineatum), a close relative. Up
to 1,000 grunts can form a school. The schools generally cruise near coral.
The diet consists mainly of shrimp. It may also eat annelids, bivalves, and crustaceans.
Predators of the grunt are larger piscivorous fish, such as sharks.
Human uses
 The blue striped grunt is edible, and when caught, is marketed fresh. It is only of minor commercial
importance, however. There have been reports of ciguatera poisoning from consumption of this
fish.
Blue striped grunts are also valued as a specimen for public aquariums.

Crevalle Jack: Caranx hippos

Appearance:

Color bluish-green to greenish-gold back and silvery or yellowish belly

Soft dorsal and anal fins almost identical in size
Prominent black spot on operculum (gill cover)
Black spot at the base of each pectoral fin
No scales on throat

Habitat:
Crevalel jacks are common in both inshore waters and the open sea.
Behavior:
These fish can tolerate a wide range of salinities. Typically, schools will corner a school of baitfish
at the surface and feed with commotion that can be seen at great distances. Crevalle jack feed
mainly on small fish. Peak spawning occurs offshore from March through September.
Additional Information
State Record: 57 lb, caught near Jupiter

Coney Fish (Lat. Cephalopholis Fulva)

The coney fish is a member of the Serranidae family of grouper.

OTHER NAMES:
French: con ouatalibi;
Spanish: canario, cherna cabrilla, corruncha, guativere.
Identification of Coney Fish
Because the coney experiences numerous color phases, it is inadvisable to try to identify this fish
by color. These phases range from the common phase, in which the fish is reddish brown; to a
bicolor period, in which the upper body is dark and the lower body is pale; to a bright yellow
phase. The body is covered with small blue to pale spots, although the spots are uncommon in the
bright-yellow phase. There are often two black spots present at the tip of the jaw and two more at
the base of the tail, as well as a margin of white around the tail and the soft dorsal fin. The tail is
rounded, and there are nine spines in the dorsal fin.

Size of Coney Fish

The coney weighs about a pound, although occasionally it can weigh as much as 3 pounds. The
average length is 6 to 10 inches, and the maximum length is 16 inches.

Life history/Behavior
As with many grouper, coney females transform into males, usually when they reach 20
centimeters in length. They are gregarious fish, and the males are territorial.

Food
Coney feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans.

Distribution
In the western Atlantic, coney extend from Bermuda and South Carolina to southern Brazil,
including the Gulf of Mexico and Atol das Rocas; they are commonly found in the Caribbean and
less commonly in southern Florida and the Bahamas.

Habitat
In the Gulf of Mexico, coney occur in clear deep-water reefs, and in Bermuda and the West Indies
they spend the day in caves and under ledges, preferring shallower water the rest of the time. Coney
tend to drift immediately above the bottom or rest there in 10- to 60-foot depths, remaining in close
proximity to protected areas.

Four Eyed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus)

 QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Clear, Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Tropical Western Atlantic
Family: Chaetodontidae

What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here

overview

The Four-Eyed, or Foureye Butterflyfish, is a beautiful but delicate member of the

Chaetodontidae family. Two namesake false eyespots on either base of the caudal fin help not
only to add to this fish's beauty, but to also misdirect predators. Iridescent stripes cover the
creamy-white body, running off of the center of the fish, with a vibrant yellow outline accenting
the outer edge of the body.
The Four-Eyed Butterfly is a peaceful fish and should be housed with other peaceful tankmates.
It is possible to keep a male-female pair, but members of the same sex may fight. It is not suitable
for the reef aquarium, as it enjoys eating stony corals and gorgonian polyps

The Four-Eyed Butterfly is a carnivore that can be difficult to feed, especially in the beginning.
To entice eating, offer live vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, clam, and mashed squid or shrimp.
Once eating regularly, offer mysis shrimp and frozen carnivore preparations. The Four-Eyed
Butterfly should be fed at least three times a day.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1 to 2 Medium 2" to 3 1/4" Large 3 to 4.5

French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru)

 QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 3"
Color Form: Blue, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Pomacanthidae

What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here

Overview
The French Angelfish is one of the more popular angelfish varieties. The face is a pale, dusky-
blue with eyes rimmed in yellow and white. The body is a dark, dusky-blue with yellow scale
margins giving the French Angelfish a dappled appearance. A yellow smudge highlights the
pectoral fin while the gill cover has a yellow rim.

A 250 gallon or larger tank should be provided and include large amounts of live rock for hiding
and grazing. Not a good candidate for a reef tank, the French Angelfish has a tendency to nip at
sessile invertebrates (soft and stony corals) and clam mantles, and also tends to dominate the tank.

The diet of the French Angelfish should include Spirulina, marine algae, occasional high-quality
angelfish preparations with added sponge matter, and mysis or frozen shrimp. It should be fed at
least three times daily.

The Small Juvenile will contain the Juvenile colorations or may be color shifting to a young adult,
while the Medium will be a sub-adult, and the Large will be in Adult coloration.

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Tiny: 1/2" to 1"; Small 1" to 1 1/2" Medium 1 1/2" to 2
1/4" Large 2 1/4" to 3 1/4"; Changing Medium/Large: 4" - 5"; Adult Small: 3" to 3-1/2"; Medium:
3-1/2" to 5"; Large: 5" to 7"

Haemulon flavolineatum, the French grunt, is a species of grunt native to the

western Atlantic Ocean from South Carolina and Bermuda to Brazil as well as the Gulf of
Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The French grunt travels in schools among coral and rocky reefs
where it occurs at depths of from 0 to 60 metres (0 to 197 ft). Their bodies are yellow with
horizontal silver stripes running the length of, and diagonally-oriented stripes below the lateral line
of their bodies. All of the fins are yellow. This species can reach a length of 30 centimetres
(12 in) TL though most do not exceed 17 centimetres (6.7 in). This species is important to
local commercial fisheries and are popular in public aquariums.[1]
French grunts feed on invertebrates, such as krill. They tend to hunt in schools around sunset. After
they finish feeding they return to the grass beds that they call their homes.
The sounds they make when grinding their teeth earned them their common name. They use their
swim bladders to amplify this sound.

Glasseye snapper

Description:
Body varies from red to pale, silvery, mottled pink (P. cruentatus). Back always with silver bars,
which may be faint (P. cruentatus 2).
Size up to 50.7 cm.

Habitat:
Common in lagoons and seaward reefs primarily around islands, down to 15 m. Nocturnal, feeding
mainly on octopuses, pelagic shrimps, stomatopods, crabs, small fish and polychaetes. During the
day usually singly or in small groups under or near ledges, but at dusk it may gather in large
numbers.

Distribution:
Common to occasional Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.

Remarks:
The related Bigeye (Priacanthus arenatus) never has silver bars.