Just Fish

[one-nice-fish-a-day]

Basic Info

I made this blog for my friend Silver (hi Silver!) after saying there were daily fish blogs on tumblr only to find out they are all on hiatus or dead.

I aim to upload a fish a day with some basic info but I am one person which chronic ailments so may miss days.

My pfp is a blue boxfish (source: https://www.liveaquaria.com/article/396/?aid=396 ) and the header is a mangrove forest (source: https://unsplash.com/photos/an-underwater-view-of-a-mangrove-forest-i5kMNyhiw6c)

Sustainable Consumer Resources

Seafood Watch is a global leader in the sustainable seafood movement. Our science-based seafood recommendations are used by businesses, chef

[boiga]

A reef triggerfish, wedge tail triggerfish, or humuhumunukunukuapua'a (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) in Tahiti, French Polynesia

by François Libert

[boiga]

A reef triggerfish, wedge tail triggerfish, or humuhumunukunukuapua'a (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) in Kona, Hawaii

by Tom Barnes

[one-nice-fish-a-day]

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is one of several species of cleaner wrasse. They average in size at about 3.9 inches (10cm) and can get as large as 5.5 inches (14cm).

They are largely found in coral reefs ranging from the Red Sea and Indian ocean to the Western Pacific.

Bluestreak males will control a territory which they defend from other males. Should the dominate male in the area no longer exist a female may change sexes to fill the role.

As with other cleaner fish the Bluestreak has a mutualistic relationship with larger fish, eating the dead skin and parasites from them. They will set up "stations" in small groups where "client" fish will come to receive their help. Cleaner fish are identified not only by the stripe on their bodies but also a specific "dance" they perform.

Bluestreaks have reportedly passed the mirror test but the findings have been subject to scrutiny and controversy.

They are listed as least concern by the IUCN.

image and information sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluestreak_cleaner_wrasse#

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Humphead Wrasse

Humphead Wrasse aka the Māori wrasse, napoleon wrasse, or napoleonfish is a large species of wrasse. They average a little less than 1m (3.3ft) but can reach up to 2m (6.6ft) and 180kg (397lbs). They can live for around 30 years.

The humphead wrasse is primarily found in coral reefs along the east coast of Africa as well as some areas of the Pacific and Indian oceans.

While the humphead are long lived they have a very slow reproduction rate, becoming sexually mature at around 5-7 years old. They are protogynous dual-sex and some individuals will become male about about 9 years old. During certain times of the year adults will move to the down-current end of the reef and form mating groups. From there the eggs and larva will settle on or near the coral reef.

As opportunistic predators the humphead will feed on a variety of prey from mollusks and other fish to the highly venomous Crown-of-Thorns starfish. They will rely on stingrays and other excavator species to dig up fish if not doing so themselves via ejected water and nosing around. Humpheads will also crack open sea urchins by carrying them to large rocks to whack them against. They've even been known to participate in cooperative hunting with roving coral groupers.

The humphead wrasse is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to human activities. From illegal trade, demand as a food source by tourists, environmental destruction, habitat loss and destruction, and many other harmful actions by humanity.

image and information sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphead_wrasse#

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Needlefish

Needlefish aka long toms are slender fish ranging in length from 1.2 to 37.4 inches in length (3.0 to 95cm).

The various genera include species that are found in brackish, marine, and freshwater environments. They are most common in the subtropics but some are found in temperate waters and recently a few small individuals have been seen in the Mediterranean Sea.

Needlefish primarily eat other fish with a few occasional deviations. They have been observed utilising Snell's Window when hunting; leaping at small schools of fish from a shallow angle as a form of ambush.

Needlefish pose a danger to humans largely due to the fact that they leap out of the water at speeds reaching 37mph (60 km/h). This coupled with their sharp beaks has injured and killed many people. In addition they are attracted to artificial lights, making night time a particularly dangerous time. In addition to the risk of being pierced by their beaks (which can break off in the wound), their many sharp teeth also pose a risk when bitten, especially as the teeth can dislodge.

For most species their jaws only reach full size in adulthood. They start out with a full elongated lower jaw but half formed upper jaw, requiring them to feed on plankton until the upper jaw finishes developing.

IUCN lists the various species of needlefish across a broad range of conservation status from least concern to endangered.

image and information sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needlefish

https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Aulostomus%20maculatus&searchType=species

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Mandarin Fish

Manadarin fish aka Mandarin dragonet is one of two vertebrate species known to have blue coloring due to cellular pigment. They reach a maximum size of about 6cm (appox. 2 3/8 inches).

They are native to the Pacific and have an apporximate range from Australia to Ryukyu Island. They are found in warmer waters and are reef dwellers with a preference for inshore reefs and sheltered lagoons.

They have a mixed diet, feeding primarily on small crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Instead of scales these fish produce a smelly and bitter slime implying that their coloration is aposematic (think poison dart frogs).

While they are popular in the aquarium trade (likely due to their visual appearance) they are rather difficult to keep with many refusing to eat anything that isn't the live version of their natural prey.

They are listed as least concern.

image and information sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchiropus_splendidus

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Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish are three species of long, tube shaped fish. They are memebers of the same order as seahorses and the cornet fish.

They are found in tropical waters world wide. Two species reside in the atlantic and one in the indo-pacific. They most dwell in demersal reefs.

Trumpetfish are carnivorous fish that hunt by hovering above the substrate, waiting for prey to pass by where upon they open their mouths into a cicular shape almost as large around as their bodies. They then use powerful suction to pull prey into their mouth. They primarily feed on small, schooling fish.

Trumpetfish courting rituals involve elaborate "dances" and changes in colouration.

They are of little commercial importance to humans although are occasionally eaten when they are caught in traps. They are also kept in public aquariums thanks to their interesting shape and engaging activities.

Trumpetfish are listed as least concern.

image and information sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trumpetfish

https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/trumpetfish/

https://www.marinebio.org/species/trumpetfishes/aulostomus-maculatus/

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Bala Shark

Bala shark--also known as tricolor sharks, tricolor sharkminnow, silver shark, or shark minnow-- are not actually a true shark. They earn their name for the torpedo shape of their body and their large fins.

Bala sharks are found in midwater depths in medium and large-sized lakes and rivers in the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, and Sumatra.

While they feed on phytoplankton they mostly consume insects, larva, crustaceans, and rotifers (a phyllum of micro/near-mircoscopic animals).

Bala Sharks are sought after as aquarium pets but it is ill advised to keep them as such. They are a social animal that prefers to live in schools and can grow up to 14 inches long (35cm). Due to this it can be very hard to meet the social and tank size requirements for these fish to live a safe and fulfilling life.

Bala Sharks are a vulnerable species. Their population has been in decline since some time around/before 1975 when a drastic decline in the population was reported by local fisherman. While there is no "official" reason for this population decline fisherman attribute the decline to the aquarium trade, wildfires, and pollution run-off.

image and information source(s):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bala_shark

https://tropical-fish-keeping.com/bala-shark-balantiocheilus-melanopterus.html

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humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a

Humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a aka the Reef Triggerfish is a fish found in the reefs of Hawai'i and the Indo-Pacific. It is the Hawa'i state fish.

Like the name suggests Humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a are found in reefs, especially surf-swept basalt reefs.

They use their strong teeth to scrape food off of surfaces. They are considered a facultative omnivore since it can survive off of either plants or animals only despite eating both.

Humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a were once used as a food source and even a fuel source although are largely considered not worth it. In addition they have cultural value to Hawaiians.

Humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a are considered at least concern.

photo and information sources:

https://www.waikikiaquarium.org/experience/animal-guide/fishes/triggerfishes/reef-riggerfish/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reef_triggerfish

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Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi damselfish have had a variety of names over the years such as the Catalina goldfish and marine goldfish but are now commonly known as the Garibaldi damselfish.

They are the state fish for California, USA and are protected from commercial and recreational fishing.

In the 1990's two separate studies were done on the function of the blue spotting that occurs on juvenile Garibaldi. At first it was believed that the spotting functioned as a form of camouflage, signaling to adult Garibaldi that the juveniles were not a territory threat. However this study was done using solid color blocks and not actual fish. The second study was run using fish and found that the patterns most likely functioned similarly to the coloration on poison dart frogs, ie as a deterrent. The coloration allowed the adults to become used to their presence while also signaling that they weren't worth chasing due to the energy that would be expended.

Garibaldi, like various other fish, benefit from relationships with various cleaner fish even being found to open their operculum so that Senorita fish can get at gill parasites.

They don't have many natural predators, especially as adults. Kelp Bass however will feed on young-of-the-year (fish younger than 1 year of age).

Garibaldi have a varied diet as generalist omnivores. Primarily they feed on invertebrates which they remove from the rocks that make up part of their preferred habitats. Their diet can also consist of algae and their own eggs.

Male Garibaldi will clear a circular nest area within it's territory (of which it will fiercely defend) for a female to lay it's eggs in. Females have specific standards for choosing nest one of which is the length and type of algae that surrounds the nest.

It was believed that the maximum age of Garibaldi was around the 17 year mark but an individual observed in 2022 was reported to be 57 implying that they are capable of reaching much larger ages than previously recorded.

Garibaldi are listed as Least Concern.

photo and information sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garibaldi_(fish)

https://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/juvenile_striped_bass/glossary/

[one-nice-fish-a-day]

Salmon

There are many varieties of salmon, although salmon itself is a colloquial name and not the scientific one. Salmon are native to tributaries of the North Atlantic and North Pacific basins.

Salmon have a long and storied history, serving as a keystone species for a variety of other species such as resident orcas and bears. The cycle they follow, of birth, migration to the sea, and migration back to lay their own spawn is crucial to the maintenance of the local ecosystems and ecology. In addition salmon have an important place in many cultures especially for the peoples of the north pacific. Check out this link for more information: Link is here

Many salmon varieties are endangered and as such conservation efforts are highly important. Sustainable fishing practices are a key part of the efforts to preserve and repopulate.

See the pinned post for ways to practice more sustainable methods of eating salmon as well as the link below!

https://www.seafoodwatch.org/recommendations/download-consumer-guides/sustainable-salmon-guide

photo and information credits:

www.seafoodwatch.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmon#

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Boxfish

Boxfish are a group of shallow-water marine fish! They are popular in the curio (when dried) and food trade. They are found in tropical and warm water seas around the world.

While they can be kept in aquariums they require hyper-specialised care and it is not advised to keep them.

Boxfish have a hard, boxlike, carapace with openings for the gills, mouth, nostrils, fins, and anus. Despite the carapace they are strong and swift swimmers capable of swimming for long times and navigating the tight corners of reefs.

Boxfish primarily eat benthic organisms and marine algae but are also known to feed on worms, sponges, crustaceans, molluscs, and other small fish.

The yelllow boxfish can secrete a toxic mucus as a defense mechanism when threatened! This toxin causes red blood cells of fish to break down and clump together, usually resulting in death for surrounding fish.

Boxfish can also produce sounds! Making hum and click noises using the muscle of their swim bladder.

image and information sources:

https://www.liveaquaria.com/article/396/?aid=396

https://www.liveaquaria.com/article/396/?aid=396