The marine curiosities

The bristle-tail file-fish (Acreichthys tomentosus) is a master of mimicry, able to change the color and texture of its skin to blend in with the epiphytes of tropical seagrass beds. It plays an ecological role in controlling the proliferation of these organisms, thus protecting the photosynthesis of the seagrasses it lives in.

Clark's anemonefish is found in a large part of the Indo-Pacific region, going by over a dozen names depending on the region. Capable of living in numerous species of anemone, it is the least picky anemonefish in terms of hosts.

Amphiprion ocellaris is the best-known species of clownfish. It was popularized by Disney's productions "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory". It is mainly found in the eastern Indian Ocean, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along the coasts of Thailand and Malaysia, as well as from northwestern Australia to Singapore.

The swallowtail seaperch is found between 30 and 200 meters deep. It lives near cavities where it seeks refuge in case of danger. The male has large pectoral fins and is surrounded by a harem of about a dozen females. If he dies, the dominant female transforms into a male (protogynous hermaphroditism).

The raccoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) is a common reef fish in the Indo-Pacific. Yellow and brown in color, it feeds on nudibranchs, algae, and corals.

The Mediterranean damselfish is a saltwater fish widely found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. In spring, males defend a spawning area and fan the eggs until they hatch. Juveniles are bright blue and live in small groups.

The blue-green Chromis is a fish that lives in large schools above dense coral areas. At the slightest alarm, this swift fish takes refuge in the colonies of branching corals. The Blue-green Chromis is common throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Large males can be recognized by their green backs, their white bellies and their broad orange line on the flanks. The coloration, associated with a characteristic swimming, is used to impress other males and attract the attention of females, but also predators.

The long-spine porcupinefish is a pufferfish found in the majority of tropical and subtropical marine areas around the globe. Juveniles can be found in small groups. As they age, this species becomes more solitary. Specialized in hunting mollusks and small crustaceans, this fish exhibits a seemingly clumsy swimming behavior.

The magnificent sea anemone is found in a large part of the Indo-Pacific region. With individuals reaching nearly one meter in diameter, this species is one of the most impressive anemones in the animal kingdom. In many areas, clownfish, immune to their venom, live in symbiosis with these animals, protected by their tentacles.

This eel-like fish digs a tunnel in the sand leaving only the front of it body out. The garden eels live in a colony of several hundred individuals, where ocean currents carry the plankton on which they feed. At the slightest sign of danger, garden eels entirely hide in its shelter.

Young orangespine unicornfish live near rocky reefs, in the company of other surgeonfish. As adults, these fish find their food, leafy brown algae, in coral or rocky areas. They usually live in small groups.

It is particularly smart. In case of danger, it can cover up or release a "cloud" of ink. In general, the male dies shortly after mating. The female protects the eggs until they hatch and then it dies. Its flesh is highly appreciated.

The yellow boxfish is recognizable by its characteristic trapezoidal shape and its round mouth protruding like a beak. Its two large round eyes are prominent on the top of its head. Adults typically display a bright yellow color, covered with scattered black spots. However, there are variations in color such as ochre and blue, sometimes with white spots or black-ringed white spots, especially in the Red Sea. Juveniles are blue to greenish, always with the same pattern.

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.

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.

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.