The reefs of the world

The caribbean sergeant major is a tropical fish associated with coral reefs and rocky tropical areas of the western Atlantic Ocean. This small schooling fish has a morphologically very close cousin throughout the Indo-Pacific region: A. sexfasciatus.

Named the pale surgeonfish due to its pastel blue-gray color, this fish is a common resident of the coral areas of the Indo-Pacific. It is regularly observed in schools of hundreds of individuals not far from the reefs.

The chocolate surgeonfish, A. pyroferus, gets its name from its color gradient. In addition to this morphological characteristic, this typically solitary species in adulthood is known for its lively and bold nature.

The convict surgeonfish are common inhabitants of the lagoons and seagrass beds of the Indo-Pacific region. Fond of filamentous algae, these herbivorous fish are often found in mangroves and estuaries, at the edge of freshwater. They are easily recognizable by their vertical black stripes.

With an adult size that can exceed 70 cm, the yellowfin surgeonfish is one of the largest fish in its family. This species is found from the coasts of East Africa to the Galápagos Islands. It mainly feeds on diatoms, algae that make up plankton.

Unlike its famous cousin from the movie Finding Nemo, this tomato clownfish is reddish with a darker body. It has a single white vertical stripe just behind the eye. Young individuals have one to two additional stripes which they lose as they grow.

This fish lives in a sea anemone. When two individuals move into the anemone, the dominant grows faster and becomes female. The pair become aggressive towards other clownfish, but they tolerate the presence of some invertebrates (shrimp, crab).

Commonly known as the porkfish, this species is native to the western tropical Atlantic Ocean. During the day, this fish seeks refuge alone or in small groups in crevices while actively hunting mollusks and crustaceans once night falls. Juveniles participate in cleaning sessions for larger fish.

Arothron stellatus is one of the giants among pufferfish. It is easily recognizable by its dark markings. Typically solitary, this species frequents sandy areas of lagoons and offshore reefs. It is a copepod predator that supplements its diet with various crustaceans and fish eggs.

The bicolor angelfish is a tropical fish found throughout much of the Indo-Pacific region. It is easily recognizable by its bicolor pattern, bright yellow on top, followed by blue. This omnivore frequents lagoons and protected reef slopes, either as a pair or in small scattered groups.

The coral beauty angelfish is always born female. As they grow, individuals change their sex to become male, a phenomenon known as protogynous sequential hermaphroditism. The difference between male and female is therefore visible. The adult male is larger and has an anal fin ending in a point.

This fish is very shy and it is easy to approach it when diving. it eyes are hidden by transverse black lines. It has a black eyespot on the dorsal fin, which attracts the attention of predators to parts of its body where there are no vital organs.

The blacklip butterflyfish has a broad geographical distribution that spans from the Red Sea to the Galápagos Islands. Typically, it is found alone or in pairs in shallow coral reefs. It feeds on polyps of soft corals, particularly leather corals and broccoli corals.

The eyes of this fish are masked by a colored band and has an eye spot on the back of it body that draws the attention of predators to body parts away from vital organs. It is appreciated by aquarists, but it must be given the large preys, preferably alive ...

It owes its name of pomfrets to its coloration reminiscent of a chestnut. In spring, males defend a nesting area and ventilate the eggs until they hatch. Juveniles are electric 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.