The reefs of the world

The Coral Hawkfish most often rests in or under the corals to ambush its prey, mainly crustaceans and small fish. In this species, territorial males form a harem of females. Reproduction occurs in the water column, with eggs and larvae developing in ocean currents and becoming part of the zooplankton.

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 whitetail Dascyllus resides in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea. This white reef fish striped with three black bands is often found in large groups above massive colonies of staghorn corals. It feeds on zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and algae. During the breeding season, males choose the nest and perform a dance just above it as a courtship display. The female is then invited and escorted to the nest where spawning takes place.

The common name of this species refers to the patterns observed in young individuals. Adults typically live among the arms of branching corals, while juveniles more often reside among the tentacles of anemones. These fish are omnivores with a carnivorous tendency.

Gymnothorax favagineus, commonly known as the tessellate moray, is a marine fish from the moray eel family. It gets its common name from the pattern it displays, reminiscent of the fur of the feline of the same name. Reaching over three meters, it is one of the largest species of moray eels in the Indo-Pacific region, second only to the giant moray eel Gymnothorax javanicus.

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.

The bluestreak cleaner wrasse feeds exclusively by parasitically cleaning larger fish and turtles. In the reefs, it coordinates a cleaning station, typically near branching corals. Particularly active at the beginning of the day, these small cleaner wrasses clean the gills and mouths of many fish species.

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.

This large unicorn fish is a common inhabitant of lagoons and reefs with strong currents. Primarily diurnal, it feeds on brown algae like sargassum. It can be encountered in small groups or solitary.

The palette surgeonfish sports a pair of venomous, erectable scalpel spines at the base of its tail, used for self-defense against predators. It primarily dwells in small groups within coastal reefs. Its electric blue color inspired the character of Dory in "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory".

At night, the yellowbanded sweetlips hunt benthic invertebrates in sandbanks and seagrass beds. During the day, they rest in the crevices and recesses of the reefs. This tropical species, which can grow over 70 cm, is targeted by fishermen in many Pacific Ocean islands.

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.

The peach fairy basslet 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.