fonds rocheux - Discover fishes living in these biotopes

The spotted eagle ray, also known as the leopard ray, inhabits coastal and estuaries waters of the Indo-Pacific zone. The largest individuals can reach over 3 meters. Subjected to overfishing, this species, characterized by its gregarious lifestyle and low fecundity, is threatened throughout its range. Partial protective measures exist today in some areas, such as the Maldives and Australia.

The body of this fish is almost completely covered with small spines. It can swell with water and triple in size to impress predators. Its flesh is toxic. In the aquarium, it is very voracious and grows rapidly. It can damage, with a bite, the decors, pipes, diffusers ...

Chaetostoma microps is a species widely distributed in the rivers of the upper Amazon basin in Ecuador and Peru. This catfish, capable of climbing waterfalls, has been recorded up to 1783 meters above sea level. It mainly feeds on algae that it grazes on rocky bottoms. It is locally consumed by Ecuadorian and Peruvian communities.

The Malabar grouper is a fish native to the Indo-Pacific region. Adults can reach considerable sizes, with recorded catches of individuals over 150 cm and 50 kg. Sought after for the quality of its flesh, this species is captured through various methods such as line fishing, trawling, longlining, traps, and even harpooning. In Hong Kong, it is sold as an ornamental fish. The species has nearly disappeared from several historical regions and is currently heavily overexploited in the waters of the Andaman Islands.

This butterflyfish is easily recognized by its elongated snout, which is useful for capturing aquatic microorganisms among corals. It also uses it to peck at the feet of echinoderms, the pedicellariae of sea urchins, and the tentacles of marine worms.