The bright colors of the rainbow are found underwater in the Indo-Pacific coral reef. View thousands of intricately colored fish from the tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean as they swim around and through this delicate reef structure.
CLOWN TRIGGERFISH
One of the most exotically patterned fish in the ocean, clown triggerfish can lock their dorsal fin to increase thier size and create a formidable prickly defense against predators. These fish have powerful jaws for eating crustaceans and use their puckered lips to blow jets of water at sea urchins, turning them over and exposing their tender underbelly, the triggerfish’s favorite snack!
REGAL BLUE TANG
The blue tang is a member of the surgeonfish family. They are easily recognized by their blue body with black markings and yellow triangles on the tail. Be careful! Blug tangs have a blade on both sides of the tail stem, or caudal peduncle, and venomous fin spines.
FOXFACE RABBITFISH
The foxface rabbitfish is a bright yellow medium-sized fish. The head and front portion of their body is striped black-brown and white. They have a long snout-like mouth that is used for feeding on algae and other vegetation, with the snout being particularly handy for reaching into crevices. Caution should be used with this fish, as all of the dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins have venomous spines.
TELL JOKES WITH THE CLOWNFISH BUY TICKETS
CLOWNFISH
Clownfish belong to a group of small, brightly colored fish called damselfish. These inshore reef dwellers have developed a curious and potentially deadly relationship with the sea anemone. The clownfish will leave the safety of the anemone’s tentacles and swim out among the nearby reef. Its brilliant colors attract larger fish, who, lured by the thought of a meal, follow it back to the anemone and are stung by the anemone’s tentacles. The anemone then consumes the fish, and then the clownfish feeds on the remains.
EMPEROR ANGELFISH
Emperor angelfish are known for the unique color changes that they experience throughout growth. Juveniles are dark blue with electric blue and white rings, while adults have yellow and blue stripes, with black around the eyes. It takes about 24 to 30 months for an emperor angelfish to acquire its adult coloring.
SOHAL TANG
The sohal surgeonfish or sohal tang, is a striking blue and white horizontal striped fish. Like other tangs, the sohal tang is compressed laterally, making it extremely maneuverable and fast along the reef. It has a horizontal blade-like spine along the base of the tail on both sides, which folds into the fish, pointing anteriorly towards the head. During defense and aggression, tangs flick the spine at the other fish or intruders, causing physical harm. The surgeonfish are named for this scalpel-like spine.
