Fish

Balloon Fish

The balloon fish is a boxy-looking species with an angular head and large eyes. In its normal, nonthreatened pose, the long spines (modified scales) on its skin lie fl at against its body. The pectoral and tail fins are small and delicate. The skin is pale, and there are dark blotches on its skin, giving it a mottled look. Fully grown, the balloon fish can reach lengths of 50 cm.

The balloon fish is associated with tropical coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds, and rocky seabeds. It can be found around the world. In the Atlantic, it is found from the Bahamas to western Brazil, and in the Pacific, it is distributed widely through the numerous island groups. It is a shallow water species, rarely venturing to depths of more than 100 m.

• The balloon fish is a type of porcupine fish, of which there are 19 species. They are closely related to pufferfish, which have a similar defensive ability, but not quite as pronounced.

• The internal organs of these fish, such as the ovaries and liver, contain a potent toxin known as tetrodotoxin, which is at least 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide.

• It acts on the nerves, disabling their ability to transmit electrical signals. Tetrodotoxin is produced by several types of bacteria dwelling inside the fish. Interestingly, the bacteria are somehow obtained from the fish’s diet. Fish bred in captivity are not poisonous.

• In the Far East, especially Japan, the flesh of the pufferfish and its relatives is a rare delicacy. The term fugu is applied to both the fish and its meat. As food, the meat of these fi sh requires very careful preparation by very experienced chefs. The toxin is not damaged by washing or cooking, and an ill-judged fi lleting or misplaced slice can easily cause the accidental, fatal poisoning of a fugu lover.

• A drug called tectin has been developed from tetrodotoxin, which shows great potential as a powerful pain reliever that is able to dull the discomfort of cancer and drug withdrawal.

• The balloon fish and other types of porcupine fish are also fond of nibbling coral to extract the succulent polyps within. The calcium carbonate skeleton of the coral is swallowed, and some fish have been caught with over 500 g of the crushed material in their stomachs.

• For reasons that are not yet understood, the pufferfish and it skin have the smallest genomes of any known vertebrate. Their complement of DNA appears to have little of the surplus carried by other species.

• Even out of water these fish can inflate themselves quite happily using air, but due to the diff erent properties of air and water, they have difficulty deflating themselves and can only do so if returned to the water.

• In the Far East, the dried, inflated bodies of these fish are often made into curios or bizarre lanterns illuminated from the inside by an electric bulb. The Pacific islanders once used the dried, swollen bodies to make fetching ceremonial helmets.

Top 10 most Beautiful and Colorful Fish

1. Mandarinfish

Not to be confused with Mandarin Fish (Chinese Perch). The mandarinfish or mandarin dragonet(Synchiropus splendidus), is a small, brightly-colored member of the dragonet family, which is popular in the saltwater aquarium trade. A lesser-known species, these are probably the single most colorful and vibrant fish I’ve ever seen. The mandarinfish is native to the Pacific, ranging approximately from the Ryukyu Islands south to Australia. Yes! They are definitely the most colourful fish in the world.

2. Juvenile Emporer Angel Fish

This a very famous fish known to non-divers more than the divers. However most of them don’t know the different between the youngs and the adults of these kinds. Juveniles are most fascinating fish in the waters. They are dark blue with electric blue and white rings; adults have yellow and blue stripes, with black around the eyes. It takes about four years for an emperor angelfish to acquire its adult colouring. They grow to 40 cm (15.75 in) in length.

3.Lion Fish

The lionfish is one of the most venomous fish on the ocean floor. Lionfish have venomous dorsal spines that are used purely for defense. When threatened, the fish often faces its attacker in an upside down posture which brings its spines to bear. However, a lionfish’s sting is usually not fatal to humans. If a human is envenomed, that person will experience extreme pain, and possibly headaches, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. However they are one of the most beautiful and colorful fish.

4. Clown Trigger Fish

Triggerfishes are about 40 species of often brightly colored fishes of the family Balistidae. Often marked by lines and spots, they inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans throughout the world, with the greatest species richness in the Indo-Pacific. Most are found in relatively shallow, coastal habitats, especially at coral reefs, but a few, such as the aptly named oceanic triggerfish. One of the most beautiful of their species is the clown trigger fish, it’s designs and colours are literally breathtaking!

5. Nudibranch

A nudibranch is a member of what is now a taxonomic clade now, rather than a fish. Nudibranchs are often casually called “sea slugs“, a non-scientific term. This has led some people to assume that every sea slug must be a nudibranch. Nudibranchs are very numerous in terms of species, and are often very attractive and noticeable. Among this group can be found the most colorful creatures on earth.

6. Symphysodon

All Symphysodon species have a laterally compressed body shape. , however, extended finnage is absent giving Symphysodon a more rounded shape. It is this body shape from which their common name, “discus”, is derived. The sides of the fish are frequently patterned in shades of green, red, brown, and blue. The height and length of the grown fish are both about 20–25 cm (8–10 in).

7. Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimp appear in a variety of colours, from shades of browns to bright neon colours. Although they are common animals and among the most important predators in many shallow, tropical and sub-tropical marine habitats they are poorly understood as many species spend most of their life tucked away in burrows and holes. Although it happens rarely, some larger species of mantis shrimp are capable of breaking through aquarium glass with a single strike from this weapon.

8. Moorish Idol

One of the most difficult fish to keep in a home aquarium (and very expensive as well), to most aquarists Moorish idol are the pinnacle of the hobby. You may think you’ve seen them before, but you’re probably getting them confused with another species, the Bannerfish (also known as the False Idol). With distinctively compressed and disk-like bodies, moorish idols stand out in contrasting bands of black, white and yellow which make them look very attractive to aquarium keepers.

9. Clownfish

Also known as Anemonefish, Clownfish are some beautiful fish which generally consist of a yellow/orange body with white stripes along with black lining along it’s fins or black body with yellow/orange areas along it’s lower body and fins , though this depends upon the species of Clownfish and they come in various displays. Many show white bars or patches. The largest reach a length of 18 centimetres (7.1 in), while the smallest barely reach 10 centimetres (3.9 in).

10. Rainbow Parrot Fish

Named Parrot fish because of their calcareous bird-like beaks. Parrot fish use these beaks to crush and eat the small invertebrates that live in coral. Much of the sand and sea floor of coral reefs are actually remains of meals from the parrot fish, they chew the coral, eat the invertebrates and spit out the leftover calcium. In most species, the initial phase is dull red, brown or grey, while the terminal phase is vividly green or blue with bright pink or yellow patches. The remarkably different terminal and initial phases were first described as separate species in several cases, but there are also some species where the phases are similar.