Centropyge vrolikii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Centropyge vrolikii |
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The pearlscale angelfish, also known as the half black angelfish, is a beautiful fish that lives in the ocean. It's a type of marine angelfish and is known by its scientific name, Centropyge vrolikii. You can find these fish swimming in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The pearlscale angelfish has a body that's usually light grey or brownish. Its scales have whitish centers, which look a bit like pearls. Towards its tail, the color gets darker, turning black.
You might notice some orange near its gill opening and at the base of its pectoral fin (the fins on its sides, like arms). The edges of its caudal fin (tail fin), dorsal fin (top fin), and anal fin (bottom fin) are a pretty blue color.
This fish has 14 stiff spines and 15 or 16 soft rays in its dorsal fin. Its anal fin has 3 spines and 16 or 17 soft rays. The pearlscale angelfish can grow up to about 12 cm (about 4.7 inches) long.
Where Does It Live?
The pearlscale angelfish lives in the Indo-Pacific area. This huge ocean region stretches from Christmas Island in the west all the way to Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands in the east.
You can also find them north near Taiwan and south near Lord Howe Island. In Australia, they swim off the coast of north-western Western Australia. They are also found in the northern parts of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, reaching as far south as the central coast of New South Wales.
Home and Habits
Where They Live
Pearlscale angelfish usually live in waters that are 1 to 25 meters (about 3 to 82 feet) deep. They love to hang out in lagoons and on reefs that face the open ocean. You'll often see them where there are lots of corals growing.
They also like areas with rocks or rubble at the bottom. These spots are perfect if they have many different kinds of algae and sponges growing there.
What They Eat
These angelfish are mostly herbivores, which means they eat plants. Their favorite foods are thin, stringy algae. However, they also enjoy munching on sponges.
Interesting Facts
Pearlscale angelfish have a cool ability: they can change their sex! If there isn't a male fish in a group, one of the females can change into a male.
Also, the young of another fish called the mimic surgeonfish (Acanthurus pyroferus) pretend to be pearlscale angelfish. This helps them stay safe from predators.
Who Discovered This Fish?
The pearlscale angelfish was first officially described in 1853. It was named Holocanthus vrolikii by a Dutch scientist named Pieter Bleeker. He was a physician and studied many animals, including fish.
The name vrolikii was chosen to honor another Dutch scientist, Willem Vrolik. He was an anatomist and pathologist.
Popular in Aquariums
The pearlscale angelfish is a common and popular choice for aquariums. Many people enjoy keeping these beautiful fish in their home tanks.
