Genicanthus personatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Masked Angelfish |
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The masked angelfish, also known as Genicanthus personatus, is a beautiful fish that lives in the ocean. It's a type of angelfish and can only be found in the waters around Hawaii.
Contents
About the Masked Angelfish
What Does It Look Like?
Masked angelfish are mostly a bright white color throughout their lives. When they are young, their heads are mostly black. As they grow, the black color starts to change. Their lips turn a bluish-white, and their tail fins begin to get darker, eventually becoming black.
How They Change as They Grow
Like many angelfish, masked angelfish are special because they can change their sex. All young, sexually mature angelfish start out as females. As they get older, the black on their heads slowly shrinks. Eventually, the black color is only around their eyes, on their chin, and along the edge of their gill cover. They also have bright yellow pelvic fins (the fins on their belly).
When these fish reach about 15 to 18 centimeters (6 to 7 inches) long, some of them might change from female to male. When this happens, the males get bright orange-yellow colors on their pectoral fins (the fins on their sides) and their whole face. This color also appears on the edges of their dorsal (top), anal (bottom), and pelvic fins. Male masked angelfish also grow long, flowing extensions on their tail fins, making them look even more elegant. The biggest masked angelfish can grow up to 21 centimeters (about 8 inches) long.
Where Do Masked Angelfish Live?
Masked angelfish are found only in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. They are more common in the northwestern parts of the islands. This means they are endemic to Hawaii, which is a special word for animals or plants that live only in one specific place in the world.
Their Home and Habits
Where They Live
You can find masked angelfish living in the ocean at depths between 10 and 150 meters (about 33 to 492 feet). They prefer rocky reefs and the outer edges of coral reefs.
What They Eat
These angelfish have an interesting diet. They eat green algae, especially a type called Codium. They also feed on tiny creatures that float in the water, called plankton, and even the eggs of other fish.
How They Reproduce
As mentioned before, masked angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites. This is a fancy way of saying that all of them are born female. As they grow, the strongest or most dominant females can change into males. This is a unique way for them to reproduce and keep their population healthy.
Masked Angelfish and People
Masked angelfish are quite rare in the pet trade. Because they are so hard to find, they are very expensive if you want to keep one in an aquarium. However, some people have successfully bred these beautiful fish in captivity, which helps protect their wild populations.
See also
In Spanish: Pez ángel enmascarado para niños
