Vermiculated angelfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vermiculated angelfish |
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Chaetodon mesoleucus Bloch, 1787 |
The vermiculated angelfish (scientific name: Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus) is a colorful fish that lives in the ocean. It's a type of marine angelfish and belongs to the Pomacanthidae family. You can find these beautiful fish in the waters of the Indo-West Pacific region.
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What Does the Vermiculated Angelfish Look Like?
The vermiculated angelfish has bright blue lips and a yellow face. A black stripe goes vertically through its eye. The back part of its body is a grayish color, which then turns into a larger black area. This black area has many yellow speckles all over it.
Its tail fin is yellow. The top fin (dorsal fin) and bottom fin (anal fin) have a bright blue edge. The fins on its belly (pelvic fins) are white. This angelfish can grow up to about 18 centimeters (7 inches) long.
Where Do Vermiculated Angelfish Live?
You can find the vermiculated angelfish in the western part of the Indo-Pacific region. This area stretches from southern Japan down through Indonesia. It goes west to the Mentawai Islands and east to the Bird's Head Peninsula in New Guinea.
They also live south of New Guinea, reaching northern Australia. In Australia, they are found on reefs off the Kimberley Region in Western Australia. They also live near Varanus Island and Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea.
Habitat and Life Cycle of the Angelfish
Vermiculated angelfish live in water that is between 1 and 30 meters (3 to 98 feet) deep. They prefer reefs located on the edge of continents. You won't often find them around islands far out in the ocean.
These fish like places with lots of coral growth. They are often seen in muddy coastal reefs and calm lagoons. Their diet includes sponges, tunicates (sea squirts), and stringy algae. You usually see them swimming in small groups. If they feel scared, they quickly hide among the corals.
How Vermiculated Angelfish Change Gender
Like all other angelfish, the vermiculated angelfish can change its gender. They are all born as females. The strongest or most dominant females in a group will later change into males. This is a special way they reproduce and keep their groups going.
Why Are These Angelfish Important?
The vermiculated angelfish is a very popular fish for home aquariums. Many people around the world want to keep them as pets. They are often caught and sold to people who love fish tanks.
