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Fish of the Day #8

the blue-spotted mudskipper (Boleophthalmus caeruleomaculatus) !

the blue-spotted mudskipper is a species of mudskipper native to Australia. mud skippers are aptly named for their ability to travel and survive on land (although, it’s more of a water-dirt mixture aka mud).this particular species is from the genus boleophthalmus which are known to live throughout the pacific and indian oceans. 

this species is distinguishable because of its blue spots, but it can be confused with the great blue-spotted mudskipper, which inhabits the same areas. mudskippers can breathe through their skin, and while they can breathe air they must be somewhat wet to do so. this adaptation is similar to amphibians, and they are also similar in the way that their eyes are towards the top of their head. 

image sources: 1, 2

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Fish of the Day #7

the strange-tailed flagtail  (Kuhlia xenura) !

the strange-tailed flagtail is one of two flagtails in the Hawaiian flagtail genus. this species is endemic to Hawaii.

this species of flagtail can be distinguished from the other in its genus (k. sandvicensus) for its larger eyes and bronze stain on its back. these fish grow to 8-9 inches.

flagtails are a common sighting in Hawaii, and are especially in common in tide pools (usually as juveniles)

image sources: 1, 2

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fish of the day #6

the kuhli loach  (Pangio kuhlii) !

the kuhli loach (also spelled coolie apparently), is a slender and long freshwater fish that lives in indonesia, malaysia, and the surrounding places. 

this popular aquarium fish is pale to deep yellow with fat brown stripes that cover the top of the loach! stubby barbels surround their mouth, acting as feelers! they grow up to around 3-4 inches when they reach maturity! in the aquarium they should be kept in small groups of around three or more.

with lovely personalities and stubby fins, this fish will wiggle its way into your heart! 

image sources: 1 2

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fish of the day #5

the betta (Betta splendens) !

the betta, also known as the siamese fighting fish, is a popular pet that originates from thailand and other parts of asia! 

these fish come in a variety of beautiful colors and variations. they grow up to around 2 inches (5 cm). they can be found in nearly any pet store and are one of the most famous pet fish. contrary to popular belief and lies spread by chain stores such as petsmart, these fish do very poorly in a bowl, vase or other small container. like any other fish, they require a filtered, heated and clean tank that supports their needs. you will see the true beauty of a betta when they are properly taken care of!

bettas are popular because of their splendid range of colors, from red to blue with fins that are bright red, blue, orange, yellow or otherwise! they really are adorable fish with lots of personality!

image sources: 1, 2

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sorry i haven’t been posting!

ive been busy lately and just havent had the time or energy to post. ill try to start posting again, though! sorry!!!

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fish of the day #4

the giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne) !

the giant oarfish, commonly known as just oarfish, is a species living in the majority of the oceans except for polar regions. 

these fish are the longest bony fish in the world, growing up to 36 feet (11 m). sightings of oarfish have been mistaken as sightings of sea monsters! their slender long body is similar to that of the loch ness monster and other famed sea monsters. they have strange but beautiful dorsal fins stretching from their head to their tail, with a “crest” on their head as in the picture above. 

not much is known about the oarfish, but it is truly a sight to see!

image sources: 1, 2

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fish of the day #3

the sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) !

sailfish, consisting of two species (this, and the atlantic sailfish) are a genus of billfish who live in warmer waters! they can be found in the atlantic, pacific and indian oceans.  

sailfish are known for their spectacular dorsal fins that span the length of their spines. these are the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds of 68 mph (110 kmh) and grow up to 9 feet (around 3 m). they are adorned with dark blue backs, brown sides, and a silver underbelly. being a billfish, they have an elongated upper jaw that resembles a sword. they use this bill to help them hunt!

sailfish are truly amazing fish that are fascinating to watch zip around in the open ocean!

image sources: 1, 2

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fish of the day #2

the koi (Cyprinus carpio) !

koi, a variety of the common carp, originated in japan. common carp are native to central asia.

koi were bred for their color mutations which leads to the several beautiful variations today. these fish usually come in the colors white, orange/red, yellow, black and cream. they have wide, short fins and barbels (resembling whiskers) around their mouth for finding their way around. these popular pond dwellers grow up to 3 feet long! 

they are infamous for their begging behaviors, but ultimately they are loveable water puppies.

image sources: 1, 2

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fish of the day #1

the fire dartfish (Nemateleotris magnifica) !

these fish can be found in the indo-pacific ocean,��off the east coast of africa to the hawaiian islands as well as found from the austral islands to the ryuku islands.

these are brilliant little fish with pale yellow heads, while the front half of their body is white and the other half is orange and dark red. they sport a cute looking “spike” on the front of their dorsal fin. they grow to 9 cm (3 in.) and inhabit reefs in groups that hover above the bottom while they face the current, waiting to catch tiny prey such as plankton!

fire dartfish, also known as the fire goby, are rumored to be sweet tempered fish that are perfect for aquariums.

image sources: 1 2