Fish Self-Defense
They don’t take karate lessons, and don’t carry cans of mace spray, but our aquarium pets have developed some of the most effective and fascinating self-defense tools in nature. In many cases, the coloration of our favorite pet fish serves a defensive purpose. Ever notice that many fish have lightly colored (or “silvery”) bellies, and darker backs? The reason has a lot to do with protecting the fish from attack. In nature, when a bottom dwelling predator looks up in search of prey, a fish with a silvery belly blends in with the sun-glistening water. On the other hand, when a bird flying overhead looks down in search of a quick meal the water looks dark, so a fish with a darkly colored back blends in. “Blending in” is an important part of fish camouflage. Fish that tend to hang around plants-- such as some angel fish -- often have striped coloration to matches the roots and stems in their surroundings. “Confusion” also counts in fish camouflage. That’s why so many species have spot-like markings on their tails. Since these spots resemble eyes, predators will often mistake them for the head of a fish. When the predator swims at these tail spots, it gives the fish a better chance to swim away. Some ingenious fish can also change the shape and texture of their bodies when confronted by danger. For example, the triggerfish will lock its first two dorsal fins in an upright position to prevent itself from being swallowed or dragged from its protective crevices by a predator. Fish belonging to the marine family known as "puffers" defend themselves by: inflating their bodies with water or air so predators will be less able to swallow them. Porucpinefish take this defense strategy a step further. Not only do they inflate themselves when threatened, but their pointy scales form a sharp spine like surface around the fish. As if this weren’t enough to discourage a would-be attacker, porcupinefish will emit a foul-tasting mucus when threatened, guaranteeing that any hungry predator quickly loses its appetite. Predators who attack an electric catfish or elephant fish are in for a different kind of shock. This fish emit electric impulses, which serve a number of purposes, including self-defense. When it comes to fish self-defense, looks can be deceiving. The beautiful decorative spines of the scorpionfish are actually a powerful defense weapon, containing venomous poison. Some aquarium dwellers rely on others for their self-defense. The Porcelain crab has developed an immunity to the painful stings of anemones. This allows the little crab to take shelter in the tentacles of the anemone when it is threatened. PROTECT YOUR FISH, AND KEEP THEM HEALTHY AND HAPPY BY VISITING PET SUPPLIES “PLUS” FOR YOUR AQUARIUM FOOD AND SUPPLIES.   |