Coral reef fish that changes colour

by நவீன் Wed Jul 21, 2010 12:34 pm

Melbourne, Feb 28: Scientists
have discovered a coral reef fish which changes colour to blend in with
other fish, giving it the unique opportunity for a surprise attack.

A team at University of Queensland has claimed that the coral reef fish
has been successfully living incognito by using its colour-changing
ability, the 'Proceedings of the Royal Society: B' journal reported.

According
to the study's lead author Dr Karen Cheney, the blue-striped fangblenny
uses a number of disguises to pass undetected on coral reefs.

"The
fangblenny mimics juvenile cleaner fish, but instead of removing
ectoparasites from reef fish, they attack passing reef fish to nip at
scales and fins. Fangblennies can also change their colour to hide in a
number of different shoaling fish species.

"Many fishes can
alter their colouration, but the fangblenny is the first example of a
vertebrate that can change their colour at will to mimic a variety of
species. The only other example of this occurs in the mimic octopus
that can alter its colouration and shape to resemble lionfish, flatfish
and sea snakes," he said.

by நவீன் Wed Jul 21, 2010 12:34 pm

In fact, according to the scientists, part of the fish success as a
mimic was attributed to its consideration for the species it imitated.

"The
fish that are being mimicked do not seem to react to the presence of
fangblenny. Mimics often hang around cleaner fish, but although fish
come to visit cleaners to have their parasites removed, fangblennies do
not attack these fish but instead target passing reef fish.

"We
think that this may help maintain the relationship between cleaner fish
and mimic. If fangblennies attacked fish being cleaned, then cleaner
fish would probably chase them away from their territory," Dr Cheney
said.

Coral reef fish that changes colour Fangblenny2

Coral reef fish that changes colour

Coral reef fish that changes colour

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