Reef fish have also evolved complex adaptive behaviours. Many reef fish have also evolved cryptic coloration to confuse predators. These spines provide formidable defences, and when erected they can usually be locked in place or are venomous. Most fishes found on coral reefs are ray-finned fishes, known for the characteristic sharp, bony rays and spines in their fins. They have become crowded and complex environments, and the fish have evolved many ingenious ways of surviving. If the triggerfish wants to hide, it will squeeze into a coral crevice and lock itself in place with its spines.Ĭoral reefs are the result of millions of years of coevolution among algae, invertebrates and fish. If the triggerfish attacks, the damselfish will hide in the nearby cauliflower coral. The black and white fish are three-stripe damselfish and the unstriped fish are blue-green chromis damselfish. Orange-lined triggerfish are particularly aggressive. Triggerfish have mouths that crush shells. Overview In the foreground is an orange-lined triggerfish displaying spines. However, loss and degradation of coral reef habitat, increasing pollution, and overfishing including the use of destructive fishing practices, are threatening the survival of the coral reefs and the associated reef fish. Reef habitats are a sharp contrast to the open water habitats that make up the other 99% of the world oceans. Reef fish have developed many ingenious specialisations adapted to survival on the reefs.Ĭoral reefs occupy less than 1% of the surface area of the world oceans, but provide a home for 25% of all marine fish species. Hundreds of species can exist in a small area of a healthy reef, many of them hidden or well camouflaged. Among the myriad inhabitants, the fish stand out as colourful and interesting to watch. Coral reefs form complex ecosystems with tremendous biodiversity. The fish that inhabit coral reefs are numerous and diverseĬoral reef fish are fish which live amongst or in close relation to coral reefs. Fish which live amongst or in close relation to coral reefs
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