The rich underwater world of the Red Sea attracts tourists from all over the world. Amazing underwater beauty contributed to the development of diving here. But the underwater kingdom is fraught with many dangers. Surgeonfish poses a real threat to coral reef divers. Everyone is afraid of her.
A surgeon fish swims in the deep sea with a "scalpel" on its tail - sharp bone growths. In a calm state, the knife-shaped spike is firmly pressed to the body of the fish. In case of danger, he straightens forward or sideways.
Over 70 species of these fish are known. They live on coral and rocky coasts. Among them are zealous territorial individualists (Arabian surgeon).
These dangerous fish of the Red Sea are diligently guarding their territory from uninvited guests. And if caviar has already been laid, then they will lute in a terrible way. Lovers are especially at risk to stand on a coral plate, touch or feed the fish. Her attacks at first seem “childish, ” she tries to bite slightly for the flippers. If you brush it off, you can slash it seriously. It is useless to dodge - the surgeon fish is very agile.
The most interesting representatives of this species are unicorn fish, which have a growth in the form of horns on the forehead (at puberty). Four known species of unicorns live in the Red Sea.
Why do these fish need spikes, blades, sharp plates and horns? Surgeons do not use these formidable weapons for hunting - they are herbivorous. But sharp blades protect them from attack by predators. The surgeon fish protrudes the plates and strikes the tail. Such a lunge from a large specimen can seriously injure a curious diver. But more often these "scalpels" help fish in rivalry with relatives. Whoever has them is sharper, brighter, and the horns are larger, the same one is “steep”, the partners for spawning are more sympathetic and the territory for feeding is better.
Security measures:
The underwater world of the Red Sea is full of many beautiful creatures and unusual creatures. The inhabitants of the Red Sea are not only beautiful. Many of them are dangerous and poisonous. But do not, of course, because of this, refuse to visit this beautiful place. You only need to be careful and careful while in the water and on the beach. Especially be careful with stones and do not stand on them - one of them may turn out to be a fish. Do not delve into corals - a favorite place for many dangerous marine inhabitants.
You should not grab and feed the fish from your hands, although they are very curious and not afraid of swimmers. This seemingly innocent occupation may turn into a tragedy.
Captivity:
Aquarists fell in love with these fish for their colorful color and small size. But keeping them in captivity is partly problematic.
1. They are very demanding on the conditions of detention. The aquarium should always be perfectly clean. 2. On sale usually there are surgeon fish caught in the sea, so it is difficult for them to adapt to new conditions. 3. Males can be very aggressive towards neighbors in the aquarium, perceiving them as competitors. Few people manage to create all the conditions for a comfortable life of these unusual fish.
