Prof. Dr. Peter Wirtz, Madeira
Info
Bellapiscis medius (Günther, 1861)
Distribution: Southwest Pacific: endemic to New Zealand.
Biology:
Occurs in rock pools and surge zones.
Adults restricted to tide pools.
May remain out of water under rocks or seaweed.
Feeds on mollusks and minute crustaceans, including barnacles.
This agile species eludes predators by alternately remaining motionless, then rapidly darting to a new location.
Feeding occurs even in the swash zone where the fish rapidly darts with the surge and clinging to the rock as the water recedes, often being left exposed on the damp open rock.
Breathes air when out of water.
Synonymised taxa:
Enneapterygius medium (Günther, 1861)
Helcogramma medium (Günther, 1861)
Tripterygium medium Günther, 1861
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
Distribution: Southwest Pacific: endemic to New Zealand.
Biology:
Occurs in rock pools and surge zones.
Adults restricted to tide pools.
May remain out of water under rocks or seaweed.
Feeds on mollusks and minute crustaceans, including barnacles.
This agile species eludes predators by alternately remaining motionless, then rapidly darting to a new location.
Feeding occurs even in the swash zone where the fish rapidly darts with the surge and clinging to the rock as the water recedes, often being left exposed on the damp open rock.
Breathes air when out of water.
Synonymised taxa:
Enneapterygius medium (Günther, 1861)
Helcogramma medium (Günther, 1861)
Tripterygium medium Günther, 1861
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
