The West Atlantic trumpetfish, Aulostomus maculatus, is an opportunistic predatory Syngnathiforme that is often observed swimming vertically amongst gorgonians to conceal itself from prey. But camouflage isn’t its only predatory tactic, as it’s also known to use the bodies of…
Coral-covered reefs mean starvation for parrotfish
The good folks over at Coral Sea Foundation have uncovered an interesting paper on parrotfish that challenges the existing norms on their role on the reef. Until now, Parrotfishes (Family Scaridae) were thought to be herbivores that eat algae and…
Coral Loss Can Lead To Bigger Fish Size, But The Results Are Short-Lived
According to a new study published in Functional Ecology, turf algae that grows on dead coral branches is a food bonanza for herbivorous fish. Turf algae overgrows corals after bleaching events and herbivorous fish like parrotfish, surgeonfish and rabbitfish grow even bigger in…
Friday Smorgasbord: “I need a break” edition
For one of the shortest months, February can seem to drag. Maybe its the dead of winter, the endless cycle of colds, the dread of tax day or whatever it may be, but at some point in this month, you’ll…
Friday Smorgasbord: Death and taxes edition
Here we are in 2018 with our first Friday Smorgasbord of the new year. While compiling some great stories, we noticed a bit of a dark theme emerging, therefore we dubbed this the “Death and Taxes” edition. Hopefully you will…
Protecting this fish can save Caribbean reefs
Caribbean reefs could be wiped out in as little as 20 years unless reef grazers, such as parrotfish and urchins, are protected. A recent report is showing it’s not just the threat of global warming causing corals to bleach out…
Guess what humphead parrotfish use that giant hump head for
The green humphead parrotfish, Bolbometopon muricatum, is a four foot coral-chowing bulldozer that can weigh up to a hundred and fifty pounds (70 Kg). There are many different species of reef fish that have humps and protuberances of some kind but…
Sparisoma choati is a new species of Atlantic parrotfish from West Africa
Parrotfish are pretty large reef fish so it is a little surprising to see the description of an entirely new species. Sparisoma choati hails from the tropical eastern Atlantic ocean off the coast of West Africa and it was distinguished from similar…
Mucus Cocoon protects some reef fish from nocturnal parasites
It is well known that parrotfish and some wrasse species produce a night time sleeping bag from mucus but until recently there was no evidence to really support the assumptions and theories. Most nature books and references have echoed the…
Amazing aquarium uses common corals to produce an uncommon effect
At Reef Builders, we strive to bring you aquariums that reflect a unique perspective. Some blow us away with their sheer beauty. Others with vibrant animal growth. Still others tease us with their high-tech gadgetry and bleeding edge technology. And…
