I like "spots"

[omard]

When looking at my reef inhabitants, it has become apparent to me that I have a great affinity for fish with spots. (Shrimp and Watchman gobies, Coris Wrasse, Jewel Damsel, Mandarin)

Got me to wondering what role do these "spots" play in lives of fish, and why are they so common among so many reef fish...

Attracting opposite sex, camouflage, warning, signaling????

Have noticed spots and other markings change intensity and brightness at different times...most often when fish interacting with each other for some reason or other.

Why particularly "blue florescent" spots so prevalent? --- Is something to do with how this color is perceived by fish underwater...breaking up body shape against bright reef colors to confuse predators, signaling, stand out much more then other fish colors so shape looks different or makes difficult to see...???





Spotted Shrimp Goby
(Cryptocentrus leptocephalus)










Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
(Coris gaimardi)










Jewel Damsel
(Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus)










Yellow Watchman Goby
(Cryptocentrus cinctus)








(Not so much "spots" as "patterns")

Mandarin Dragonet - Green Spotted Mandarin Goby
(Synchiropus picturatus)










(Possible answer in below someplace?...)

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish (Natl Geographic)

Scientists have long known that color plays a role in sexual selection and warning of danger. But only in the past decade or so have we begun to understand how wavelengths of light (and therefore color) appear at different depths and how various marine creatures' eyes perceive this light and see each other—far differently than humans see them.


Recent studies show that as regals swim against the reef's visually complex background, their contrasting lines merge in a predator's brain. According to Boston University marine biologist Gil Rosenthal, as a reef fish retreats, distance and motion can make it difficult for predators to perceive fine details and distinguish closely spaced outlines of contrasting colors. So at a distance, spots and stripes blur together, helping even stationary fish merge into the background of the reef and the ocean beyond.

We now know that UV can penetrate to depths beyond 300 feet, and that some fish not only see UV but also paint their bodies with UV reflectors to beam out messages to their kin. Damselfish, for instance, shout out to each other in UV, but their predators can't see it.

[phoenixhieghts]

Isn't evoloution amazing.

[Iraf]

I know with dragon gobys if they have a spot on their tail their a male, spotless on tail female

[cuttingras]

You do have some pretty cool looking fish, Omard!

[swagger87]

Wow, they're gorgeous! You have some beauties there Omard!
I believe that all of those factors (Gender, camoflague, mating, communication, showing whose boss, and more) ALL contribute to the breathtaking colors that we are so fascinated by.

[schackmel]

I can not remember where I read this...I think it was in an older issue of Coral magazine....but stripes has to do with the way the fish swims also. If you have a fish with horizontal and vertical stripes, then there is really no set pattern. Strips go one way, then the fish tends to swim more in that pattern. I am going to have to look up that article sometime and see exactly what it says. I will do it when I am off work and if I can find it will post it.

With regards to colors, what I have noticed (from my 1 year vast experience ) Is that the brighter the color of fish, USUALLY the more aggressive it is. Damsels, have some of the brightest blue and yellow colors I have seen. The blue devil....I love the looks, but it was named that for a reason I understand.

[omard]

Originally Posted by schackmel

I can not remember where I read this...I think it was in an older issue of Coral magazine....but stripes has to do with the way the fish swims also. If you have a fish with horizontal and vertical stripes, then there is really no set pattern. Strips go one way, then the fish tends to swim more in that pattern. I am going to have to look up that article sometime and see exactly what it says. I will do it when I am off work and if I can find it will post it.

With regards to colors, what I have noticed (from my 1 year vast experience ) Is that the brighter the color of fish, USUALLY the more aggressive it is. Damsels, have some of the brightest blue and yellow colors I have seen. The blue devil....I love the looks, but it was named that for a reason I understand.

Likely explains lines on lined wrasses (Six, Twelve/Four Lined)....speedy always cruising fish...rarely have seen to sit still...

But how do you account for the Coral Beauty...another always moving fish (may not as much as the wrasses)...stripes are vertical.



Wonder how much holds true for other striped fish...?

Oh yes, spotted Jewel Damsel is certainly not a stationary or slow moving fish, like the others listed above.

[aquaboy]

my coral beauty is always moving up as she grazes on wall and rock......

[phorn]

Omar you take the BEST pictures...