What is this?

[amcarrig]

I'd put some sand in there with the poor inflicted little bugger...oooh...did I say bugger? I did!

[cuttingras]

I got an email reply this morning this is what he wrote...


"Hi

This fish is likely a pear fish; - Carapus bermudensis and is an interesting little fish that lives in conjunction with sea cucumbers. They are said to feed upon very tiny crustaceans. I would consider these to be completely reef safe.

Pete"

hmmmmm...not sure if I like this being in my tank....Butt, I bet no one else has one LOL

[amcarrig]

Originally Posted by cuttingras

I got an email reply this morning this is what he wrote...


"Hi

This fish is likely a pear fish; - Carapus bermudensis and is an interesting little fish that lives in conjunction with sea cucumbers. They are said to feed upon very tiny crustaceans. I would consider these to be completely reef safe.

Pete"

hmmmmm...not sure if I like this being in my tank....Butt, I bet no one else has one LOL

I never knew that gonads were considered tiny crustaceans

[cuttingras]

after a long search for info, I found this and the last line speak volumes!

I guess as gross as it is, I'll keep it....

perciform

Natural history > Interspecific relationships

Mutual relationships among species are found in many perciform fishes. The cleaner fishes of the wrasse genus Labroides (Labridae) are well-known for their role in the removal of parasites from larger carnivorous fishes. The larger fishes recognize the cleaner fish and will not devour it. They allow free passage into their cavernous mouths and gill chambers, in which the cleaner fish feeds upon leftovers and parasites. Each Labroides maintains a “cleaning station,” which is visited regularly by larger fishes such as groupers, eels, jacks, and snappers. A relationship of a protective nature exists in the butterfishes (Stromateidae), the young of which are often found among the tentacles of jellyfishes; the fishes are immune to the stings of the jellyfishes. Fry of horse mackerel and tuna (Scombridae) have been also found among the tentacles of jellyfishes. A similar relationship is seen in the clown anemone fish (Amphiprion percula), which is found among the tentacles of sea anemones. The mucous substances secreted by the anemone fish protect it from the stinging cells of the sea anemone. Some anemone fishes seek out only one type of sea anemone; others do not show any species preference. The sleepers of the genus Vireosa (Eleotridae) are usually found close to rock oysters and clams, into which they quickly disappear when danger threatens. A similar relationship exists between certain sea cucumbers (sac-shaped echinoderms of the class Holothuroidea) and cucumber fishes (Carapidae). These fishes are found among starfishes, clams, and sea urchins, as well as sea cucumbers. Some are host specific and may even parasitize the host, as in the Florida cucumber fish (Carapus bermudensis), which seeks out a specific sea cucumber of the genus Actinopyga, within which the cucumber fish makes its home. At times Carapus also feeds on the internal organs of the sea cucumber; this does not really harm the host because it regenerates the lost parts.

[cuttingras]

Originally Posted by amcarrig

I never knew that gonads were considered tiny crustaceans

I bet guys wish they had shells covering theirs LOL LOL!!!!

[amcarrig]

Originally Posted by cuttingras

this does not really harm the host because it regenerates the lost parts.

Yeah but what about the psychological damage!

[amcarrig]

Originally Posted by cuttingras

I bet guys wish they had shells covering theirs LOL LOL!!!!

Only when in South America

Candiru: Vampire Fish

[cuttingras]

I am fighting with this! I'm not sure if I can take seeing that thing slip back up in there..It was pretty traumatic(for me anyway)! ewwwww Like when you touch a maggot...,.......

[cuttingras]

Originally Posted by amcarrig

Only when in South America

Candiru: Vampire Fish

OK I read that that is even worse it can get into humans! UGHHHHH Not going to South America anytime soon and IF I ever do get there I'll remember not to pee in the water LOL

[cuttingras]

Sunday update...no sign of the slippery varmint yet, butt, I'm holding out hope that I, can rescue that worm from it's inevitable plight of being gutless.. .....