Saturday, February 18, 2012

Whitespotted filefish




The whitespotted filefish is a commonly encountered fish on Bonaire's reefs. Although it is not always whitespotted. It has an orange phase as well. They are approachable, and interesting to watch as they maneuver in tight quarters. Their primary means of locomotion appears to be wave-like motion of the dorsal and anal fins. However, when they need to turn quickly, they flip up their file (an elongated first dorsal spine), and use it something like a rudder.

The bottom photo is a whitespotted filefish in the spotted phase.

The middle photo is an orange phase individual.

The top photo is the orange phase individual, with its file up.

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