Underwater world

The name 'unicornfish' refers to the protrusions found in adult individuals. These unicornfish inhabit the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Throughout their growth, these fish continuously change colors and patterns. They usually live in small groups, but large schools can form in areas with strong ocean currents.

Young orangespine unicornfish live near rocky reefs, in the company of other surgeonfish. As adults, these fish find their food, leafy brown algae, in coral or rocky areas. They usually live in small groups.

Naso vlamingii, more commonly known as the bignose unicornfish, is a surgeonfish found in much of the Indo-Pacific. It has a bump above its mouth from which a blue stripe runs to the base of its eyes. It has the ability to make this stripe appear or disappear.

It is particularly smart. In case of danger, it can cover up or release a "cloud" of ink. In general, the male dies shortly after mating. The female protects the eggs until they hatch and then it dies. Its flesh is highly appreciated.

Easily recognizable by its shape and blue color, this triggerfish naturally lives in groups in the turbulent waters near coral reefs. During the breeding season, males and females pair up to build a nest. They fiercely defend this small territory against other fish species and, more broadly, against any intrusion, even human.

The yellow boxfish is recognizable by its characteristic trapezoidal shape and its round mouth protruding like a beak. Its two large round eyes are prominent on the top of its head. Adults typically display a bright yellow color, covered with scattered black spots. However, there are variations in color such as ochre and blue, sometimes with white spots or black-ringed white spots, especially in the Red Sea. Juveniles are blue to greenish, always with the same pattern.

This fish lives camouflaged among the gorgonians. it watches its prey from a promontory and swims quickly toward them to catch them before returning to it observation post. During the breeding season, the male performs a courtship display to attract the attention of a female.

Like all crustaceans, it is forced to mutate to grow. Unlike lobster, it has no large claws, but its shell is covered with thorns. It uses its long antennae as "whips" to protect themselves from predators. Those are captured using traps or nets.

The palette surgeonfish sports a pair of venomous, erectable scalpel spines at the base of its tail, used for self-defense against predators. It primarily dwells in small groups within coastal reefs. Its electric blue color inspired the character of Dory in "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory".

The juveniles of this species have very long fins. They often let themselves drift with the currents in all positions, so they look like dead leaves. Adults sometimes gather in huge schools.

The Emperor Angelfish is found from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef. Juveniles hide under reef overhangs or in holes in outer lagoons, while adults prefer caves in coral-rich areas. These fish feed on sponges and form pairs for reproduction.

Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus, better known as the "yellowmargin triggerfish" due to the coloration of its body, is a fish belonging to the balistidae family. It is found in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. It can be encountered on reefs and estuaries, but can also be observed on slopes and in lagoons.

This fish lives near diadem-urchins. At the slightest danger, it takes refuge between the long spines of sea urchins. The male guards the eggs in the mouth until they hatch. It is threatened in the wild because of fishing for the aquarium trade. This species breeds in captivity.

The large pectoral fins of this fish serve as a fish net to capture prey. Its color (alternating dark and light bands) indicate to predators that it is poisonous: there are poison glands in the skin covering its spines. It can cause serious or fatal accidents.

This fish is named for its color that looks like a picture of contemporary art. Their powerful jaws enable it to crush the shells and the shells of its prey. In case of danger, juvenile hide in empty shells.

This moray is narrower than most other species. Over time, the male becomes a female (protandrous hermaphroditism). This sex change is accompanied by a color change. This moray adapts easily to life in the aquarium.

This squirrelfish is recognizable by its fine horizontal white stripes with silvery highlights on a predominantly red body. Like its counterparts, it is a nocturnal, exclusively carnivorous fish. It particularly preys on mollusks and small crustaceans living among the rocks.