Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Robert Allen, Australien
Info
Opistognathus albicaudatus is an inhabitant of shallow, current-rich (5.6 Km /h) sand and rubble flats without much coral cover, but with occasional low, stunted gorgonian sea fans.
Opistognathus cyanospilotus, previously known from the Andaman Sea and Bali but not from the Andaman Islands, occurs in the same environment as §lat and was collected from four separate caves.
Although Opistognathus albicaudatus has adapted well to its environment, it is not without predators. Larger fish, diving seabirds and even some crustaceans pose a threat to these small fish.
Their burrowing behavior is a great advantage, as it allows them to quickly evade approaching predators and retreat to the safety of their sandy dens.
Well diggers must always be well fed.
Etymology
The Greek-derived name “Opistognathus” translates to “behind the jaw” and refers to the unique position of the jaw in comparison to the rest of the head.
The name of the species, “albicaudatus”, comes from the Latin, where “albi” means “white” and “caudatus” means “tail”, which aptly describes the fish's striking white tail.
Opistognathus cyanospilotus, previously known from the Andaman Sea and Bali but not from the Andaman Islands, occurs in the same environment as §lat and was collected from four separate caves.
Although Opistognathus albicaudatus has adapted well to its environment, it is not without predators. Larger fish, diving seabirds and even some crustaceans pose a threat to these small fish.
Their burrowing behavior is a great advantage, as it allows them to quickly evade approaching predators and retreat to the safety of their sandy dens.
Well diggers must always be well fed.
Etymology
The Greek-derived name “Opistognathus” translates to “behind the jaw” and refers to the unique position of the jaw in comparison to the rest of the head.
The name of the species, “albicaudatus”, comes from the Latin, where “albi” means “white” and “caudatus” means “tail”, which aptly describes the fish's striking white tail.
