Dr. Glen Whisson, Aqua Research and Monitoring Services, Australien
Info
We like to thank Dr. Glen Whisson for the first photos of Opistognathus darwiniensis
Opistognathus darwiniensis is a well digger endemic to Australia, its species name used in honor of British naturalist Charles Robert Darwin.
The well digger digs a neatly stone-lined burrow, often visible at low tide, in soft seabed in shallow reefs, sandy or boulder areas, and reinforces the area around the hole with stones that the fish picks up with its mouth, transports and obstructs.
In a den secured in this way, the fish is usually well protected from predators.
As with cardinalfish, the male takes care of the brood, taking the fertilized eggs into its mouth and releasing the fish larvae after hatching.
In its burrow Opistognathus darwiniensis patiently lies in wait for its prey.
Synonyms:
Opisthognathus darwiniensis MacLeay, 1878
Opistognathus darwinensis MacLeay, 1878
Opistognathus darwiniensis is a well digger endemic to Australia, its species name used in honor of British naturalist Charles Robert Darwin.
The well digger digs a neatly stone-lined burrow, often visible at low tide, in soft seabed in shallow reefs, sandy or boulder areas, and reinforces the area around the hole with stones that the fish picks up with its mouth, transports and obstructs.
In a den secured in this way, the fish is usually well protected from predators.
As with cardinalfish, the male takes care of the brood, taking the fertilized eggs into its mouth and releasing the fish larvae after hatching.
In its burrow Opistognathus darwiniensis patiently lies in wait for its prey.
Synonyms:
Opisthognathus darwiniensis MacLeay, 1878
Opistognathus darwinensis MacLeay, 1878
