Angelfish question

[wrightme43]

Hi Everybody. This is question I have been racking my brain with for a while now. What in the heck are the spikey looking things on the bottom of angelfish's gill covers for? I havent seen them used for anything yet. Are they for defense, offense, just look cool, or what? I mean most things on animals serve a purpose or they fade away. They have to be for something. Anybody know what? Or have a idea or a guess? Steve

 

[reeffan]

Hi Everybody. This is question I have been racking my brain with for a while now. What in the heck are the spikey looking things on the bottom of angelfish's gill covers for? I havent seen them used for anything yet. Are they for defense, offense, just look cool, or what? I mean most things on animals serve a purpose or they fade away. They have to be for something. Anybody know what? Or have a idea or a guess? Steve

Hmmm, probably for attracting females :badgrin: . Im guessing .

reeffan

 

[GregG.]

The spikes on the gill covers of angelfish are for protection. If an angelfish happens to find itself in the mouth of another fish, they erect their gill spikes causing pain to the predator....which in most cases the predator will spit out the angelfish. I believe the spikes are more utilized when the fish are juvinile....and the adults simply retain this attribute.


Greg

 

[wrightme43]

Cool, thanks Greg and welcome to reef frontiers. Anybody else, know anything about them? Steve

 

[NaH2O]

Welcome to Reef Frontiers!!! Great info Greg. The only info I could find was that it is merely a trait of Angelfish and helps to differentiate between some angels and butterflies.

 

[edgerat]

they are good for getting caught in nets.... poor blue-ring hehe