Comet (fish)

The comet or marine betta (Calloplesiops altivelis) is a species of reef-associated tropical marine fish in the longfin family Plesiopidae, most commonly found between 3 and 50 m deep. It is native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It can reach a maximum length of 20 cm.[1][2]

Not to be confused with Comet (goldfish).

Comet
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Family: Plesiopidae
Genus: Calloplesiops
Species:
C. altivelis
Binomial name
Calloplesiops altivelis
Synonyms
  • Plesiops altivelis Steindachner, 1903
  • Barrosia barrosi J.L.B. Smith, 1952

Behaviour

Adults are usually found near reefs, and in caves and crevices along drop-offs. The comet is nocturnal by nature, and will hide under ledges and in holes by day. During night time, it leaves its hiding place and swims along the reef searching for food. They possess an eye-like shape which is actually the dorsal fin. When in danger, this fish will poke its head into a hole and expose its tail end, which mimics the head of the moray eel.[2][3]

Feeding

Comets are predators, feeding on crustaceans and small fish. They catch their prey by approaching it swimming sideways and then waiting for the prey to try to escape. As the prey tries to escape on the side of the fish, it will escape towards the fish's mouth half the time.[4][5]

In the aquarium

Comets are known to be difficult to feed in captivity, as they will generally only accept live foods. Moreover, they require time to stalk their prey. Therefore, if they are in an aquarium with other predatory fish (e.g. lions and groupers), they might starve, as they are not fast enough to get a good share of the food. Comets have been successfully bred in captivity.[4]

References
  1. "Calloplesiops altivelis". OzAnimals - Australian Wildlife. OzAnimals.com.
  2. "Calloplesiops altivelis, Comet : aquarium". www.fishbase.org. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  3. Caulfield, Kris. "Calloplesiops altivelis (Comet)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  4. "FreshMarine.com - Marine Betta Grouper - Calloplesiops altivelis - Buy Cheap Comet Grouper Fish at Wholesale". www.freshmarine.com. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  5. "Comet Grouper (Calloplesiops altivelis)". Fish Index. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  • Photos of Comet on Sealife Collection
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