| The Republic
of Fiji is located
in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The volcanic archipelago is made
up of two large islands and hundreds of islets. Magnificent reefs
full of tropical flora and fauna bound Fiji's islands. Open-ocean
creatures such as turtles, dolphins, and sharks are also abundant.
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Pink skunk clownfish
Nestled within the sea anemone is the Pink
skunk clownfish (Amphiprion perideraion). It
is normally pink in color (hence the name), with pale
fins. Pink skunk clownfish have a narrow white head bar
and a white stripe that extends between the eyes and the
base of the dorsal fin. Maximum length is 4 inches (10
cm). These territorial fish seek refuge from predators
within the anemone's stinging tentacles. Clownfish have
a thin mucous coating over their skin, which protects
them from the anemone's stings.
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Spinefoot foxface
The Spinefoot foxface (Lo uspi) is
found only in Fijian waters. The dorsal spines of this
sometimes shy fish have a unique coloring. The front two-thirds
of the body is dark and the remainder is yellow. The Spinefoot
foxface is vegetarian in nature. It is a member of a small
family of fish known as rabbitfish.
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Brain coral
The bright green or red color of Brain corals
(Diploria spp) is produced by algae (zooxanthellae)
that live within the tissues of the coral. Colonies of
Brain coral can reach 3 feet (.9 m) in diameter. The name
"brain" refers to the folds and grooves on the
surface of the coral.
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Squamosa clams
Squamosa clams (Tridacna squamosa)
are frequently brown with colored spots or wavy lines,
but blue and green are also seen. They can reach sizes
up to 16 inches (40.6 cm). Squamosa clams get nutrition
from the sun (photosynthesis). They are also filter feeders
that sort out phytoplankton from the ocean floor.
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Lyretail anthias
The Lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
has a long filament on its dorsal fin. Females of this
species are orange in color and their fins are less ornate.
They grow up to 5 inches (13 cm) in length. The Lyretail
anthias eats algae and zooplankton.
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© Copyright 2002, The Dallas World Aquarium, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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