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| Sri Lanka
is a small island in the Indian Ocean, south of India.
This pear-shaped nation, known as Ceylon until 1972, is 272 miles
(438 km) long and 140 miles (225 km) wide at its broadest point.
The coastline is 833 miles (1,340 km) long. Sri Lanka is home
to varied and rich marine life, including more than 1,000 species
of fish. |
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Weedy scorpionfish
The six members of genus Rhinopias are some of nature's
most exquisite creations, none of which are considered to be
common. All Rhinopias have compressed bodies and eyes that
set high on top of their heads. These fish rarely swim, but
move along the bottom on their pectoral and pelvic fins. They
are found on macroalgae, rocks and stony coral at depths of
33 to 965 feet (10 to 297 meters), and reach maximum lengths of
9 inches (23 centimeters).
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Eschmeyer’s scorpionfish
The Eschmeyer's scorpionfish (Rhinopias
eschmeyeri) has a deep, laterally compressed body
and eyes on top of its head. The outer epidermal layer
is shed quite frequently, ridding the fish of algae or
parasites. The Eschmeyer's scorpionfish rarely swims,
but moves along the bottom by use of the pectoral and
pelvic fins. Their "rocking" movement imitates
a piece of debris as they wait for approaching prey. When
close enough, the scorpionfish lunges or hops forward
and sucks in its meal. Another powerful means of defense
can be found in the dorsal spines that are loaded with
potent venom. The Eschmeyer's scorpionfish can be seen
in a variety of bright colors, including blue, lilac,
yellow, orange and red.
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Napoleon Wrasse
This fish is commonly known as a Humphead
or Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus). As
an adult, it possesses a "hump" on its head
that is said to resemble an old-style French army hat.
They are the largest of the wrasse family and can reach
lengths of 6-7 feet (1.8 - 2.1 m) and weigh more than
400 pounds (181 kg). Adult coloration is a vivid olive
to blue-green, with vertical lines along their body. This
fish is threatened because of its popularity on restaurant
menus. This is particularly true in Asia, where consumers
eat wrasse as a status symbol due to their scarcity and
extremely high price.
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Button polyps
Button polyps (Zoanthus sociatus)
can be seen throughout the exhibit. Discs, outlined with
radiating tentacles, are attached to an elongated stalk.
This colonial, soft coral comes in many colors and are
often two-toned.
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© Copyright 2002, The Dallas World Aquarium, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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