Species encyclopedia

Marine Betta

Calloplesiops altivelis

Biology

The solitary marine betta – also known as the comet – spends most of its time hiding in coral reefs at 3 to 45 m below the surface.

It is a fearful species that rarely leaves its hideout during the day. It heads out at nightfall in search of prey. It mainly feeds on small floating crustaceans and young fish.

The colour at the top of its head and neck then shift from black to some shade of grey.

For reproduction, the clutch is placed in a cavern, in the form of a gelatinous ball of eggs that will hatch 5 or 6 days after being laid.

When frightened, the marine betta hides head first in a hole, with only its posterior protruding.
With its fins displayed, the dark spot of its dorsal fin is showcased, making it look like head of a Gymnothorax meleagris moray eel.

Indo-Pacific area

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