The Arrow-head Soapfish, Arrowhead Soapfish, Chabanaud’s Soapfish, scientifically known as Belonoperca chabanaudi, is a fascinating fish species found in the depths of the ocean. This fish stands out with its unique appearance and intriguing habits.
Description & Characteristics
The Belonoperca chabanaudi can grow up to a maximum size of 15.0 cm, making it a relatively small fish. This species exhibits a distinctive arrowhead-shaped body, a characteristic that lends its name. Their color is typically a vibrant orange or red, often adorned with intricate patterns and markings.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Arrow-head Soapfish, Arrowhead Soapfish, Chabanaud’s Soapfish (Belonoperca chabanaudi) is a denizen of the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans, inhabiting depths ranging from 4.0 to 50.0 meters. This fish prefers the neritic marine zone, which encompasses the waters over the continental shelf. This means they can be found in the waters that extend from the lower edge of the intertidal zone, the area exposed to the air during low tide, down to the edge of the continental shelf, which typically lies at around 200 m water depth. Their presence in these diverse marine habitats highlights their adaptability and resilience.
Taxonomy
The Arrow-head Soapfish, Arrowhead Soapfish, Chabanaud’s Soapfish (Belonoperca chabanaudi) belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification places the species within a large and diverse group of fishes, collectively known as the perch-like fishes. The order Perciformes encompasses a wide variety of species, including some of the most familiar and commercially important fish, such as tuna, bass, and grouper.
Feeding
The Arrow-head Soapfish, Arrowhead Soapfish, Chabanaud’s Soapfish (Belonoperca chabanaudi) is a specialist feeder, primarily relying on crustaceans for sustenance. This includes a diet of small fishes, rock shrimps, and mysis shrimp, highlighting their opportunistic and adaptable feeding behavior in the marine environment. Their diet, which also includes crustaceans, indicates their preference for these food sources.
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