Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula)

 The Queen Triggerfish or Balistes vetula is a saltwater species of Triggerfish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean, often in and around reefs in depths of up to 20 meters. Like other Triggers, this fish has a striking appearance with bright blue lines running around its tail, eyes and mouth.

Queen Triggerfish can grow to about 24" (61cm) in length.  They have the ability to change coloration slightly to better match its surroundings, protecting it from potential predators. Invertebrates around reefs are normally the food of choice for these Queens.

Queen Triggerfish are sometimes kept in an aquarium. One of at least 500 gallons is recommended for healthy living. They should be fed a variety of foods including clams, squid, shrimp, octopus and crabs.  You can watch the Queen Triggerfish swimming in the video below...

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Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum)

The Shorthead Redhorse or Moxostoma macrolepidotum is a freshwater fish that is found in North America in places east of the Rocky Mountains and into places of Canada. This fish has a red tail fin and a red outline on its dorsal fin. This fish is part of the sucker family so it is often found on the bottom feeding on mollusks, insects, plant matter and crustaceans.

The Shorthead Redhorse goes by a few different names including Shorthead Mullet, Bigscale Sucker, Common Mullet, Redfin, Common Redhorse, Des Moines Plunger, Mullet, Northern Redhorse, Red Sucker and the Redhorse Mullet. These fish have a slender body that can grow to about 24" and weigh up to 8lbs. They have large coarse scales that cover their bodies. They can be distinguished from other suckers by these large scales and their bright red tail.

Spawning occurs in April around rubble or gravel and once the eggs are laid they are not guarded. They will hatch in about 5 days. These fish are edible, but are not considered to be the highest of quality.  You can check out a close relative of this fish the Greater Redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi) below in the video. 

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