Lionhead Cichlid (Steatocranus casuarius)

The Lionhead Cichlid or Steatocranus casuarius is a popular freshwater tropical aquarium fish originally found in Pool Malebo and the Congo River in Africa. This species of Cichlid goes by a few different common names including Blockhead Cichlid, African Blockhead, Buffalohead, Humphead Cichlid, Lionhead, Lumphead and Buffalo Cichlid. As you can see in the pictures, they get their nicknames from the large hump on the top of their heads.  The picture below shows a juvenile Lionhead Cichlid, their heads tend to become more prominent as they grow older.  

Male Lionhead Cichlids can grow to about to about 4 1/2" (11 cm) with the females being a bit smaller in size. When in an aquarium they are said to be found on the bottom and have jerky movement much like that of a Goby. They have a smaller swim bladder then most fish which allows them to stay on the bottom with ease.  You can check them out in an aquarium setting in the video below. 

An aquarium with the following conditions is suitable for the Lionhead Cichlid Hardness: 3 - 17° dH, Ph: 6.0 - 8.0, and Temperatures at 73 - 82 ° F (23 - 28 ° C). These fish are omnivores that should be fed a variety of foods including algae, flake, pellet, live foods and frozen foods. A good trick to keep your water clean is to feed them 2 to 3 times a day in smaller amounts instead of a large quantity once a day.  They normally get a long well with other fish and will be happier if they are provided a few good hiding spots.

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Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus)

The Copper Rockfish or Sebastes caurinus is a widespread saltwater fish that is found off the Pacific Coast of North America. The species of Rockfish from the Sebastidae family can grow up to 22 inches (56cm) in length and weigh just over 10lbs.  The female Copper Rockfish is normally a bit larger then the male. They are found in depths of up to 600', normally near the bottom in and around rocks. These fish can range in color from a dark reddish brown, with pale copper blotching along the sides, to a lighter pinkish brown with a yellowish white mottling on the flanks.

Copper Rockfish will feed on crustaceans and small fish, while falling prey to sea birds and larger fish including Lingcod and Salmon. They reach sexual maturity in their fourth year and are viviparous giving live birth after the fish develops inside the mother for a period of 10 months. Considered to be quite tasty, this fish is often sought after and is said to put up a good fight for its relatively small size.  You can check out the Copper Rockfish swimming in the Pacific Ocean in the video below.

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Comet Grouper (Calloplesiops altivelis)

The Comet Grouper or Calloplesiops altivelis is a popular aquarium fish that is sometimes referred to as the Marine Betta.  This species comes from the Serranidae family of Sea Basses and Groupers which contains roughly 370 different species of saltwater fish.

Comet Groupers are small predatory fish that can grow to about 6" (150mm) in length and are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  They have a beautiful brown body with many small blue spots.  They have a false eye at the end of their dorsal fin making it tricky for predators choose which end to attack.  This species of Grouper has yet another trick up its fin... It tail has evolved to look much like the head of a dangerous predator, the moray eel and it said to warn off potential predators.  You can check out the Marine Betta in action in the video below.   

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