【Child】 Professor, have you ever heard of Durer’s angel in the world of fish? How would you describe it in words?
【Professor】 Fascinating question! I assume you’re referring to the Dumeril’s angelfish, rather than a divine celestial being in Albrecht Durer’s paintings. They’re indeed lovely creatures, and in this conversation, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of these angelfish.
2. Characteristics
【Child】 To imagine them vividly, like angels painted by Durer or Botticelli, how would you paint the portrait of these angelfish in colors and shapes?
【Professor】 Marvelous analogy! The Dumeril’s angelfish has a disc-like shape with stunning shades of yellow, orange, and blue. The body is primarily a lovely yellow-orange hue while the fins display a mix of blue and yellow pattern. They often have a striking blue eye-ring, and adults can grow up to 9 inches in size. Truly, a living artwork by Nature herself.
3. Habitat
【Child】 Where does this aquatic angel reside, Professor? Can they spread their wings in the ecosystem of our aquariums?
【Professor】 Dumeril’s angelfish naturally dwell in the coastal reefs of the Indian and Pacific oceans. They’re typically found between depths of 30 to 200 feet. In an aquarium, recreating their natural habitat with rocky crevices and caves would ensure their comfort. They help maintain the ecosystem by grazing on algae, sponges, and other encrusting organisms.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】 I’d love to have these angels grace my abode. What kind of divine intervention do I need to keep these celestial beings healthy and happy?
【Professor】 No divine intervention needed, just some diligent care. For these angels, maintain water temperature between 72°F and 78°F, and keep pH levels between 8.1 and 8.4. Ensure water hardness falls in the dKH range of 8-12. Allow them to dwell in a 100-gallon tank, and offer them a diverse menu, including algae, sponge-based foods, and finely chopped seafood.
5. Behavior
【Child】 Do Dumeril’s angelfish dance to the music of the spheres in groups at twilight, just like the muses in ancient mythologies?
【Professor】 You have a remarkable imagination! Although they don’t dance to celestial tunes, these angelfish are somewhat nocturnal and more active during dawn and dusk. They’re solitary creatures and may not readily form harmonious groups like the muses but can coexist peacefully with various fish species.
6. Breeding
【Child】 How does cupid’s arrow find its mark among these divine fish? Surely there’s an interesting anecdote related to their breeding.
【Professor】 The love story of Dumeril’s angelfish isn’t quite as dramatic as Cupid’s arrow. In aquariums, their breeding is seldom seen, but in their natural habitat, they partake in paired spawning by releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously. The fertilized eggs then float with the ocean currents until they hatch.
7. Cautions
【Child】 Could there be fallen angels among the Dumeril’s angelfish that may brandish their swords with other species?
【Professor】 (Chuckles) Not quite as intense. While these angels are generally peaceful, caution is needed when placing them with coral as they may sometimes nibble on it. Also, avoid housing Dumeril’s angelfish with overly aggressive fish species, as this could disrupt their otherwise tranquil nature.
8. Conclusion
【Child】 In summarizing, professor, what makes these celestial beings of the deep sea truly an enchanting wonder?
【Professor】 Dumeril’s angelfish are indeed captivating with their exquisite colors and unique features. Their serene nature, habitat preferences, and feeding tendencies offer a glimpse into their ethereal undersea world. Tending to them with proper care and knowledge will bring a heavenly touch to your aquarium realm.