Sunday, September 9, 2007

HAWKFISH ON THE PROWL.

 HAWKFISH VIRGIN DSCN5016
A Hawkfish, always attentive to it`s prey`s vulnerabilities, may well be the reason for the 6 LINE WRASSE`S disappearance this week end.
In the header is the 6 LINE WRASSE, missing & presumed dead. I`ve had this little beauty for years & I`ll do a full post on it in memoriam, if it does not turn up by tomorrow.
Over on Planet Eart, is a bowl of fruit for any Kilijiahs here, beyond the Tiger`s flames.

12 comments:

AndiF said...

Hawkfish certainly have a fierce air about them. Of course, he could just be preparing to face Monday.

I hope the wrasse turns up.

katiebird said...

Good Morning, Knucklehead & Andif!

This is a wonderful morning . . . I could look at your tanks for hours.

Nancy P said...

I would think that would be quite a shock for you, even if you are more or less accustomed to the ebb and flow of creatures.

Nancy P said...

p.s. Your "Jury and Five Alternates" is a really interesting work! It looks like Cat Knotty Pine wood.

olivia said...

Oh oh ... :(

Knucklehead said...

Andif,
I think maybe the name might throw one off.
I have seen the Hawkfish in action though. It perches on outcroppings & watches like a hawk. If it sees anything out of the ordinary, it will 'alert' on it.
Fish have their space in a tank. Some are found only on the crest, while others cruise anywhere.
Some stay close to the bottom, while others hang only in their immediate territory. If the Hawkfish sees a crest dweller down in the depths of the tank, it`s definitely time for attack. Swift, fast & deadly.

Knucklehead said...

Hi Katiebird,
I`m glad we concur on the morning.
Yes, reef tanks are quite mesmerizing.

Knucklehead said...

Nancy p,
It`s not so much a shock as why it would have allowed itself to be preyed upon. It`s territory encompasses the whole tank, & it is a fish that never stops moving. Life on the reef is always a battle for food & security. I`ve been fortunate enough to not have lost any fish in years. Planning for what inhabitants to keep in a reef tank, is important in providing for the security of all of them, but is not a sure thing. I have living reefs, not display cases.

Knucklehead said...

Nancy p,
That cat is a puzzle I made for my two granddaughters.

Knucklehead said...

Olivia,
That`s what I said.
I can tell within a minute that something is not right in any of my tanks.
Although with some of my specimens i would not worry for a few days, the 6 Line, is constantly in view within seconds, cruising in & out of corals & rock formations. Another fish that lives in the rocks or inside the cover of them, is not so much a worry for a few days.
I fear it is no longer alive, but I`ll hold out for a few days. There really is no such thing as a wounded fish in my tanks, only a dead & gone one.
As soon as a fish has been attacked & incapacitated, the rest of the inhabitants do what reef denizens do, clean up.

Unknown said...

hi knucklehead - haven't checked in for awhile but wanted to tell you that your blog continues to amaze. My condolences on the loss of the 6 Line, if that is indeed what happened. I've mourned a few fish in my life as they have vibrant personalties if one is patient enough to discover them.

Knucklehead said...

Hi Man eegee,
Just because you don`t come by, doesn`t mean I don`t check up on your doings.
I had to laugh at the "Don`t speak Spanish" stuff in your diary.
Yes, you`re right, I don`t think I`ve ever had a fish that wasn`t unique in it`s ways apart from species specific characteristics. Thank`s for recognizing that.
Come on by to be amazed (thank you) anytime. I`ll have a post dedicated to many images of that Wrasse.
I don`t mean a, mourning dedication, at all, but just to show everyone a very nice little fish. I hardly mourn a well lived life. I celebrate.