Category: Fish
These unique, transparent catfish are endemic to Thailand and commonly seen in the aquarium trade. Their lack of scales (like all catfish) and body pigment accounts for their transparency and it is even possible to see their tiny heart beating with a magnifying glass. Unlike most other catfish, they prefer to swim in mid- to upper- water levels.
Hey, Fishlips!
If you’ve ever worn lipstick (or kissed anybody wearing lipstick), you’ve probably had fish scales on your lips. Of course you won’t find “herring scales from commercial fishing hauls” on the ingredients list of your cosmetics - they list it as the regal-sounding “pearl essence” or “pearlescence.” But why? Because the scales of silvery fish that capture and reflect light so beautifully in the water function the same way on your lips. So maybe next time somebody calls you “fish lips,” don’t jump to conclusions too quickly, maybe they mean it as a compliment!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
