Category: Fish
These South American natives are a long-time favorite of fish-keepers and are named for the vibrant red coloration on their head. In the wild, they inhabit stretches of mineral-deficient (soft), acidic river that is rich in decaying plant matter. They are sensitive to changes in water conditions and are considered “canaries in the coal mine” for aquarium water quality.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rummy-nose_tetra
http://www.petsource.org/aquatic-by-species/aquatic-fresh-water/3151-rummynose-tetra.html
Undersea Conversations…
While it isn’t obvious, fish have ears, and are able to communicate to one another through sounds. They don’t have vocal chords, but instead vibrate their swim bladders, producing popping, grunting, moaning, barking, or chirping noises. While some species of fish, like the goldfish, are silent listeners, there are over 1000 species that are known to vocalize, and some, like the gurnard who are veritable chatterboxes. While we can’t have a conversation with them - at least not yet - it is theorized that they do it to attract mates, frighten away predators or competitors, to synchronize mating, call for help and warn others, or to orient themselves.
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
