Flower of
Bacopacaroliniana
NEWS104
9
they are self-fertile and hence also set
seed, though this isn’t usually capable of
germination.
All in all, the Giant Bacopa is a beautiful
vivariumplant,which canbeput tomany
uses by both aquarists and terrarium
keepers, as well as having plenty to offer
thepureplant enthusiast.
Marines
The filefishes (Monacanthidae)
are a family in the puffer
assemblage (Tetraodontiformes),
which means that their closest
relatives
include
puffers,
porcupinefishes, boxfishes, and
triggerfishes. Externally they are
most similar to the triggers, with
which they share a locking
mechanism for the first dorsal-fin
spine. This mechanism serves to
lock the dorsal-fin spine firmly in
place. While the majority of the
puffer assemblagehavepowerful
biting tools with which to crack
openmussels, snails, sea urchins,
and the like, the dentition of the
filefishes is designed solely for
feedingon small organisms.
Filefishes
-
useful andneat
byMatthiasReising
Oxymonacanthus longirostris
All photos:FrankSchäfer
