17 Adorable Penguin Species

Do you know that there are 17 extant species of penguin. Each species unique from the others. But they share a common thing -- All of the species live in the Southern hemisphere. Majority of these adorable penguin species are found in Antarctica. While a few species are found on the coasts of Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Galapagos Islands and South America.

Adelie Penguin

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The Adelie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) is the smallest and one of the most common of all Antarctic penguin species. They can be found forming colonies on islands, beaches and shores all around the Antarctic coast. On average, these medium-sized penguins measure 72.2 cm (30 in) and weigh 5.4 kg (11.02 lbs.) The species is easily recognized by the white ring around its eyes and a tail that is longer than that of other species. It also has a red beak, but the tip of it is black. Population: 2.5 million pairs.

African Penguin

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The African or Blackfooted Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) mainly live and breed on islands off the coasts of Southern Africa. African penguins have a black upside down U-shape of their neck with a black chin and face patch separated from the crown by a broad white band. They have black speckles on their chest. Adults measure 62 cm (2.4 ft) in length and weigh about 3.40 kg (7.5 pounds.) The species is currently recognized as 'vulnerable' with an estimated world population of around 70,000 breeding pairs.

Chinstrap Penguin

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The Chinstrap Penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica) is arguably the most beautiful of penguins. They often live on large icebergs on the open ocean in the Antarctic region. These medium-sized penguins are easily recognised by their white faces and the fine black line running under the lower part of the chin. Adults measure These medium-sized penguins measure about 2 feet tall (61 cm) and weigh about 4.5 kg (10 pounds.) Chinstrap penguins are the most common penguins with a population of about 13 million.

Emperor Penguin

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The Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is found on the Antarctic peninsula and southern islands. Breeds during the Antarctic winter from March to December. The species is bigger than any other living penguin, standing up to 1.1 m (27 inches) tall and weighs about 36.5 kg (80.5 pounds.) It is distinguished by its size and the orange "glow" on its cheeks. Population: 7 million pairs.

Erect-crested Penguin

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The Erect-crested Penguin (Eudyptes sclateri) is a fairly known penguin species found only in the New Zealand Subantarctic region. These adorable penguins can be identified by the upright yellow feather plumes of their crests. One of the largest of the crested penguins, it stands about 50 cm (1.64 ft) tall and weighs up to 4 kg (8.8 lbs.) World Population: 170,000 breeding pairs.

Fiordland Penguin

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The Fiordland Penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus) is the most timid of the crested penguins. The species is endemic to New Zealand. It is easily distinguished by its sulphur-yellow crest running above the eye and ending in a dropping plume. The head, throat and upperparts are black, and underparts are white. The species measures about 55 cm (1.8 ft) and weighs about 4 kg (8.8 lbs.) World Population: 3,000 breeding pairs.

Galapagos Penguin

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The Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is endemic to the Galapagos Islands. The species is distinguished by its relatively large black bill and narrow white line around the face. Galapagos Penguins are the smallest of the South American penguins. Full grown ones measure about 50 cm (1.65 ft) and weigh about 2 kg (4.5 lbs.) World Population: less than 1,000 breeding pairs.

Gentoo Penguin

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The Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua) live on many of the islands of the Antarctic region but the main colony is on the Falklands. They are characterised by a white patch around and behind the eye that joins on the crown. They have a reddish orange bill and orange feet. They are about 80 cm (31.5 in) and an average weight of 5 kg (11.01 lbs).

Humboldt Penguin

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The Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) is endemic to Northern Chile & Peru. Similar to Magellanic Penguins, but lacks the second dark breast band and has a wider white band around the head. The eyes are reddish brown, and the bill is slightly larger than that of Magellanic penguins. Adults average length of around 70 cm (27.5 in) in height and an average weight of 4 kg (8.8 lbs). The total world population currently stands at around 12,000 breeding pairs.

King Penguin

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The King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) is the second largest penguin and similar in appearance to Emperor penguin. Their population is restricted to the sub-Antarctic belt. They have orange spots near their ears and on the neck. Cheeks are dark orange. The belly is white and the throat is grey-white. Full grown average 12 - 14 kg (26.5 - 30.86 lbs), and an average length of 90 cm (35.4 in). World Population: 2,000,000 breeding pairs.

Little Penguin

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The Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor), also known as Little Blue, Blue and Fairy Penguin, is the world’s smallest penguin. The species is widely distributed in Australia and in New Zealand. Upper parts are pale blue to a dark grey-blue depending upon age, season and subspecies. Average length is 43 cm (16.9 in.) and an average weight of 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs.) World Population stands at around 500,000 breeding pairs.

Macaroni Penguin

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The Macaroni Penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) is probably the most abundant of all penguins in terms of total numbers. The distribution of Macaroni Penguin extends from the sub-Antarctic to the Antarctic Peninsula. The species was so named because the yellow and black feathers sticking out of the side of their heads looked like the English hairstyle. This species has orange, not yellow, feather plumes. They average 70 cm (27.5 in) tall and 5.5 kg (12.12 lbs) in weight. World Population: 9,000,000 breeding pairs.

Magellanic Penguin

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The Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) was named after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan who first saw the species in 1519 on his first voyage around the tip of South America. The largest of the warm weather penguins, Magellanic Penguins are only found around the Falkland Islands and South America. The head and upper parts are black apart from two broad white stripes beneath the throat; one running up behind the cheeks and above the eye to join the pinkish gape, the second running adjacent to the white underparts with which they merge above the legs. They are about 70 cm (27.5 in) tall and weigh 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs.) World Population: 1,800,000 breeding pairs.

Rockhopper Penguin

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The Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) are distinguished from other crested penguins by their smaller size and the decorative yellow feather tufts on their heads. It has a reddish brown bill, distinctive red eyes, and the feet and legs are pink. Adults average 52 cm (20.5 in) an average weight of about 3kg (6.61 lbs.)

World Population:
Southern: 650,000 breeding pairs
Eastern: 800,000 breeding pairs
Northern: 350,000 breeding pairs

Royal Penguin

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The Royal Penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli) breeds on Macquarie Island. This species is slightly larger than the other crested penguins. Unlike other crested penguins, the Royal Penguin has orange, not yellow, feather plumes. It has a white face. black crown and it has crests which join on the forehead. Adults average 5.2 kg (11.45 lbs.)

Snares Penguin

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The Snares Penguin (Eudyptes robustus) is endemic to the Snares Islands, New Zealand. The head, throat and upperparts are black, and underparts are white. It has a robust conical bill and distinctive red eyes. Adult ones average 50 cm (19.7 in) in length and weigh around 3 kg. (6.6 lbs.) World Population: 30,000 breeding pairs.

Yellow-eyed Penguin

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The Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) is endemic to New Zealand. It is considered the rarest of all penguins. Adults have a band of yellow feathers going from the bill, circling the eyes and up around the head. Adults can reach 55 cm (21.65 in) in length and 5.7 kg (12.12 lbs.) There are only an estimated 1,500 breeding pairs of yellow-eyed penguins.

The World’s Endangered Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are the only living remnants of the dinosaur age. Today, these gentle creatures are yet facing another test for survival, but the question is … can they make it this time or might follow dinosaurs into extinction.

Kemp’s Ridley

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Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) is the smallest and rarest species of sea turtle. Its major habitat is the warm waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. especially Louisiana waters. Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle prefer salt marsh habitats. The nesting season occurs from April to August where they appear to nest on beaches off Tamaulipas and Veracruz coasts of Mexico. Females lay eggs in clutches that averages 110 eggs.

Kemp’s Ridley hatchlings average 4-5 cm in length. Adults grow to about 61–91 cm long and weigh around 45 kilograms. Mature adults have olive-gray, oval carapace measuring around 65 cm and is nearly as wide. Kemp’s Ridley possesses a triangular-shaped head and a horny beak. These sea turtles change color as they mature; hatchlings are black while mature ones carry lighter grey-olive carapace.

The Kemp’s Ridley turtle feeds mainly on crabs but other food include jellyfish, seaweed, and sea urchins. It is the most endangered of all marine turtles with an estimated female nesting population at just 1,000 individuals. The decline in its population is no longer the egg hunters drowning in shrimp nets. Other threats include loss of their nesting habitat as well as pollution.

Flatback Sea Turtle

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The Flatback turtle (Natator depressus) is a medium-sized sea turtle native to Australian waters. They inhabit inshore waters, coral reefs, bays, lagoon, and grassy waters. This species only breeds on beaches and islands of northern Australia. Breeding season is between November and December, where female lays around 50 eggs at a time. Flatback hatchlings are the largest of any turtle.

As its name suggests, flatback shell (carapace) is flattened on top. The olive-grey carapace with upturned edges, averages 90 centimeters long. Adult flatback sea turtles weigh from 100 to 125 kilograms. The Flatback turtle feeds on a variety of prey that includes shrimp, crabs, squid, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, mollusks, seaweed, soft corals, and fishes.

The species is listed as Vulnerable under the Australian Commonwealth’s Endangered Species Protection Act. With an annual nesting population of up to 10,000, This sea turtle is perhaps the least threatened species. Threats to this species include dwindling of feeding habitat, pollution, and preyed upon by both human and some animals direct for their meat and eggs.

Green Sea Turtle

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The Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), is a large sea turtle found in tropical and subtropical oceans throughout the world. There are two major subpopulations of green sea turtles, the Eastern Pacific and the Atlantic subpopulations. Major nesting sites are found along U.S. eastern shores and several Caribbean islands. Green sea turtles are known to nest in the Turtle Islands in the Philippines.

The Green sea turtle has flattened body extending from back to front, covered by a large, heart-shaped carapace measuring up to 1.5 meters. It has greenish-colored skin, small head, and a pair of large flippers that resemble paddles. Adults are herbivores feeding mostly on sea grass, however, juveniles may feed on crabs, jellyfish, and sponges.

The IUCN (World Conservation Union) and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) list this sea turtle species as endangered. The decline in population is due to various threats such as; hunting, effects of some fisheries, marine debris, coastal development and habitat degradation, and pollution.

Hawkbill

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The Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), is a small to medium-sized sea turtle widely distributed throughout species found in tropical reefs Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are normally found in healthy tropical reefs. The largest nesting population of hawksbills are found in Australia. Several nesting sites are also found in the Philippines.

Just like other marine turtles, the hawksbill turtle has a flattened body shape, a tortoiseshell-colored carapace, and flipper that resembles flippers. It has elongated head and a curving beak. Adults average around 1 meter long and weigh around 45 to 68 kg. Adults’ carapace average from 63 to 90 cm in length easily distinguished by the pattern of thick scutes. Hawkbill turtles are primarily omnivores feeding mostly on sea sponges. Aside from sponges, they also eat jellyfish, comb jellies and sea anemones.

In 1996, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species listed this sea turtle species as critically endangered. The threat to their survival include habitat loss, slow reproductive rates, hunting, marine debris and habitat pollution.

Loggerhead

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The Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), is a marine reptile widespread in Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. Loggerhead turtles inhabit coral reefs, shallow coastal waters, bays and estuarine habitats. It is the most endangered turtle that nests in Australia.

Named for its large head, the loggerhead holds the world’s record for largest hard-shelled turtle. Its reddish-brown, heart-shaped carapace (shell) averages 92 cm in length when fully grown. Adults measure around 3 feet in length and can weigh up to turtle 135 kilograms. Loggerheads eat bottom dwelling invertebrates like shellfish, crabs, sea urchins and jellyfish.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature listed loggerheads as “vulnerable” sea turtle species, while the U.S. Federal government has listed it as endangered worldwide. The major threat to the survival of this species is human activities such as killed for meat, egg, and leather, trapped and killed in fishing trawls and hit by boats. Also, loss of nesting beaches has also trigger the decline on loggerhead populations.

Olive Ridley

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Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known as the Pacific Ridley, is the smallest living species of sea turtle widespread in tropical waters, including Pacific, Indian and the southern Atlantic Oceans. They inhabit bays, coastal waters, and estuaries. It is named for the greenish color of its carapace and skin.

The Olive Ridley distinguishable feature is its two visible claws on each of their flippers resembling paddles. It is about 62 to 70 cm long and weighs up to 45 kg. It has a medium–sized, broad head and sport white line borders on its carapace. The Olive Ridley feeds primarily on crabs, shrimp, snails, jellyfish, sea urchins. rock lobsters, and tunicates.

The Olive Ridley is listed as Vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature And Natural Resources (IUCN). The principal threat to its survival is rampant collection of eggs and mass killing of adults on nesting beaches. Other major threats include: habitat loss, climate change and death from human fishing activities associated with trawling and boat collisions.

Leatherback

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The Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the world’s largest turtle found in the open ocean including Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It prefers deep water breeding beaches. Leatherback turtles are the fastest-moving reptiles and one of the deepest diving marine animals. It feeds mainly on jellyfish.

Adults leatherback can reach 270 cm long and weigh 250 to 700 kilograms. A leatherback’s shell is about 4 cm thick It has some remarkable characteristics that differentiate it from other sea turtles such as:

* It lacks a hard, bony shell.
* Its front flippers are proportionally than in the other marine turtles.
* It has ridged carapace.
* Claws are absent from both pairs of flippers.

Leatherback sea turtle is listed as Endangered throughout its range. Threat to their survival include long-term harvest and incidental capture in fishing gear, human encroachment, loss of nesting beaches, and marine debris.

These helpless sea turtles are crying out for HELP. Are we going to SAVE them or will simply IGNORE their call?

Narwhal – Unicorn of The Sea

Narwhal – Is it a mythical creature or just a strange animal? Read on to unlock the "Unicorn of the Sea’s" real secret!

The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros)may look like a mythical creature or a legendary animal, but it’s not. This is rarely seen whale is said to be the unicorn of the sea. The narwhal is a medium-sized, pale-colored whale found in the icy waters of the Arctic seas. It has a round head, small mouth and a cylindrical body (lacking in dorsal fin). Male narwhals can grow to be about 4 – 9 m long and weigh up to 1,600 kilograms. Females are slightly smaller, growing to about 4 m long and weigh around 1,000 kilograms.

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The most eye-catching feature of the male narwhal is its single long tusk growing to about 2–3 meter long. This tusk commonly growing in a spiral fashion, is actually an incisor tooth sticking out on the left side of the upper jaw. The tusk’s function is uncertain; some theories suggest that tusk is used in determining social rank, in obtaining food, or a formidable tool during courtship. However, the tusk is not used for fighting or in hunting.

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Narwhals are so sensitive to climate change that they exhibit seasonal migrations. During summer, they are seen gathering in shallow waters, but go offshore, in deeper water as winter approaches. Narwhals have a specialized diet that includes a Greenland flatfish, Gonatus squids, shrimps, Arctic cod, and other marine animals. They are considered the deepest divers amongst mammals. Records showed that they can dive to a depth of about 800 meters over 15 times per day. Each dive may last from 7-25 minutes.

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Narwhals can live up to a maximum of 50 years. Currently, their estimated population is between 10,000 to 45,000 individuals. Since hunting narwhals are legal. their main predators are polar bears and orcas.

The Stunning Seabirds

Whether on land or flying or across bodies of water, these marine birds demonstrate remarkable and stunning behaviors.

Blue-Footed Booby

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The Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii), is a marine bird that lives off the warm coastal waters of Central and South America, in particular the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Aside from its signature blue feet, the blue-footed booby has whitish head, long neck, a sharp grayish bill, and long pointed wings and tail. It is between 80 to 85 cm long, weighs around 1.5 kg and a wingspan that can reach 1.5 m.

The Blue-footed Boobies are expert plunge divers, diving straight into the ocean from heights of 10–30.5 m, touching the water around 97 km/h. In pursuit of prey, which normally are eaten while underwater, Blue-footed Boobies can swim underwater to a depth of 25 m. Its primary diet is small fish such as; mackerel, sardine, flying fish and anchovies. They also feed on squid and internal organs of animals.

Gentoo Penguin

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The largest among the three species of Pygoscelis penguins, Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua), main breeding colonies are found on South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and Kerguelen Islands. These laid back penguins whose main features are the wide white stripe running across the tops of their head, average about 71 cm tall and 5.5 kg.

Also, Gentoo penguins have black bodies with white bellies, brown eyes, orange-red bills, and yellow feet. The fastest marine bird (reaching speeds of 36 km/h ), Gentoo penguins venture up to 24 km away from shore searching for food. Krill, squid and fish made up their diet.

Royal Tern

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The Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus), is a large seabird widespread in the Americas and the Atlantic coast of Africa. Royal Tern breeds in colonies on coral islands, coasts and beaches. It has a long, slender orange bill, short forked tail, mostly white upperparts, with pale gray wingtips, and black feet. Adults can reach 45-51 cm in length and can weigh between 320-500 g. Royal Tern are known lunge divers, fly high up in the air and nosedived to catch prey. Its main diet includes squid, crabs, shrimps as well as small fish.

Black-Footed Albatross

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The Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes), is a common seabird off the Pacific Coast of North America. Their breeding locations include sandy beaches and open flat islands in and around the Hawaiian islands. Black-footed Albatross has almost black plumage, large bill, and long, narrow wings. Adults average between 71–91 cm long, about 3.2–3.3 kg in weight and have a wingspan of 190–213 cm. They feed in open waters, preying on fish, crustaceans, squid and often floating debris. Once the young leaves the breeding colony, it gets airborne for the next three years at sea; only to return to land again after about 10 years to breed.

Australian Pelican

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The Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus), is a medium-sized water bird, widespread throughout Australia, Fiji Islands, Papua New Guinea, and in some Indonesian island. They live in colonies in areas that there is open water ranging from wetlands to freshwater, swamps, lakes, shores, lagoons etc. Australian pelicans have black and white plumage, blue legs and feet.

It has a pale pink bill (the largest in the avian world) and a huge bill pouch that can load up to seven liters of water! Australian Pelicans average 1.6 to 1.8 m long, weigh 4 to 13 kg and a wingspan of 2.5 meters to 3.4 meters. They feed mainly on fish, but also eat shrimp, small turtles, tadpoles, and sea gulls.

Australasian Gannets

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The Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator), is a large seabird found throughout southern Australia, Tasmania up to New Zealand. Both males and females carry similar plumage; white body with dark wing tips. and the head is yellow with a pale blue-grey bill. It has a yellow head and blue-gray bill. Australasian Gannets average about 84 cm to 95 cm tall, with a wingspan of 1.6 m.

They are plunge divers and expert fishers. They fly low above the water surface in searching fish school, then when a target is found, it folds its wings and dive swiftly to catch their prey. They feed on forage fish and squid.

King Penguin

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The King Penguin (Aptenodytes catatonics), live on sub-Antarctic islands, establishing huge colonies at nearby beaches. Standing a meter tall and weighing about 14 kg, they are the second largest species of penguin next to the Emperor penguin. Typical of a penguin, it has a streamlined body with silver-grey back and white to orange belly. King penguins have dark orange cheeks and colorful plumage around their necks and heads.

They are good swimmers that average 6.5–10 km/h as well as good divers that could dive to over 100 meters. They rely on deep water pursuit-diving to catch their prey. Their main food source, includes small fish, krill, squid, and plankton. They don’t a nest, but rather lay a single egg and carry it under their bellies while resting on their feet

Razorbills

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The Razorbill (Alca torda), is a medium-sized marine bird found along coastal and offshore of the northern Atlantic Ocean. Their breeding habitat includes cliffs, rocky shores and islands. Razorbills average 38–43 cm long, with a wingspan of about 60–69 cm. Adults have a black head and upperparts and white bellies. They have thick, round-tipped black bill, and a pointed tail.

They seek food by swimming underwater. They feed mainly on fish, like herring and capelin, crustaceans, mollusks and marine worms. Their short but powerful wings propel them to dive at depth 70 feet or more.

Atlantic Puffin

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The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), is a common seabird that lives in the North Atlantic Ocean. This species breeds on rocky islands in the North Atlantic, with 95% breed along the coastlines of Newfoundland. The winter months are spent at sea. A distinct feature of this pelagic bird is its brightly colored bill. Atlantic Puffin has black upperparts and white belly.

It also has white cheeks and reddish legs. and red-orange legs. Adults average from 26–29 centimeters long, weigh about 490.5 g, and a wingspan of about 47–63 centimeters. They are good swimmers and excellent divers. In search of food, they can dive up to 61 meters underwater. It feeds on small fish but at times hunt squid and crustaceans.

Kittiwake Bird

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The Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), is a coastal breeding seabird widespread throughout North America and Europe. It established its breeding grounds on rocky cliffs and spend winters at sea. Black-legged Kittiwakes are medium-sized gull with white head and body, a dark eye, a small yellow bill and short black legs. Adults are about 40 cm long with a wingspan of 90–100 cm, and weigh from 305–525 g. They are surface feeders, feeding mostly on fish but also consume shrimps and worms.

Seven Colorful Aquarium Fishes with Unique Fins Part 2

More colorful fishes with flamboyant display of fins.

Here’s an additional list of colorful aquarium fishes with wonderful fins. Almost all these fishes occasionally make their way into the aquarium trade.

Scooter Dragonet

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Scooter Dragonet (Synchiropus ocellatus) is a colorful fish species with a large-sail like dorsal fin and distinctively beautiful horizontal pectoral fins. This tropical marine fish is endemic to the southwest Pacific Ocean. It can grow up to 8 cm in length and can be found from Japan to Australia.

Mandarinfish Dragonet

The lovely and pretty Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)or just Dragonet is a small but brilliantly-fish which is well-known as an aquatic pet. It is endemic to the Pacific Ocean from Ryukyu Islands in Japan to Australia. This colorful fish that feed on small crustaceans and invertebrates can reach a length of 6 cm only.

Rhinopias aphanes

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One of the most unique-looking fish is the Rhinopias aphanes. This brightly-colored scorpionfish is peculiar for its unique fins and appendages all over its body. It can grow to a length of up to 25 cm. It inhabits the Western Pacific Ocean and occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.

Oriental Flying Gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis)

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Another fish species that looks awesomely unique and beautiful for having wings is the Oriental Flying Gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis). This fish can grow up to 40 cm long and lives in the Indo-Pacific region. Its large, round pectoral fins, which are usually held against the body, has a bright blue edge. When excited or threatened the fins are expanded in to scare predators. It can also walk along the bottom of the ocean through its pelvic fins.

Orange M Sarawut – Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)

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The colorful Siamese Fighting Fish with flamboyant fins is a popular freshwater aquarium fish species. The wild ancestors of betas are endemic to the rice paddies of Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand. It is also known simply as Betta or just Fighter. The name of this well-known aquarium pet is derived from Ikan Bettah, taken from a dialect of Thailand which is formerly known as Siam. This fish is called Trey Krem or Pla-kad in Thailand. Both names mean “fighting Fish”.

Butterfly Tail Goldfish

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The Butterfly Tail is a breed of goldfish that is distinguished by the butterfly-shaped caudal fins when viewed from above. The name of this goldfish to extravagant displays of tails that spread 180 degrees is just short for the many names this variety has, such as Butterfly Tail Demekin, Butterfly Tail Telescope, Top View Telescope and Butterfly Tail Moor. This fancy-looking goldfish variety is also called Butterfly Telescope.

Oranda Goldfish

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The Oranda, one of the most popular aquarium fish, is a brightly-colored variety of goldfish that is distinguished by the long quadruple tail and by a prominent raspberry-like headgrowth or hood encasing its head. The headgrowth, which is also as wen, is noticeably remarkable because encases the entire head except for the eyes and mouth. Oranda’s four-lobed and contracted tail normally spreads out broadly when it stops swimming. A very rare ‘blue scale’ Oranda have been developed recently.

8.) Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)

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The Banggai Cardinalfish is an attractive aquarium fish that can be found exclusively in the Banggai Islands of Indonesia. This small tropical fish with a tasseled first dorsal fin, elongated anal and second dorsal fin rays and deeply forked caudal fin, is among the relatively few marine fish to have been bred regularly in captivity.

Check out:
Seven Colorful Aquarium Fishes with Unique Fins Part 1

Seven Colorful Aquarium Fishes with Unique Fins

The fishes on the list below are popular aquarium pets due to their bright coloration, unique appearance and flamboyant display of fins making them unique aquatic pets.

Red Lionfish:

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The Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a beautiful and colorful coral reef fish with extravagantly pretty fins. The pectoral fin of this venomous beauty is presented in a distinctive fan-like shape. The dorsal spines of this species that can grow up to 43 cm long are separated and enormously long. The fish is also characterized by fleshy tentacles that protrude from both above the eyes and below the mouth.

Zebra Lionfish

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The Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra), which is also known as Zebra Turkeyfish, is a uniquely beautiful fish with venomous spines. This carnivorous ray-finned fish inhabits the tropical waters of Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. This scorpionfish that can grow up to 24 cm uses its venomous spines to defend itself. Peaceful and slow-moving, but dangerous, this solitary fish who is not afraid of anything like to rest in dark areas like under a rock or a piece of coral.

Broadbarred Firefish

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Broadbarred Firefish (Pterois antennata) is a colorful fish with beautifully long fins and spines. It inhabits the tropical waters of the Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. This unique-looking creature which is also well-known aquarium fish can grow up to 20 cm in length. This venomous marine animal prefers to live in lagoons and reefs. It hides during daytime and hunts crabs and shrimps during night time.

Blackfoot Lionfish

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Blackfoot Lionfish (Parapterois heterura) is a colorful but venomous scorpionfish. This notable ray-finned species occasionally makes its way into aquarium trade. It can reach a maximum length of 23 cm.

Devil Firefish

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Devil Firefish (Pterois miles), more popularly known as Common Lionfish, is oftentimes mistaken for the Red Lionfish, its close relative. This fish with a gorgeous display of fins and spines can reach a length of up to 35 cm. its dorsal fins are feathery and its pectoral fins are like wings. This dangerous fish due to its highly venomous spines inhabits lagoons and outer slope of coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Red Sea.

Twinspot Lionfish

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The Twinspot Lionfish (Dendrochirus biocellatus) is a beautifully-colored lionfish species with unique fins that look like wings. The Twinspot Lionfish occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. This beautiful but somehow peculiar-looking fish is also commonly known as Fu Manchu Lionfish and Twospot Turkeyfish.

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The Flying Gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans) is one of the most beautiful and unique sea creatures, This fish that inhabits tropical to warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean looks spectacular with its wings. When the fish is in normal condition it is box-shaped in appearance and appears like a normal fish, but when it gets excited, the fish spreads its semi-transparent wings tipped with a beautiful and phosphorescent bright blue coloration. Its eyes are large like Pufferfish.

Check out:
Seven Colorful Aquarium Fishes with Unique Fins Part 2