ANIMAL SPECIES:Comet, Calloplesiops altivelis (Steindachner, 1903)
The Comet occurs on coral reefs throughout the Indo-west Pacific. When alarmed, the it will dart head first into the coral and leave the posterior part of the body exposed. In this position the fish looks like the head of a Whitemouth Moray Eel, Gymnothorax meleagris.
Identification
The Comet is easily recognised by its dark colour with numerous white spots, the ocellus (glossary) at the base of the last dorsal rays and the lanceolate tail.
Size range
The species grows to 16 cm in length.Distribution
The Comet occurs throughout the Indo-west Pacific. In Australia it is recorded from north-western Australia and the Great Barrier Reef.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Comet specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species occurs on coral reefs.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Comet is a secretive fish which is not often observed during the day. When alarmed, it will dart head first into the coral and leave the posterior part of the body exposed. In this position the fish looks like the head of a Whitemouth Moray Eel, Gymnothorax meleagris, with the ocellus mimicking the eye and the gap between the caudal and anal fins resembling the mouth.
Classification
- Species:
- altivelis
- Genus:
- Calloplesiops
- Family:
- Plesiopidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. & H. Debelius. 1994. south-east Asia Tropical Fish Guide. IKAN-Unterwasserachiv. Pp. 321.
- Michael, S.W. 1998. Reef Fishes. Volume 1. A Guide to Their Identification, Behaviour, and Captive Care. Microcosm. Pp. 624.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
A Comet from the Australian Museum Fish Collection View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
Support us
Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.
Online Shop
Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.
Australian Museum Members
Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.
AMBS
Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.
Museum as a Venue
We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.