Look at those lovely lips!

by | Jan 29, 2016 | Advanced Aquarist | 0 comments

The etymology of Cheliloprion labiatus is the Latin word “labia,” which means “lips” (and yes, the human female genitalia shares the same etymology).

There are two very cool things about this blennywatcher video below.  The first, obviously, is the cartoonish lips on this damselfish.  It’s really something else, isn’t it?  This species uses its giant lips to munch on the tentacles of Acropora polyps (which, aside from its drab colors, is why we never see it the aquarium trade).  The second fascinating aspect of the video is just how perfectly still the cardinalfish are in the video.  They almost appear frozen in space between the Acropora thicket … perhaps in awe of the damselfish’s lips.

  • Leonard Ho

    I'm a passionate aquarist of over 30 years, a coral reef lover, and the blog editor for Advanced Aquarist. While aquarium gadgets interest me, it's really livestock (especially fish), artistry of aquariums, and "method behind the madness" processes that captivate my attention.

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