Dr. Sergey V. Bogorodsky, Russland
Info
There are always some fish in particular that we would like to include, but for various reasons are unable to do so.
Either there are no images available, or only copyright-protected images for which we have been unable to obtain permission, or the existing photos are so unsuitable visually that we have to wait a long time before we can create an entry.
One of these animals is the wrasse Pteragogus clarkae, of which for a very long time there was only one photo of an almost dried or mummified animal:
https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Pteragogus_clarkae.html
We are very grateful to Dr. Sergey Bogorodsky for providing us with an in situ photo of this wrasse!
Sergey confirmed to us that Pteragogus clarkae is a rare species, even in its native habitat around Egypt in the Red Sea.
On the contrary, Red Sea Creatures reports that “This wrasse is common in the warm, clear waters of the Red Sea and lives in coral reefs and lagoons.”
The literature reports in detail on Pteragogus clarkae:
The first specimens of Pteragogus clarkae, SMF 1597, 2: 67–81 mm SL, were described by Klunzinger (1871) from Kosseir, Egypt (=Al Qusayr = Quseir) as Duymaeria opercularis Peters (1847) with type locality Mozambique.
Randall (1981: 82) noted that this name was already used by Duymaeria opercularis Guichenot [= Bodianus opercularis (Guichenot)] and suggested the name Pteragogus pelycus as a replacement, referring to the long pelvic fins.
Peters' holotype is located in the Zoological Museum of Humboldt University in Berlin as ZMB 2474, 107 mm SL.
This species is large for the genus Pteragogus, reaching a standard length of 150 mm. Figures 18 and 19 show photos of specimens from the Seychelles and the Comoros.
The species is still unknown in the Red Sea. Klunzinger's specimens of Pteragogus clarkae and SMF 6442, a specimen with a standard length of 55 mm from Hurghada, described by Klausewitz (1964: 132) as Pteragogus opercularis, were provided on loan by Tilman P. Alpermann; they are included as paratypes of Pteragogus clarkae.
Al-Hussaini (1947: 17) reported on the feeding habits of four specimens identified as Pteragogus opercularis from Hurghada, Egypt, collected at a depth of 10–15 m.
He found their intestines full of foraminiferal shells, and the larger fish also contained small gastropods. His specimens were probably Pteragogus clarkae.
Source: Seven new species of labrid fishes (Coris, Iniistius, Macropharyngodon, Novaculops, and Pteragogus) from the Western Indian Ocean
"Clark's wrasse is a vibrant and distinctive species of wrasse native to the Red Sea.
It belongs to the Labridae family, known for its colorful appearance and active behavior. This particular species is notable for its striking coloration and dynamic presence in coral reef ecosystems.
Clark's wrasse has a striking mix of colors and patterns.
Typically, it has a vibrant body with hues ranging from electric blue and green to bright yellow.
These colors can vary slightly depending on age, sex, and individual specimens.
The fins often have intricate patterns or contrasting edges, adding to their appeal.
The Clark's wrasse prefers shallow coastal areas with abundant coral and rocky substrates, where it can easily find food and shelter.
It is an active swimmer and is often seen hunting for prey among coral reefs.
The Clark's wrasse is known for its curious and energetic nature.
An opportunistic feeder, it hunts small invertebrates, crustaceans, and various benthic organisms.
It displays interesting feeding techniques and often turns over small rocks and corals to reveal hidden prey.
Like many wrasse species, the Clark's wrasse exhibits sequential hermaphroditism, meaning that individuals can change sex as they mature. This adaptation is often influenced by the social structure and environmental factors within their habitat.
Reproduction typically involves complex courtship rituals, with males displaying their bright colors to attract females.
Although not much is known about the conservation status of the Clark's wrasse, the coral reefs that provide an important habitat for these fish are threatened by climate change, pollution, and human activities. Protecting their natural environment is essential for maintaining healthy populations of this species.
The Clark's wrasse plays an important role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems.
By feeding on various smaller organisms, it helps control invertebrate populations, contributing to a balanced food web.
Its foraging also contributes to the aeration and cleaning of reef surfaces.
Overall, Clark's wrasse is not only a visually impressive part of the Red Sea's biodiversity, but also an essential component of the ecological balance in its marine habitat.
Source: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/wrasse/clarks-wrasse
Etymology:
The species name “clarkae” is a tribute to Dr. Eugenie Clark, a marine biologist who was instrumental in collecting the type specimens for this species and is recognized for her extensive contributions in this field.
Either there are no images available, or only copyright-protected images for which we have been unable to obtain permission, or the existing photos are so unsuitable visually that we have to wait a long time before we can create an entry.
One of these animals is the wrasse Pteragogus clarkae, of which for a very long time there was only one photo of an almost dried or mummified animal:
https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Pteragogus_clarkae.html
We are very grateful to Dr. Sergey Bogorodsky for providing us with an in situ photo of this wrasse!
Sergey confirmed to us that Pteragogus clarkae is a rare species, even in its native habitat around Egypt in the Red Sea.
On the contrary, Red Sea Creatures reports that “This wrasse is common in the warm, clear waters of the Red Sea and lives in coral reefs and lagoons.”
The literature reports in detail on Pteragogus clarkae:
The first specimens of Pteragogus clarkae, SMF 1597, 2: 67–81 mm SL, were described by Klunzinger (1871) from Kosseir, Egypt (=Al Qusayr = Quseir) as Duymaeria opercularis Peters (1847) with type locality Mozambique.
Randall (1981: 82) noted that this name was already used by Duymaeria opercularis Guichenot [= Bodianus opercularis (Guichenot)] and suggested the name Pteragogus pelycus as a replacement, referring to the long pelvic fins.
Peters' holotype is located in the Zoological Museum of Humboldt University in Berlin as ZMB 2474, 107 mm SL.
This species is large for the genus Pteragogus, reaching a standard length of 150 mm. Figures 18 and 19 show photos of specimens from the Seychelles and the Comoros.
The species is still unknown in the Red Sea. Klunzinger's specimens of Pteragogus clarkae and SMF 6442, a specimen with a standard length of 55 mm from Hurghada, described by Klausewitz (1964: 132) as Pteragogus opercularis, were provided on loan by Tilman P. Alpermann; they are included as paratypes of Pteragogus clarkae.
Al-Hussaini (1947: 17) reported on the feeding habits of four specimens identified as Pteragogus opercularis from Hurghada, Egypt, collected at a depth of 10–15 m.
He found their intestines full of foraminiferal shells, and the larger fish also contained small gastropods. His specimens were probably Pteragogus clarkae.
Source: Seven new species of labrid fishes (Coris, Iniistius, Macropharyngodon, Novaculops, and Pteragogus) from the Western Indian Ocean
"Clark's wrasse is a vibrant and distinctive species of wrasse native to the Red Sea.
It belongs to the Labridae family, known for its colorful appearance and active behavior. This particular species is notable for its striking coloration and dynamic presence in coral reef ecosystems.
Clark's wrasse has a striking mix of colors and patterns.
Typically, it has a vibrant body with hues ranging from electric blue and green to bright yellow.
These colors can vary slightly depending on age, sex, and individual specimens.
The fins often have intricate patterns or contrasting edges, adding to their appeal.
The Clark's wrasse prefers shallow coastal areas with abundant coral and rocky substrates, where it can easily find food and shelter.
It is an active swimmer and is often seen hunting for prey among coral reefs.
The Clark's wrasse is known for its curious and energetic nature.
An opportunistic feeder, it hunts small invertebrates, crustaceans, and various benthic organisms.
It displays interesting feeding techniques and often turns over small rocks and corals to reveal hidden prey.
Like many wrasse species, the Clark's wrasse exhibits sequential hermaphroditism, meaning that individuals can change sex as they mature. This adaptation is often influenced by the social structure and environmental factors within their habitat.
Reproduction typically involves complex courtship rituals, with males displaying their bright colors to attract females.
Although not much is known about the conservation status of the Clark's wrasse, the coral reefs that provide an important habitat for these fish are threatened by climate change, pollution, and human activities. Protecting their natural environment is essential for maintaining healthy populations of this species.
The Clark's wrasse plays an important role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems.
By feeding on various smaller organisms, it helps control invertebrate populations, contributing to a balanced food web.
Its foraging also contributes to the aeration and cleaning of reef surfaces.
Overall, Clark's wrasse is not only a visually impressive part of the Red Sea's biodiversity, but also an essential component of the ecological balance in its marine habitat.
Source: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/wrasse/clarks-wrasse
Etymology:
The species name “clarkae” is a tribute to Dr. Eugenie Clark, a marine biologist who was instrumental in collecting the type specimens for this species and is recognized for her extensive contributions in this field.
