Jean-Marie Gradot, La Reunion
Info
Dactyloptena orientalis (Cuvier, 1829)
Dactyloptena orientalis lives mostly as a loner, more rarely in pairs, especially on sandy/muddy bottoms in coastal waters. During the day, the animals, which occur at depths of up to 100 meters, often dig in.
For a long time, flying cocks were considered a separate group, but for some time now they have been placed in the family of Scorpaeniformes. They are strange, almost peculiar fish, with a box-like body and large wing-like pectoral fins.
They are distantly related to sea moths, to which they also bear a slight resemblance. Flying cocks do not fly, as the name suggests, but walk on their finger-like pectoral fins over the ground.
Flying cocks mainly feed on small animals that live in the substrate (sand). These include crustaceans, molluscs and worms. They will even eat small fish.
In the aquarium, you should provide sand over a large area. The tank should be well established so that many small animals can develop. This is because freshly imported cock of the airfowes usually refuse to eat dead food. In addition, you should offer them plenty of swimming space, combined with a suitable reef design. They get stuck easily, which is why a normal reef tank with lots of stones and crevices does not seem particularly suitable.
A sand zone aquarium is better!
In addition, care should be left to experienced aquarists, especially with regard to feeding.
WARNING: all bottom-dwelling sea anemones MUST be removed before introduction. The animal does not recognize sea anemones as a danger.
Synonyms:
Corystion orientale (Cuvier, 1829)
Corystion orientalis (Cuvier, 1829)
Dactylopterus cheirophthalmus Bleeker, 1855
Dactylopterus japonicus Bleeker, 1854
Dactylopterus orientalis Cuvier, 1829
Ebisinus procne Ogilby, 1910
Dactyloptena orientalis lives mostly as a loner, more rarely in pairs, especially on sandy/muddy bottoms in coastal waters. During the day, the animals, which occur at depths of up to 100 meters, often dig in.
For a long time, flying cocks were considered a separate group, but for some time now they have been placed in the family of Scorpaeniformes. They are strange, almost peculiar fish, with a box-like body and large wing-like pectoral fins.
They are distantly related to sea moths, to which they also bear a slight resemblance. Flying cocks do not fly, as the name suggests, but walk on their finger-like pectoral fins over the ground.
Flying cocks mainly feed on small animals that live in the substrate (sand). These include crustaceans, molluscs and worms. They will even eat small fish.
In the aquarium, you should provide sand over a large area. The tank should be well established so that many small animals can develop. This is because freshly imported cock of the airfowes usually refuse to eat dead food. In addition, you should offer them plenty of swimming space, combined with a suitable reef design. They get stuck easily, which is why a normal reef tank with lots of stones and crevices does not seem particularly suitable.
A sand zone aquarium is better!
In addition, care should be left to experienced aquarists, especially with regard to feeding.
WARNING: all bottom-dwelling sea anemones MUST be removed before introduction. The animal does not recognize sea anemones as a danger.
Synonyms:
Corystion orientale (Cuvier, 1829)
Corystion orientalis (Cuvier, 1829)
Dactylopterus cheirophthalmus Bleeker, 1855
Dactylopterus japonicus Bleeker, 1854
Dactylopterus orientalis Cuvier, 1829
Ebisinus procne Ogilby, 1910
