The moonfish, the largest modern bonefish, is a unique animal species. It reaches 3 meters in length and weighs about 1.5 tons. These fish share many similarities with puffer fish and urchin fish, but their appearance is quite unusual and unlike any other. Their compressed body is extremely high and short and approaches the shape of a disk. The moonfish is listed in the IUCN Red List as a Vulnerable Species.
Feeding and reproduction
Moonfish are found in tropical and temperate waters, but spawn only in the tropical zones of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. This amazing fish feeds on squid, eel larvae, jellyfish, sineworms, small fish, crustaceans and other zooplankton. It can not swiftly maneuver and swim fast in pursuit of prey, and just sucks in his mouth-blade of all edible things that happen to be nearby.
Moonfish is the most prolific fish: one female can hatch up to 300 million eggs. In the process of development from larvae to adults, moonfish go through several stages of development, and all forms do not resemble each other at all.
Threats
Despite its high fecundity, the numbers of this species are small and continue to decline. In addition to natural enemies that prey on larvae and adults, the moonfish population is threatened by humans: in many Asian countries, they are considered medicinal and are being captured on a large scale.
However, there are reports that the meat of these fish contains toxins, like those of urchins and puffer fish, and that their internal organs contain the poison tetrodotoxin, like those of the fugu fish. Therefore, eating the meat of moonfish can be dangerous to human health.
Protection
Because the moonfish is a vulnerable species, measures must be taken to protect it. In some countries, such as Japan and China, there are campaigns to protect this species. Also, it is important to limit the catching of this fish and to prohibit its sale in the markets. In addition, scientific research is needed to learn more about the life and behavior of the moonfish.
In conclusion, the moonfish is an amazing species of wildlife that needs to be protected. Its unique appearance and fecundity make it valuable to science and the ocean ecosystem. Therefore, we must do everything we can to preserve this species for future generations.
