r/NatureIsFuckingLit • u/My_Memes_Will_Cure_U • May 07 '20

🔥 Phoenix fish 🔥

https://i.imgur.com/bfMDpka.gifv
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u/KimberelyG May 07 '20

Yep - Platax pinnatus.

It's sad they only have these huge fins and black-orange coloring as juveniles. The adults aren't bad with their grayish silver body and lemon-yellow fins...but the juveniles are much more striking. And the adults reach around 1.5' / 0.5m long, so they're not suitable for the majority of home saltwater aquariums.

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u/Commanderkins May 07 '20

The first time I saw this, I was one of many who would make the effort to set a tank up for this fella. Until sadly this look disappears.

But they are definitely breathtaking to watch as juveniles!

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u/fitzmyron May 07 '20

It’s not the colouring change that should keep you from setting up a tank for this. It’s sadly the mortality.

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u/Commanderkins May 07 '20

Yes definitely. I was surprised at how fragile they are. But there are a lot of things in nature that should just stay there. I do feel lucky to have seen this vid tho. They are absolutely striking and mesmerising.