CARDINALFISH DEATH ROLL

After exploring the rubble flats of Bonaire's Toriis Reef at night for more than 90 minutes, Kris Wilk encountered an unusually bold blackfin cardinalfish. Taking advantage of the video opportunity, he began filming. Without warning, the fish began executing a spectacular series of death rolls. Tucking all of its fins against its body and spinning a few times, it just as quickly sprang back to life, completely alert. The fish also allowed its body to tumble convincingly over the rubble as if it were dead. After several such performances, the cardinalfish finally fled, leaving Kris awestruck. Nature abounds with examples of similar mimicry. But to our knowledge, this is the first documented example of a (Caribbean) fish exhibiting such deliberate, flamboyant, and convincing subterfuge.
Kris Wilk has been diving and capturing rare marine life encounters on film and videotape for nearly 15 years. In 1994 he established ReefNet Inc., a corporation specializing in software and electronic products for divers. As authors of ReefNet's interactive field guide Fishes of the Caribbean, Kris and his family have explored the waters of the Caribbean extensively in search of rare, unusual, or undescribed species. His unique library of first-ever footage has garnered the attention of both fishwatchers and ichthyologists. When above water Kris enjoys teaching advanced fish ID classes, fostering his business and supporting REEF's Fish Survey Project and other initiatives. He lives near Toronto, Canada.

ReefNet, Inc, 3610 Walnut Grove, Mississauga, ON L5L2W8 Canada,
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