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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. |
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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,
email |
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