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Jumping bean

Jumping bean

The jumping bean is a shy fish, but it is hard to miss when one catches a glimpse of its brilliant blue body and burnt orange head and back.

The jumping bean generally lives alone on coral reefs and rocky outcrops. It feeds on algae, but is an omnivore and will predate on smaller animals if the opportunity presents itself.

This fish begins life as a male, but changes into a female with age.

The IUCN status is Least Concern, but its population is decreasing.

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Also known as an orangeback angelfish or the African pygmy angelfish, African cherubfish or flameback angelfish.
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Found along the eastern African and Arabian coasts, from Oman to East London.
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Grows up to 8cm long