The tiger angelfish, Apolemichthys kingi is a species so rare that it is very seldomly seen outside of it’s South African home. Although the tiger angelfish might cost many thousands of dollars if it ever was sold in the US, Europe or Asia, when a fish is locally collected it may as well go into the 26,000 liter marine pond that is just about as stable as any aquarium can be. Living alongside a handful of gem tangs and a wide range of other locally collected South African species such as the double dash or marleyi butterflyfish. The tiger angelfish above is the perfect example of prime health and in this light, it is easy to see why how this species can grow to become as strikingly colored and highly coveted as any of the other rare and elusive marine angelfishes. Photograph above by Dave C.

update: Ironically enough, this species is the poster boy for blue harbor’s calendar this month.