Now that the once highly coveted Odontanthias borbonius is relatively common in the marine aquarium, it’s time for rare fish fanciers to set their sights on more elusive fish. Reefbuilders is the online authority on rare reef fish and as such, we take it upon ourselves to crown a champion for the title of the new holy grail of anthias, Tosanoides flavofasciatus, the Yellowlined Japanese Anthias. As the above image demonstrate, the stunning coloration, bold outline and amazing fin filaments of the yellowlined japanese anthias makes clear why this species is our new holy grail of rare anthias. Hit the read link for more pictures and videos which firmly establish the yellowlined japanese anthias as the new champion of rare reef fish.
Like the Blotchy Anthias and many other splendid deepwater fish, this coolwater wonder is currently only known to inhabit Japanese coastal waters. Described as recently as 1979, Tosanoides flavofasciatus is one of only two species in the genus Tosanoides. As with other Anthiines, T. flavofasciatus is a protogynous hermaphrodite meaning that they begin life as mild colored females and they develop into full fledged males with increased age and size. Juveniles and female yellowline anthias sport yellow and purple on the face and they have a broad lustrous purple edging on the anterior portion of their red and yellow ventral and anal fins. Once they are fully grown, male yellowline anthias have fantastic filaments from the caudal, anal and ventral fins and they also boast the broad yellow and and purple bands of their namesake. Check out the videos of both female and female yellowline anthias in the wild which both show why this fish is one of the most highly coveted reef fish in the world.
FEMALE
MALE
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