Hold on to your anal fins folks because the Tiger’pyge, a hybrid Centropyge flavissimus x C. eibli, is easily one of the most exciting fish we have seen this year. Second only to the Clipperton Angelfish which never made it past customs, the fish which has already been simmering in an American tank for a week is even more singular than any species. Although the quality of hybrid Centropyge can sometimes be hit or miss, the stunning perfection of the above specimen is second to none: orange-ringed blue eye, blue markings on the gill and spine, perfect orange tiger stripes on a vivid yellow body, a brilliant blue margin to the unpaired fins and a startling black tail. A rare fish collector could not ask for more features when combining the genes of two different fish. The Tiger’pyge, as we’ve affectionately dubbed it, is such a rare specimen that we did some sleuthing and we couldn’t come up with anyone who could remember the last time the C. flavissimus x C. eibli cross graced American soil. If you are a Chicago area resident you are in luck because the Tiger’pyge will be headed to the rare fish specialists at Old Town Aquarium and it should be on display early next week. We hope that Jim & Co. keep this one because even at the asking price of up to $1500, we don’t expect this fish will be chillin at Old Town for more than 30 days. Follow the break for another great shot of the Tiger’pyge. Super big thanks to Russo’s Reef for sharing their amazing images with us.
