Plectranthias sagamiensis, Sagami perchlet appears at Blue Harbor

The Sagami perchlet, Plectranthias sagamiensis is another very seldom seen reef basslet which has recently made it’s way to the Japanese rare fish Mecca, Blue Harbor. These two pictures show the same specimen of Sagami perchlet displaying two color phases: It is unclear whether this fish is showing some kind of general excitement or nuptial coloration but we believe that the orange face phase is a type of sexual courtship display. Having had photographic intercourse with Plectranthias pelicieri, we can tell you that the face of the Sagami perchlet is very similar with brilliant yellow head markings that are partly obscured by the orange base coloration. Like other Plectranthias species, P. sagamiensis has long been thought to have a limited range with most specimens being discovered or sighted in Japanese waters. However, just like the P. pelicieri before which had only been recorded from Mauritius and Southern Japan with an aquarium specimen originating from Tonga, P. sagamiensis sightings are concentrated around Japan but at least one specimen has been found in a deepwater trawl of Southern Indonesian waters. The rarely seen Sagami perchlet has only been recorded to reach just over two inches in length but something tells us that with some TLC this species would likely reach right around 3″. The price of this fish was not specified but this fish was likely sold to the highest bidder.