Blue Zoo Aquatics has revamped their “Collector’s Choice” WYSIWYG offerings, lumping their choicest fish into a new, broader category called the “Weekly Top 50”. Some beautifully unique wild-caught Solomon Island Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) were placed up last week. It’s interesting to note that NONE of these fish are captive bred. They certainly caught our attention. Mark Martin was quick to add on, “My favorite was the “Head-light Percula”! Whether misbarred, almost naked, or having crazy Picasso-type markings (indicative of Picasso genetics???) these fish are as mother nature made them. Seeing diverisity like this coming out of the wild truly makes me reconsider my stance on Picasso Percs, given that they are truly a natural form, and certainly are not “guppified”. These are ALL wild caught, from the Solomon Islands! Many thanks to Blue Zoo Aquatics for these many pics, most of which can be viewed after the break.
Aberrant Amphiprion percula clownfish from the Solomon Islands arrive en masse at Blue Zoo Aquatics
Matt Pedersen
Matt Pedersen is an interactive software developer and part-time fly fishing guide originally from Chicago, IL and current living in Duluth, MN, USA. Additionally, Matt has experience as a professional orchid breeder and certified fly rod builder. Matt has been a marine aquarist for 23 years, and an aquarist for 28+. After spending time on every side of the aquarium industry (retail, commercial and private maintenance & installation, wholesale, hatchery), he currently considers himself a "professional hobbyist". Most recently, Matt has currently spawned 22 species of marine fish, successfully raising 8 of them to date including one worldwide first (the Harlequin Filefish, Oxymonacanthus longirostris), as well as attempted another 6 invertebrate species to date. Most all of this was accomplished with less than 100 gallons of total working capacity, and all in closed culture. In 2010, Matt Pedersen was selected as the breeder of choice to work with the now famous "PNG Lightning Maroon Clownfish" from the SEASMART program, and chronicles the efforts to propagate this one-of-a-kind fish online at The Lightning Project. Matt Pedersen is credited with starting MOFIB (Marine Ornamental Fish & Invertebrate Breeder's Association) and writing for multiple publications including Coral, Koralle, Practical Fish Keeping, Reef Hobbyist Magazine and Reef Builders. Matt has spoken at numerous aquarium clubs and events from coast to coast. He currently sits on the MBI (Marine Breeding Initiative) Council, a project dedicated to bringing the concept of a unified Marine Breeder's Award Program to hobbyist organizations across the country and around the globe. In 2009, Matt was awarded "Aquarist of the Year" honors by both IMAC West and MASNA in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the marine aquarium hobby. Last updated October, 2010.