Shortly after posting the Belonoperca pylei on video in Japan, we were able to chat with our friend Rich Ross who is also a marine biologist at the California Academy of Sciences. It seems that he is the proud owner of a Belonoperca pylei, also known as the Dr. Seuss Soapfish. So yes you doubters, it is now on Reef Builders so you know its legitimate.
As one of those rare fish you don’t often have the opportunity to see in captivity, when the opportunity comes along to get a B. pylei and you have the means to care for it, you jump on the opportunity. According to Ross, the fish is eating like a pig and in its own display tank in his “Secret Laboratory”. We’d tell you where this is, but we are afraid trained and deadly assassins will be unleashed upon us.
All we know is the fish originated from the Marshall Islands along with a pair of Johnson’s wrasse (Cirrhilabrus johnsoni) and a Rhomboid wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rhomboidalis). We’re wondering if Mr. Ross can feel our jealousy all the way in his secret lair.
We are hoping to get over to see these creatures in person and hopefully secure some video as well.
