The incredibly deep and rare Curacao undescribed Lipogramma robinsi lookalike strikes again, and this time, two new specimens including a never before seen juvenile were caught by the Curasub. These two are currently the 4th and 5th specimens that we know of currently caught alive. The three specimens before these were legendary aquarium basslets, with one currently residing in BlueHarbor Japan, one in the Smithsonian Museum and the other one with Digiman of Singapore.
This extremely rare deepwater basslet looks similar to L. robinsi, but is thought to be a new undescribed species. All the previous three specimens which were erroneously identified as L. robinsi were in fact, this particular unknown member of the Lipogramma genus. Barry Brown of Coral Reef Photos has yet again provided the world with beautiful pictures of these unknown beauties. Caught at 600-800 ft of barren moon looking rubble reefs of Curacao, these wonderful little basslets are only made known with the deployment of the Curasub.
Carole Baldwin of the Smithsonian is currently working on describing this species, and the Coral Reef Photos will be keeping the world updated on its progress. The little juvenile headlining this post is the first we’ve ever seen of this species, and while not nearly as colourful as the full grown adult, still packs a punch in the rarity department. We are not sure if these two specimens will stay with the Smithsonian, or be offered for the marine aquarium via Dynasty Marine. If they do, theres no doubt in our minds how quick they’ll be snatched up by rare fish enthusiasts.
For more information on all things Curacao, the Curasub and other interesting marine life, check out Barry Brown’s website, Coral Reef Photos.
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