We’ve been keenly watching the Bishop Museum’s research blog with Rich Pyle & Friends recounting all kinds of cool stories about their deep diving in Pohnpei. In addition to sharing their observations about diving to 300 feet and below, there’s plenty of time spent in shallower depths decompressing and one of the most recent ascents was highlighted by some very fascinating insights about the Golden Angelfish, Centropyge aurantia.
The golden angelfish is a rare and very reclusive species of dwarf angelfish that although is semi-regularly available in the aquarium hobby, is still very little known or understood. Even when kept in aquaria for long periods of time, they never really get bold enough to come out and beg for food.
The cryptic habits of the Golden Angelfish has prevented this species from also being observed at great length in the wild with any detail, but a recent right-time-right-place kind of dive in Pohnpei revealed a small glimpse into the life of this mysterious fish. The short version of the story is that it seemed that the Golden Angelfish tended to come out right at dusk and began to spend some time out in the open once the sun started going down, but be sure and read Rich Pyle’s account of this awesome and enlightening encounter. [Ghost Story]
