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KaiTheFishGuy
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Kai is a systematic ichthyologist at The Australian Museum, Sydney. His research interests combine the use of cutting-edge next generation sequencing techniques with traditional methods of morphology to better understand the evolutionary history of coral reef fishes. He is a legacy ReefBuilders contributor, having previously written close to give hundred articles under his pseudonym LemonTYK.

A fly/spy on the wall at Cairns Marine – Part 2

The caliber and quality of sustainably collected animals from Cairns Marine are some of the best anywhere in the world today. From miniature shrimps to magnificent sharks, stinging anemones to demanding Acropora, every animal that pass through these doors are exposed…

The Peppermint Angelfish that won the world over

Despite the Peppermint Angelfish’s (Paracentropyge boylei) recent meteoric debut in the mainstream aquarium trade, it’s status as an iconic book fish has hardly been relinquished. Familiarity has not made us jaded with the clinquant beauty of this incredible species. In fact, it’s a…

The elusive Ogilbyina salvati appears at Quality Marine

Ogilbyina is a genus of dotty backs endemics to the Australian-Melanesian subregions of Oceania. The genus is easily diagnosed by having a triangular patch of teeth on their vomer, as well as having a more anteriorly placed dorsal fin. The…

So, you glow in the dark? That don’t impress me much

Coral fluorescence is a magical phenomenon that is well documented, studied, and exploited by all who enjoy it. Fluorescence is an emission of light at a different wavelength from which was absorbed, and this causes a visible glow. Excitation however dies…

Opinion: I love Chromis leucura

I like damselfish. I like Chromis even more. But if there’s one Chromis that I love, it’s Chromis leucura. Chromis leucura is a diminutive species that is often found in small groups along deep reef walls and ledges ranging from…

A fly/spy on the wall at Cairns Marine – Part 1

The heaven and earth contrast between home aquarists and public aquarists have succeeded in fissuring the marine aquarium paradigm in more ways than one. While both industrial scenes are unified by the prevailing love of marine life, the industrial aspects and technical rigmarole…

Do you even Chromis viridis? How well do you know your damsels?

Chromis viridis is an evergreen staple of the reef aquarium paradigm. Its ubiquity in the field is reflected almost equally in the trade, and the species plays host to a veritable plethora of hobbyists both novice and pro. The specific…

Calling all MACNA attendees. We want you to clip all the fins!

This is a public service announcement for all Fairy Wrasse aficionados. As you may have known, we are embarking on a cursory phylogenetic review of the genus Cirrhilabrus in all its intimate and baroque detail. As fun as it is…

3.1 Fairy Wrasses: The rubrimarginatus group

The rubrimarginatus group is home to some of the most well-known (and well-loved) of the Fairy Wrasses. The group can be divided rather equally into two clades, each with their own separate diagnostic features. The males attain fairly large sizes,…

A new range extension for Chaetodon burgessi in the Coral Sea

The family Chaetodontidae is well represented by ten genera. Of which, the most populous Chaetodon is home to several subgenera, one of which is the eternally fascinating Roaops. This small subgenus comprises of five handsome species, including the dapper, monochromatic Chaetodon…