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.

Review of the Indo-Pacific genus Pseudocoris, with a description of two new species

The genus Pseudocoris has received a full taxonomic review by Benjamin C. Victor, Allan D. Connel and John E. Randall. The paper includes a description of two new species from the Indian Ocean, Pseudocoris hemichrysos & P. occidentalis, both of which are…

2.3 Fairy Wrasses: The exquisitus complex

Cirrhilabrus exquisitus is an unusually widespread and variable species which appears to form a lineage alongside the scottorum and cyanopleura groups, with all three sharing characteristically mid-length pelvic fins. Unlike any other species of Cirrhilabrus, the Exquisite Fairy Wrasse has…

Balinese faux gold: Captive bred hybrid Goldflake Angelfish

In continuation with our previous post on Bali Aquarich’s new Euxiphipops angelfish, we’re revealing the second angelfish to hit the scene. This time its not one species, but a hybrid combination of two. This marks the eighth species of angelfish…

Bellissima bellus: The biology and hybridization of Genicanthus bellus

The genus Genicanthus boasts of ten medium to large angelfish species that have evolved away from the regular substrate perusing stereotype. All members of this genus are rather streamlined, being longer than they are tall. Their caudal fins are festooned with…

Orange is the new black

With all the buzz surrounding Bali Aquarich’s newest captive bred angels, let us not forget some of their perennial, evergreen staples that really started it all. The spectral Platax pinnatus and chromic Holacanthus clarionensis are without a doubt two of Bali Aquarich’s most…

Monday Mystery: Majestic bluefaces abound in Bali

Pomacanthus navarchus. Pomacanthus xanthometopon. These are a few of my favorite things. But what exactly is going on in Bali right now? Apart from the smouldering volcano (Mt. Raung) spewing out ashes and trapping hapless tourists in this island paradise,…

Awesome Fish Spotlight: Valenciennea helsdingenii

Chances of bumping into cool fish increases exponentially when you’re out and about marauding the various Balinese wholesale facilities. Picking out a truly rare gem amidst a swathing plague of reef fish requires a keen eye and an innate intuition. That…

Awesome Fish Spotlight: The scarlet Synchiropus

Synchiropus is an immaculate genus famed for the unorthodox juxtaposition between cute and freaky. With frog like faces, huge bulging eyes and pursed lips, coupled with their undulating fin movements, they make for a highly peculiar animal. In the aquarium context, few species illicit…

Lessepsian migration between the Mediterranean and Red Seas via the Suez Canal

The Mediterranean and the Red Seas are some of the most historical, geographical and anthropologically important landmarks that this magnificent planet holds. Fed primarily by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans respectively, together these two bodies of water tell an opulent story dating back…

Poetry in motion, Priolepis nocturna in notion

I live in seclusion, cloistered and coy. Taciturn and weary, I watch you go by. From under my ledge, I yearn to be free. If only I dared, if only I cared.