One of the most stunning marvels of the reef, the Copperband Butterflyfish, Chelmon rostratus, is something of an idol within the reef-keeping industry. Gold and pearly white, these delicate fish flit around tanks with such poise, capturing the eye of…
Fish
Clownfish mucus composition changes during host anemone symbiosis
A recent scientific paper has confirmed what many people thought all along, that Clownfish can survive the sting from host anemones because of something in their mucus. But up until now, there has been very little molecular evidence to support…
Regal x Tiger Angelfish could be the first cross-genera hybrid
Prolific angelfish breeders Poma Labs announced the news of not one but two exciting breeding successes this week. The first is the Yellow-Ear Angelfish, Apolemichthys xanthotis, the 19th Angelfish species bred by the leading aquaculturists and they believe, the first…
Poey’s Butterflyfish is an Exception to the Prognathodes Rule
The wonderful Prognathodes aculeatus, or Poey’s Butterflyfish, happens to be my favorite species of butterflyfish in the world. This beautiful Prognathodes species originates from the tropical Western Atlantic and can be found off the coast of Florida all the way…
Halichoeres sanchezi is a New Species of wrasse from the tropical eastern Pacific
A new species of wrasse has been described from the Revillagigedo Archipelago of Mexico, in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. Named the Tailspot wrasse, Halichoeres sanchezi belongs to the Halichoeres melanotis species complex that is found throughout the region, and…
Frosty is a White Scopas Tang from the Indo-Pacific
Majestic Creatures Reef has sent Reef Builders images and video of a very unusual White Scopas Tang, Zebrasoma scopas, which they’ve affectionately named Frosty. They received the 5.5” long fish as a wild-caught fish that was exported via Jakarta in…
Clownfish Stripes Determine Confrontation and Aggression Levels
A research article published in the Journal of Experimental Biology has found that Clownfish can count the number of bars on their congeners and conspecifics, determining their level of aggression toward them, and their host defense. The paper authored by…
Poma Labs WYSIWYG Stubby Conspic Pair Promises to Divide Opinion
Angelfish aquaculturists Poma Labs are offering a pair of short-bodied Spectacled Angelfish, Chaetodontoplus conspicillatus for sale on their website. Conspic angels are one of the most coveted large Angelfish species available to saltwater aquarium owners, although usually they are rectangular…
Short-nosed Tripodfish Recorded for the First Time in the Red Sea
A member of the Tetraodontiform family Triacanthidae has been recorded for the first time in the Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The Short Nosed Tripodfish, Triacanthus biaculeatus, is widespread across the whole Indo–West Pacific, ranging from the…
Plectranthias sagamiensis comes to the US for the First Time
The Threadtail Perchlet, Plectranthias sagamiensis, has been sold in the US for the first time by rare fish importer Unique Fins. Hailing from the deep waters of Japan and Indonesia, P.sagamiensis can be found at depths of over 100 meters,…