Wild hybrid Chaetodon from Aqua Terra looks like an inverted wrought iron butterflyfish

Hybrids in the butterflyfish realm are few and far between, but if there ever were to be a gang of promiscuous species, it would definitely be the members of the pearlscale butterflyfishes, otherwise known as the Xanthurus complex. The Xanthurus…

LiveAquaria shows off what could be the studliest male Paracheilinus piscilineatus yet

The highly elusive demi god of the flasher wrasses, Paracheilinus piscilineatus has eluded divers and rare fish collectors alike for the longest time imaginable – that is until 2011. Since the start of last year, the industry has been getting fleeting glimpses…

Powerhouse japanese fish stores compete for bragging rights in their latest rare fish haul

It has been said countless of times that the japanese somehow have the magic touch when it comes to rare fish, and they are able to obtain just about anything under the sun; or in this case, under the sea.…

The numerous forms and diversity of Centropyge bispinosa

This is the third post on the diversity and forms of reef fish, and this time on the ubiquitous and highly variable Centropyge bispinosa; also known as the Coral Beauty Angelfish. The standard issue coral beauty is a good mix…

Queen Angelfish from Curacao shows wild aberrant juvenile color pattern

This juvenile queen angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris, from Curacao shows more than a minor amount of aberration to the patterning of its juvenile stripes. Unusual specimens of Holacanthus angelfish are few and far between but just because we see them less than other angelfish, especially…

Chaetodon tinkeri shows why the roaps butterflyfishes are fearless and hardy

Hybrids aside, Chaetodon tinkeri is the least common and arguably the coolest obtainable member of the five roaps butterflyfish – with emphasis on the word obtainable. As far as butterflyfishes go, all five species within this subgenus Roaps are hardy…

Pseudanthias calloura documented in Palau as well as the Celebes Sea before official description

Pseudanthias calloura is a fantastic species made known to aquarists only in the recent years. Also known as the Aurora anthias, the gorgeous serranid is a colorful mix of cadmium orange and lavender. P. calloura is a central pacific species that…

Rainfordia opercularis is THE reef fish of the year 2011

Like we did for the most exciting breakthrough aquarium fish of the year 2011, we’re going to recap some of the most memorable and amazing fish that we’ve seen this year. We have seen some pretty amazing ground breaking collections…

Mauritian Triggerfish, Rhinecanthus cinereus, Lands at House of Fins

Although the genus Rhinecanthus contains seven known species, the so-called “Mauritian Triggerfish” has not, to our knowledge, been imported into the U.S. before. House of Fins of Greenwich, CT secured this colorful specimen, and will have it on hand for…

Centropyge madness hits several Japanese LFS

The local fish stores of Japan are once again in the spotlight as they chaperon a new batch of very unusual Centropyge pygmy angelfish. The fish shown above is a very unusual dwarf angel brought in by B-Box Japan. We’re…