Man, I really love when Keoki Stender photographs aquatic life on a white background, there’s just something so striking about the contrast. You might recall a while back I posted that face-melting Holanthias fuscipinnis photographed in the same manner by Stender with some pretty mind-blowing results. Now, we have these two beauties, a Bandit Angelfish and a Tinkeri Butterfly, caught in perfect detail. 

The Bandit Angelfish, Apolemichthys arcuatus, is an elegant little fish endemic to Hawaiian waters. Also known as the “Black-banded Angelfish” thanks to his (or her – this hermaphroditic fish is indistinguishable in color between male and female) inky black mask. Shimmering in pearlescent shades of greys, blacks, browns and golds, the semi-aggressive member of the Pomacanthidae family is somewhat difficult to keep, however, a wonderful treat for a seasoned aquarist.

Next up, we have this sprightly little ‘papillon’ – the Tinkerii Butterfly.

The Tinkerii Butterfly, Chaetodon tinkeri is a peaceful Hawaiian resident with pretty darn “acute” coloration. Predominantly alabaster, he dons a bright flash of ellow vertically down his face, obscured by his pitch-black eyes. Some subtle black speckles flank his sides and meet a triangular pool of black that fills the rest of his body and dorsal fin, his anal fin returning to the same sunny yellow that masks his face. I particularly dig the blonde mohawk he appears to be rocking.

As beautiful as both of these guys are, I’d unfortunately advise against adding them to a reef tank, as they will likely munch on your corals, mushrooms and anemones. However, if you happen to have a bit of experience and a fish only system, rock on.