The shrimpgobies of the genus Stonogobiops are a common sight in any aquarium store, with species oftentimes selling for not much more than the cost of a cheap damselfish. Because of this, it might come as a surprise to learn that the half-dozen species that comprise...
The selection of non-photosynthetic stony corals at your average fish store is not typically a very diverse lot. You may find a species or two of Tubastraea; if you’re lucky, you may spy a Dendrophyllia or Rhizopsammia. And if that shop really brings in the rare...
With all due respect to Neoliomera, perhaps the most coveted carcinological treasure to be found on coral reefs are the Clown Crabs of the genus Platypodiella. Like a red and yellow Rorschach test, these diminutive invertebrates epitomize the visual splendour we...
The pint-sized basses of the genus Serranus just got a new species added to their ranks with the description of a stunning new fish from the poorly known tropical reefs of Western Africa. But this fish is no stranger to aquarists, as specimens have been trickling into...
Over the years, a small number of specimens said to represent an undescribed species of fairy wrasse have found their way into the aquarium trade, apparently having originated from collectors based in Sulawesi, Indonesia. This confounding fish, dubbed the “Sailfin...
The latest addition to the enormous fairy wrasse genus Cirrhilabrus is an understated fish found in a tiny corner of the Indo-Pacific. Hailing from the reefs of Northern Australia, a region predisposed to seasonal deluges, the Monsoon Fairy Wrasse is aptly named. It’s...
Pseudanthias heemstrai is, by any metric, one of the most singularly confounding species of anthias in the Indo-Pacific. Since being discovered in the 1980’s, the species has remained virtually unstudied by ichthyologists. Despite residing in some of the most visited...
If you thought 112 species of dwarfgobies wasn’t quite enough, then allow me to introduce #113, the Paintedface Dwarfgoby (Eviota pictifacies), a rosy-cheeked fellow from shallow reefs of the Coral Triangle. Unlike so many of its drab relatives, this little goby is...
Aberrant Scopas Tangs are all the rage these days, and the specimen seen here is one of most interesting ones yet. Unlike the asymmetrical markings we typically find in “Koi Tangs”, this unusual individual has a perfectly bicolored appearance.…
The deep reefs south of Taiwan have revealed yet another interesting piscine discovery, the latest in a string of remarkable finds that includes Selenanthias, Antigonia, and Plectranthias randalli.…