Zoological taxonomy is not for the feint of heart. Take, for instance, the humble Toadstool Coral— a stalwart soft coral recommended to every rookie reef aquarist. Despite the ubiquity and importance of these corals in reef ecosystems, our understanding of their...
The groupers, hinds and lyretails of the Family Epinephilidae are one of the most speciose groups associated with tropical coral reefs, but, despite this immense biodiversity (~16 genera, ~165 species), few species make their way into the aquarium trade and fewer...
Of the twenty recognized species of Paracheilinus wrasses, few are quite so revered and expensive within the aquarium trade as P. attenuatus, known variably as the Seychelles Flasherwrasse, African Attenuate Flasherwrasse or Diamond-tail Flasherwrasse. This piscine...
This incredible specimen was discovered in a shipment of fishes from Southeast Australia and appears to represent the first recorded hybrid for one of the most sought after species of anemonefish, Amphiprion latezonatus. Known variously as the Wide-band or Blue-lip...
If you’ve never before heard of the Prismatic Eyebar Goby (Gnatholepis ophthalmotaenia), it’s likely because this is a name that I’ve literally just coined for a species that was until now referred to by an outdated and decidedly lackluster term. I’ve always been of...
One of the most rarely seen fairy wrasses, Cirrhilabrus sanguineus, has just been collected for the first time in many years, and you’ll probably need to ready yourself for some sticker shock.…
It’s Tosanoides Tuesday for the second week in a row! Just last week that we were greeted to the resplendent beauty of Tosanoides aphrodite—a species that’s so obnoxiously eye-catching that it’s gone viral outside of the fish nerd media—and today we have another vibrant entry into the genus, T.…
What better way is there to ring in the new year than a deep sea jelly that’s exploding with color?
Halitrephes maasi is a spectacular hydromedusan that’s found all across the world’s temperate and tropical waters.…
“Yellowtail Damselfish” C. parasema Range: Philippines north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Sabah, Java Sea, Flores Etymology: Greek “streamer”, allegedly in reference to the pale tail Size: 5cm Aquarium Rarity: Abundant ID: Entirely blue, except for a bright yellow...
“Springer’s Damselfish” C. springeri Range: Indonesia, though likely absent from the Java Sea and Sumatra. Etymology: After ichthyologist Dr. Victor Springer of the Smithsonian Size: 5cm Aquarium Rarity: Common ID: Mostly blue, with little black exposed. Notes: Very...