A new study is calling into question whether the recently described Cocopeel Angelfish (Centropyge cocosensis) is truly a distinct species or just a yellow imposter. While aquarists have long appreciated the unique qualities of this fish—most notably, its blue iris—it...
Golden Domino Damselfish (Dascyllus auripinnis) With its bright, sulphurous fins set off brilliantly against a silvery body, there is no mistaking this sexy fish. But, despite its stately good looks, this species was only scientifically described in 2001, previously...
Whitetip Domino Damselfish (Dascyllus cf trimaculatus) The West Pacific population of domino damselfish is easily recognized by the white posterior tip of the dorsal fin, as well as its dark head and dark fins. The exception is a series of oblique yellowish lines...
Like so many widespread coral reef fishes, the ubiquitous Domino Damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) is really a mélange of subtly different regional populations. Each of these unique forms is readily recognizable relative to its neighbors; however, their tremendous...
The Tribe Omobranchini is a small group (7 genera, 36 species) of shallow-water, carnivorous blennies with a relatively small presence in the aquarium hobby. Species tend to be drably colored, small in size and found near estuaries on rocky or shelly substrates. Only...
The Lyretail Anthias is one of the most iconic species of coral reef fish, found in abundance across much of the Indo-Pacific. It’s not uncommon for thousands of these to congregate in vast shoals, making them a hugely popular target for underwater photographers....
As part of my ongoing series documenting undescribed species of the Amphiprion clarkii group, let’s journey to the Mariana Arc to find yet another distinctive fish in need of recognition. This chain of islands sits at an important biogeographical intersection, where...
The subtropical reefs along the South African coastline are a hotbed for many species of fish not normally collected for the aquarium trade. This biogeographically unique region is home to the famed Apolemichthys kingi—a resplendent fish of legendary rarity which is...
Cirrhilabrus lubbocki is a fish that many aquarists will be familiar with, as this species is one of the most abundantly exported and least expensive fairy wrasses in the aquarium trade. It’s small size, peaceful demeanor and beautiful colors have made it a perennial...
There’s a lot to like about the Dottybelly Dottyback, a new species of Pseudochromis with a delightfully alliterative name that was just described from Japan. With its blue speckled facial markings and a warm ruddy glow that seems to burn from within, this is...