Brazil's recently rediscovered reef system is strange and beautiful and, naturally, at risk of being [...]
Of the butterflyfishes that have evolved long snouts in tandem with their dietary needs, none are more impressive, or quirky, than those in the genus Forcipiger. This genus boasts some of the most iconic members of the family, easily identified in the field by even the most amateur of divers. My [...]
The extremely diverse Chaetodontidae is home to a plethora of butterflyfish species, of which, a large majority are charismatic, colorful, iconic piscines that are largely coral reef associated. The family houses ten or so genera, and, despite being one of the most well studied groups of fish [...]
The Philippines and its satellite islands form one of the richest hotspots for biodiversity in the Coral Triangle as well as the Western Pacific Ocean. It is here that many of the characteristically charming species that we’ve come to know and love originate – not just in terms of [...]
Triggerfishes have a deserved reputation as pugnacious and problematical fishes within aquariums, but the half-dozen species of Xanthichthys offer a peaceful exception to this rule. Because of their smaller size and zooplanktivorous diet, they are a surprisingly amenable choice for larger reef [...]
The genus Centropyge is one of seven in the family Pomacanthidae, and comprises of 34 known species distributed in all tropical oceans. This genus is the most species rich of the angelfishes, and attains its maximum diversity in the abundant coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Their appearance has [...]
“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 caudal fin and [...]
“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 similar to the Melanesian [...]