Via Blue Harbor Cirrhilabrus naokoae was recently described by Dr. Hiroyuki Tanaka and published in January’s Aqua with Jack Randall (See abstract below). The fish was thoughtfully named after Dr. Tanaka’s wife. The fairy wrasse Cirrilabrus naokoae is described as a new species from three male specimens obtained via the aquarium trade; the probable locality is the [...]
Via Blue Harbor
Cirrhilabrus naokoae was recently described by Dr. Hiroyuki Tanaka and published in January’s Aqua with Jack Randall (See abstract below). The fish was thoughtfully named after Dr. Tanaka’s wife.
The fairy wrasse Cirrilabrus naokoae is described as a new species from three male specimens obtained via the aquarium trade; the probable locality is the vicinity of Medan on the northwest coast of Sumatra. It is related to C. joanallenae, C. morrisoni, and C. rubriventralis, which share the characters in the male of an elevated anterior part of the dorsal fin, very large pelvic fins, a single row of scales on the cheek, and some features of colour. It is most similar to C. joanallenae, differing in having the anterior lobe of the dorsal fin about one-fourth of the standard length (instead of a pennant from the first two dorsal spines as long or longer than the standard length in C. joanallenae), having 16 instead of 14 or 15 anterodorsal lateral-line scales, and having a broad bright yellow stripe on the side of the body.
As mentioned in the abstract, this species was first described from specimens from the aquarium trade. It is possible that these were in the U.S. prior, but since being described this is one of the first times it has popped up… and in decent numbers. These are currently retailing in Japan for $150-$200, but have popped up in the U.S. just shy of $300. Additional photos:
For additional info see:
Randall, J.E. & Tanaka, H. 2009. Cirrhilabrus naokoae, a new labrid fish from Indonesia. aqua International Journal, 15(1): 29-36.
