The Clipperton Angelfish (Holacanthus limbaughi) is a true rarity in our hobby. This blue beauty is endemic to the Clipperton Atoll, a French territory roughly 5,000km east of Hawaii, 1,000km south of The Revillagigedos (where it’s cousin the Clarion Angelfish is found) and 2,500km northwest of the Galapagos Islands. The Clipperton Angelfish is only found [...]
The Clipperton Angelfish (Holacanthus limbaughi) is a true rarity in our hobby. This blue beauty is endemic to the Clipperton Atoll, a French territory roughly 5,000km east of Hawaii, 1,000km south of The Revillagigedos (where it’s cousin the Clarion Angelfish is found) and 2,500km northwest of the Galapagos Islands.
The Clipperton Angelfish is only found at this small atoll in what is understood to be healthy numbers, but the remote location makes these fish extremely rare to the hobby and a costly logistical nightmare to import. Last week a large group of these fish were imported, or attempted to be imported with improper documentation. Per confirmation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service ‘USFWS’ these fish have been confiscated and it appears they will most likely end up at Public Aquariums across the U.S.
Juvenile Clipperton - H. limbaughi
Steve Robinson, the same man behind Cortez Marine and the importation of Clarions (Holacanthus clarionensis), has disclosed that he was involved in the collection of the Clippertons and attempted to import them into the U.S. from Mexico. Per Steve’s posts on RC, they were imported as Blue Passers under the scientific name Holacanthus passer. This improper identification raised a red flag, and the fish were rightfully confiscated. We’ll know more when USFWS releases more information.
There has been talk over the past year regarding the availability of these fish. It’s a shame the story did not have a fairy tale ending, but we hope the fish find rightful homes whether they are in private or public aquariums.
For some additional eye candy, visit Diver.net’s photo gallery: Underwater Photographs of Clipperton Island.
