Japan based retailer Crownfish has received an array of Central Pacific and Hawaiian fish, but these aberrant Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus) are stealing the show–based on their ¥195,000 ($2,100 USD) price tag Crownfish is well aware. Unfortunately, abberant morphs like this rarely keep their color, but we can hope. The fish do show some black [...]
Japan based retailer Crownfish has received an array of Central Pacific and Hawaiian fish, but these aberrant Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus) are stealing the show–based on their ¥195,000 ($2,100 USD) price tag Crownfish is well aware. Unfortunately, abberant morphs like this rarely keep their color, but we can hope. The fish do show some black pigment directly behind the operculum and some blue coloration on the dorsal and anal fin. Time will tell if these fish are reverting back to their normal coloration.
With this aberrant form it is difficult to say where these fish originated from. “True” Hawaiian Flames can be distinguished by their fiery red color, that contrasts against the more orange tone of those hailing from Indonesia. Additionally, those from the Marquesas often contain less black pigment. Point being, without speaking with the actual collector it’s highly speculative. Let’s hear what you think in the comments.
[For more information on the color diversity of this vibrant Angel see Richard Pyle's 2007 piece, Genetic connectivity among color morphs and Pacific archipelagos for the flame angelfish, Centropyge loriculus.]
8 Comments
They are so small… I doubt they keep it. I think it is kind of hard to say where they came from because they are so small yet.
I say what I've said often in the past. I envy anyone who has the ability to spend $2100 on a fish, but I REALLY envy the person who has the ability to spend $2100 on a fish, risking that it might revert to a $40 fish. Personally, I think the original Flames look better…the black offsetting the bright orange is a HUGE part of the charm to me. I know the price lies with the rarity, but just my humble opinion.
Seconded. Even if I had the wherewithal to drop that coin on a unique flame, I'd be highly disappointed in myself if it reverted to the standard configuration! Two L. carmabi's would be a better choice for my dollars.
$2100 of coral nipping prowess.
Has the same effect as a naked false perc on me, just seems to be missing the “oomph” that makes the flame so attractive. To each their own…
I agree. I would need to know a little more about these beauties before I dropped $2100.
Matt, very nice. I believe a friend of mine, John Coppolino received one like this not too long ago… Hopefully he'll chime in on its present coloration.
Matt and Eric, the fish you speak of is the same specimen, and that little sucker reverted back to normal coloration! I do have a flame that is similar to the above fish that has kept the color though. That fish was one of a kind though Matt!
Matt and Eric, the fish you speak of is the same specimen, and that little sucker reverted back to normal coloration! I do have a flame that is similar to the above fish that has kept the color though. That fish was one of a kind though Matt!