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.]
