The Lipogramma basslets are such rare fishes, that few even know they exist. However, to the extreme rare fish enthusiast they are one of the most coveted. Shown above is Lipogramma evides. This individual is believed to be the only living specimen in captivity. These photos, taken by Mr. Koji Wada, are the only living [...]
The Lipogramma basslets are such rare fishes, that few even know they exist. However, to the extreme rare fish enthusiast they are one of the most coveted. Shown above is Lipogramma evides. This individual is believed to be the only living specimen in captivity. These photos, taken by Mr. Koji Wada, are the only living images you’ll likely find of L. evides on the internet–at least for now.
Lipogramma evides acclimating to a Japanese Reef Tank
Lipgogramma klayi from Blue Harbor’s 2009 Calendar
Forrest Young and the Dynasty Marine Crew are out in Curacao on an already successful collection trip for these deepwater basslets and other rarities. Using closed circuit rebreathers, the collectors dive to 300 ft where fish such as L. evides and L. klayi are found hiding in caves and crevices. Per communication with Forrest while on location in Curacao, the team had already collected a handful of Lipogramma klayi, Lipogramma evides, Lipogramma trilineatum, as well as a few undescribed Sabre Gobies and a tiny Spanish Flag (Gonioplectrus hispanus).
The Spanish Flag (Gonioplectrus hispanus) is a colorful and highly sought after fish
Should any of these fish stay in the U.S. expect prices north of $1K. A few years back L. evides sold in Japan (Blue Harbor) for $3,000 USD with L. klayi for $2,000. Given the early pricing that we’re seeing we’d expect to see $1,800-$2,000 and $1,200-$1,400 for the respective species–but at this point it’s just conjecture. Most of these are already earmarked for Japan, but with Dynasty making the trek back home to the Florida Keys early this week, we will hopefully see one or two stay in the States.
[Thanks to Mr. Koji Wada for the images]
