A Rare and Oddball Fish Kind of Week in the Toronto Area.....

[Taipan]

I've been privileged and fortunate enough to help a couple of the LFS in the area unpacking and acclimating their livestock this week. We're exceptionally spoiled in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with so many rarities and oddballs. I thought I'd share some pictures with fellow CanReef Members for future reference and posterity. Some of these fish I have not seen in person until now. Some I have not seen in several years. Others have what I consider superior colouration or markings that are sought after.

I am hoping that there aren't any issues with this post from Sponsors. The purpose of this post is NOT to solicit but for reference. I have purposely not disclosed store names and/or pricing. It also should be mentioned that these particular LFS do not ship and I'm sure by the time this post is uploaded; these rarities will have been sold. I am also confident that the Sponsors here will be able to come across these oddballs and rarities from time to time as well.

Enjoy the List and Eye Candy:

Hybrid Achilles Tang (Show Size/Specimen and accompanying Smaller Version) = Acanthurus achilles x Acanthurus nigricans

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_011321_zpsj3ttllzi.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_011321_zpsj3ttllzi.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4815_zpse7tk6vpa.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4815_zpse7tk6vpa.jpg.html)

How Cute is this?

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_011504_zpsor319ftb.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_011504_zpsor319ftb.jpg.html)

Achilles Tang with a HUGE Achilles Tail Spot:

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_011531_zps8zwukbfp.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_011531_zps8zwukbfp.jpg.html)

A solid gold Crosshatch Trigger with what I consider exceptionally bright markings across the cheek and tail

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_011016_zpsmmooy0hi.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_011016_zpsmmooy0hi.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_010558_zpsretzfcyc.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_010558_zpsretzfcyc.jpg.html)

A Golden Back Trigger (Xanthichthys caeruleolineatus) that isn't a ginormous monstrosity. Notice the bright symmetrical stripe along the side and colouration of the tail and area along the pectoral fins.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150515_011008_zpsnfnxoqhf.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150515_011008_zpsnfnxoqhf.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150515_011000_zpskavcw9tt.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150515_011000_zpskavcw9tt.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/DSC_4846_zpsr3my94jp.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/DSC_4846_zpsr3my94jp.jpg.html)

It swam up to me and allowed me to literally pet it this afternoon as I was hand feeding it!

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/DSC_4838_zps81jwrqgj.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/DSC_4838_zps81jwrqgj.jpg.html)

More pics to come......

[Taipan]

Rabaulichthys sp. - Sailfin Anthias Rabaulichthys suzukii and Rabaulichthys squirei. These haven't been seen in the GTA in at least several years if my memory serves.

http://reefbuilders.com/2011/07/14/sailfin-anthias-rabaulichthys-sp-close-video-displaying-male/

http://glassbox-design.com/2009/rabaulichthys-sailfin-anthias/

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150513_233419_zpsylg4epsf.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150513_233419_zpsylg4epsf.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150513_233430_zpsdyc8u2wy.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150513_233430_zpsdyc8u2wy.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150514_203932_zpshba30oqc.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150514_203932_zpshba30oqc.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150514_203648_zpsa3nqayum.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150514_203648_zpsa3nqayum.jpg.html)

A Swarm of Golden Dwarf Moray Eels Gymnothorax melatremus
I could only get a picture with 4 of the 6 that arrived. They move too fast. It was cool watching them ball/nest together.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_024459_zpsijfwdcz4.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_024459_zpsijfwdcz4.jpg.html)

Captive Bred Latezonatus Clownfish Amphiprion latezonatus straight from Karen Brittain. She sent the last 4 she had. With her busy schedule attending to the "Rising Tide Conservation" project; she hasn't had time to breed and rear her Latz lately. She did say that her Latz spawned a few day ago. So there's hope for more of her stock to other hobbyists by Autumn or Winter.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_012146_zps3y9oxrdr.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150515_012146_zps3y9oxrdr.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4706_zpsm8cnhlg4.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4706_zpsm8cnhlg4.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4690_zps205uyted.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4690_zps205uyted.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4691_zpsfkaxqjpa.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4691_zpsfkaxqjpa.jpg.html)

I haven't had the opportunity yet; however I will endeavour to have a look and take some pictures of Pseudanthias mica - Mica's Anthias that were recently made available. I'm sure one of our Sponsors could share and show them off as well. :cool:

[Bblinks]

Sweet hybrids!

[DAVE]

I haven't had the opportunity yet; however I will endeavour to have a look and take some pictures of Pseudanthias mica - Mica's Anthias that were recently made available. I'm sure one of our Sponsors could share and show them off as well. :cool:

Excellent photos and thanks for the queue Red...

I did get the first 2 pairs of Mica Anthias (photos below)in Canada I was going to put them for sale, however they look so good in my new 10' DT that I decided to keep them. Here are some photos below (not taken by me). When I get back home I will take some of my own photos and post a short vid. These anthias are AMAZING, not only are they stunning to look at they immediately took to flakes and are now fully accustomed to there new home. If anyone is looking for a pair I can get only a few more. Price is $899 ea

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26422390/Fish/2015-04-24%2023.44.59.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26422390/Fish/2015-05-17%2006.23.04.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26422390/Fish/2015-05-17%2006.23.05.jpg

I also have a few GEM tangs coming in this Wednesday. Photos below are the actual specimens arriving. They are the perfect size at 1.5-2.5" (extremely rare to get in this size) and I will be offering one (maybe two) for sale at $2699 each. (includes free shipping with Air Cargo).

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26422390/Fish/2015-05-17%2006.24.40.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26422390/Fish/2015-05-17%2006.24.41.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26422390/Fish/2015-05-17%2006.24.42.jpg

Any questions send me a PM. Lets keep this thread going for rare and unusual fish finds.

[Myka]

I did get the first 2 pairs of Mica Anthias (photos below)in Canada

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26422390/Fish/2015-04-24%2023.44.59.jpg


That is not entirely true - you may have the first pair, but Bayside Corals had one some years ago. Beautiful fish nonetheless! Nice Gem Tangs too! I have one.

[DAVE]

That is not entirely true - you may have the first pair, but Bayside Corals had one some years ago. Beautiful fish nonetheless! Nice Gem Tangs too! I have one.

Lol! I said pair not single. So it is true ;)

[Taipan]

Sweet hybrids!

Yeah. I can't complain. It was really great that our diver/supplier sent a "Show sized" specimen. Those are usually destined for Asia or Germany. If they do make it to North America; it's usually "Diver's Den" or "Quality Marine" that snags them up. The LFS (typically) always asks for more (of everything); but we consider ourselves fortunate to get the allotment that they provide. Nearly all the higher end fish from this shipment came in healthy and alive. It's tough to see any fish D.O.A.; but more so when it's a rarity or oddball.

"Excellent photos and thanks for the queue Red..."

My photo skills pale in comparison; but thanks lol. As for the queue - It's what I do. :wink:

"....however they look so good in my new 10' DT that I decided to keep them."

D'oh! I'm not surprised. :lol:

"I also have a few GEM tangs coming in this Wednesday."

Sexy....very sexy....

"Any questions send me a PM. Lets keep this thread going for rare and unusual fish finds."

http://i.imgur.com/Xlg59lP.gif

[Taipan]

Male Golden Rhomboid Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rhomboidalis)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_155259_zps3mqeerl9.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_155259_zps3mqeerl9.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_155254_zpsq543yzjj.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_155254_zpsq543yzjj.jpg.html)

It may be pushing the envelope of "rare" but this is a very colourful Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus ocellatus)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_151200_zpseecyfkas.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_151200_zpseecyfkas.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_155531_zps17ndxcin.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_155531_zps17ndxcin.jpg.html)

Golden Dwarf Moray Eel (Gymnothorax melatremus)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_152430_zpsfilcdnmw.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/IMG_20150518_152430_zpsfilcdnmw.jpg.html)

I couldn't resist. Apologies. Loving being able to hand feed this guy. How cool is this? Golden Back Trigger (Xanthichthys caeruleolineatus)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_155916_zpsmmo9uh03.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_155916_zpsmmo9uh03.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_152028_zpsq9fzvr5h.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_152028_zpsq9fzvr5h.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_151759_zps7kyskuqd.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_151759_zps7kyskuqd.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_151801_zpssvxhhroi.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_151801_zpssvxhhroi.jpg.html)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_151740_zpsnilxaxl8.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Goldenback%20Trigger/IMG_20150518_151740_zpsnilxaxl8.jpg.html)

[Taipan]

Pair of Flame Fairy Wrasses (Cirrhilabrus jordani) ......

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4933_zpsuucd7k25.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4933_zpsuucd7k25.jpg.html)

Performing the "Sexy" Dance......

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4904_zpsfdfqclwn.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4904_zpsfdfqclwn.jpg.html)

Male:

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4862_zpscpj9sini.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4862_zpscpj9sini.jpg.html)

Female:

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4878_zpseqamr2hm.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4878_zpseqamr2hm.jpg.html)

Say What?

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab158/IamTaipan/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4868_zpsbyuz0h6d.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/IamTaipan/media/Oddballs%20and%20Rarities/DSC_4868_zpsbyuz0h6d.jpg.html)