A pair of Squire' fairy wrasses on PIA

[WayneL333]

Just letting you fish heads know there's an unbelievably beautiful pair of Cirrhilabrus squirei on Pacific Island Aquatics right now. I'm so tempted but I've already dropped a grip load on fish recently. Maybe if I ask Santa...I've been pretty good this year!

 

[MikeandNicole]

I hear you, I would hope Santa would bring them down the chimney for me, but I think I would be upset if he did not properly acclimate them.

 

[Cubbies]

:fun2:

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

Cool fish I hope someone active here grabs them.

 

[Marshall O]

They are actually decently priced, yet still about $5k out of my "stay married" price range...

 

[bobkill]

Anyone know the back ground in these fish? First time in US?

 

[evolved]

Anyone know the back ground in these fish? First time in US?

First time in the states, yes.

It's been collected a few times in the last couple years, but all have gone to Japan or China. Blue Harbor sold the first one which was ever offered for about 5k for a single male.

Right now, they are only know to a certain area of the Coral Sea where only Cairns Marine is collecting. Which also gives rise to the Latin name, as it was Lyle Squire who collected the first specimen (early-mid 2012 time-frame IIRC).

What's a bit more interesting, is the appearance of the species is identical to that of the Philippine variant of C. lunatus, except the fins are yellow as opposed to black.

 

[roni]

They are actually decently priced, yet still about $5k out of my "stay married" price range...

Yup, about the same price as a single male previously sold for but as with you, far outside my stay inside the house price. Some collector will get a great pair of fish

 

[Overboard]

I need to find a new Santa!!! The best I can hope for is yellowtail damsel!!

Of course, maybe if I had been better this year.................................