Navarchus Angels

[Rea17]

Hey everyone.

I'm shopping for a couple juvenile navarchus and I'm wondering if there's a big difference between the Indo and Solomon collected specimens, coloration wise. I haven't really noticed any, but I know Indo fish tend to be a bit dull compared to others, and of course it's always nice to avoid the "Indo" label due to collection practices. I prefer LA, but they only have Indo, while BZA carries Solomon. Just trying to figure out how significant the difference is. Thanks!

 

[jnc914]

I have a Solomon in QT now; 2.5" specimen with adult coloration. It is a very vibrant yellow/orange and is pretty robust. I have seen Indos that were not as vibrantly colored. I don't specifically know if there are any environmental factors that would cause a significant difference in their health and coloration. I know Indo gets a bad rap for collection issues, but I have had several Indo specimens that have come in with zero health concerns.

Recently I have even seen "Australian Navarchus" show up on wholesale lists. I am guessing they may be branding Indo's to make them more appealing?

 

[SDguy]

I'm anxious to here peoples' experiences growing them from juvi colors. My biggest issue with navarchus angels is when they get a pale forehead... so unattractive, IMO. I found a large adult with an almost black forehead, and he's been the same since. Deep orange color too, but I don't know where he is from originally.

 

[Rea17]

I'm anxious to here peoples' experiences growing them from juvi colors. My biggest issue with navarchus angels is when they get a pale forehead... so unattractive, IMO. I found a large adult with an almost black forehead, and he's been the same since. Deep orange color too, but I don't know where he is from originally.

I know exactly what you mean. I grew mine out from a 3/4" full juvenile, and he's just now completed the adult transition at 3.5" or so. Awesome color, dark forehead, BUT he got a taste for euphyllias... So I'm thinking about rolling the dice again with a pair this time. He's a yellow/orange, but I've seen some vivid orange specimens on DD from time to time. Maybe it's just lighting in that case...

 

[SDguy]

It may be lighting. Truth be told, this is one fish I would only buy in person, seeing it. The nuances of color are too subtle...

 

[Rea17]

I have a Solomon in QT now; 2.5" specimen with adult coloration. It is a very vibrant yellow/orange and is pretty robust. I have seen Indos that were not as vibrantly colored. I don't specifically know if there are any environmental factors that would cause a significant difference in their health and coloration. I know Indo gets a bad rap for collection issues, but I have had several Indo specimens that have come in with zero health concerns.

Recently I have even seen "Australian Navarchus" show up on wholesale lists. I am guessing they may be branding Indo's to make them more appealing?

Tyvm for the input! Well, Solomon is right near Indo too, so who knows?

 

[chipchip]

I love my navarchus! They are so nice and not aggressive.. Mine did not touch any corals in 4 years now. I got him as a juvi in the juvi coloration and he was about 2" now he is 6" and adult coloration.. I love him because their coloration looks good at daylight and in bluelight. Very bright even though.. I do not know where he is from if indo or solomon..

 

[Winwood]

I've seen some absolutely beautiful Indonesian specimens. I'm not sure location is such a big factor with this species like it is with Emps and Regals, due to it's smaller distribution.

On a side note, a lot of time Indonesia is discounted because of collection practices, especially in the past. However, let's not forget this is smack in the middle of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and not far from the Great Barrier Reef. If I'm not mistaken, Indonesian reefs harbor the greatest species diversity anywhere in the world. Therefore, there is a plethora of quality livestock that can potentially be found there.

 

[Rea17]

I've seen some absolutely beautiful Indonesian specimens. I'm not sure location is such a big factor with this species like it is with Emps and Regals, due to it's smaller distribution.

This is what I was thinking too, I'm not really sure if it's significant. Thanks for the insight guys!

Anybody else have an opinion?