I wasn't trying to imply that the name was "made up" but likely misidentified. Yes, we're all human. I suspect they go with the IDs their wholesaler and/or diver provide unless characteristics of the specimen dictate otherwise. The fish appeared very attractive in their picture but did not resemble the photo when it arrived. As far as my ability to ID it as C. katherinae, that is tough since I'm not an expert and that species, like many fairies, is highly variable. However, there was no red banding on the side as Kuiter cites. He looked almost identical to the C. balteatus in Kuiter's book and displays the orange/red "splotch" behind the pectorals when "flashing". He also possessed long ventral fins. Juvi; possibly although it was listed as a male, about 3", and was almost solid black fish with a bit of white on the belly and really no distinctive marks on his caudal, dorsal, or anal fins. Wrong fish; I doubt it as I don't recall them having other fairies on their site at the time of purchase. However, since not everything in their inventory is posted on their site, it is remotely possible.
Yeah, I wasnt referring to you. But....the first posters claim the species they list it as cant be found "anywhere". So, misidentification? With what? Unless it was just a random typo (the person posting it had something else on their mind and completely mistyped), but I think the options are getting thin for that.
I will refer to the Kuiter books when I get home. Bear in mind though, that publication, too, isnt 100% up to date, although it is a great and thorough reference. It has been a number of years since publication. As for LADD, I doubt they "rely" on the wholesaler/diver in their listings for DD. They may utilize them, but if questionable, I would instead assume they confirm it. If the fish you got was questionable as to the ID, I assume it wouldve been researched, particularly with a "variable" group such as
Cirrhilabrus, as you stated. On one order from them, I did recieve the entirely wrong fish (I ordered gobies and was sent clownfish). They quickly, and excessively, remedied the situation. That was, obviously a shipping error, which also, does occur, with everybody.
Regardless, as I mentioned, I am commenting completely on heresay, which makes everything Ive said completely unfounded. Just my speculative opinion.