What So Special About the Red Sea

[this is me]

Besides the price, fish from this region seem to have brighter and better coloration. Why?

Lyretial Anthias form other areas

From the Red Sea(Indian Ocean)

Regal Tang

From the Red Sea

Regal Angel. The Red Sea version is noticeable brighter and has a yellow belly.

 

[o2manyfish]

Red Sea has some spectacular fish. And most of them look better than their counterparts from around the world. There are also lots of fish that are only found in the Red Sea.

Not sure why this area brings out such better versions. But they are definitely beautiful. Decades ago we were able to get clams from the Red Sea and they were incredible.

I dove the Red Sea over 20 years ago, and it was a remarkable experience.

Dave B

 

[spieszak]

Because they limit collection so only the most stunning specimens are picked?
(or they are going to charge more for them, so the photographer tries harder... lol)

 

[this is me]

Because they limit collection so only the most stunning specimens are picked?
(or they are going to charge more for them, so the photographer tries harder... lol)

It has nothing to do with any of these. Red Sea fish are more stunning in person. Period.

 

[spieszak]

It has nothing to do with any of these. Red Sea fish are more stunning in person. Period.

Cool. I haven't had the opportunity to see them in person, well at least not other than in a tank..... I do know the collection is limited, hence the guess. *shrug*

 

[ca1ore]

Just an example of an 'isolated' location producing regional variants (like Mauritius). I'd definitely pay (and have paid) the red sea regal premium, but not most others.

 

[Moort82]

The yellow belly regal is the same pic as they have for Kenya/Maldives on liveaquaria and that is where you would expect them to come from. The anthias are from the indian ocean as well so there is some overlap and its isn't always the best of each species from the Red Sea.
If you look at the region it is very fertile and perhaps that has an effect. You also see that lots of their fish like dottybacks and triggers are reportedly less aggressive and again this may be due to the excess of nutrients found in the thriving reefs. Don't read conditions into everything though as lots of what you can see shows in terms of care in the chain in a similar way to Australian fishes being much better than indo pacific.

 

[this is me]

The yellow belly regal is the same pic as they have for Kenya/Maldives on liveaquaria and that is where you would expect them to come from. The anthias are from the indian ocean as well so there is some overlap and its isn't always the best of each species from the Red Sea.
If you look at the region it is very fertile and perhaps that has an effect. You also see that lots of their fish like dottybacks and triggers are reportedly less aggressive and again this may be due to the excess of nutrients found in the thriving reefs. Don't read conditions into everything though as lots of what you can see shows in terms of care in the chain in a similar way to Australian fishes being much better than indo pacific.

This is a very good point. If there's more nutritious food ready for the fish, maybe many years of evolution give them the better coloration genes.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

If there's more nutritious food ready for the fish, maybe many years of evolution give them the better coloration genes.

Diet was definitely one of the things I was thinking.

 

[nuxx]

Just an example of an 'isolated' location producing regional variants (like Mauritius). I'd definitely pay (and have paid) the red sea regal premium, but not most others.

Yeap Mauritius

 

[ace_92101]

One theory is the increased color vibrancy is due to the higher salinity levels. I have dove Shar el Sheik, Egypt, and the diving is truly world class.

 

[JoeVandal49]

The red sea Sailfins are amazing as well. Much more intricate and beautiful patterning.

 

[Dmorty217]

The Red Sea has the coolest fish and best coloration, just like Australia does. Who knows why, probably because there are very few collectors which in turn drives price. Something in the water...

 

[this is me]

The red sea Sailfins are amazing as well. Much more intricate and beautiful patterning.

Yes, I didn't want to post the sailfin since they were different species. One is a Desjardini and the other is a Velifer. But after seeing an adult Desjardini in person, I scooped my Velifer out and I'm waiting for a Desjardini to become available at the LFS.

Velifer

Desjardini(Red Sea)

 

[saf1]

One theory is the increased color vibrancy is due to the higher salinity levels. I have dove Shar el Sheik, Egypt, and the diving is truly world class.

You need to dive monterey....

 

[ace_92101]

You need to dive monterey....

I have. Loved it.

 

[Moort82]

Yes, I didn't want to post the sailfin since they were different species. One is a Desjardini and the other is a Velifer. But after seeing an adult Desjardini in person, I scooped my Velifer out and I'm waiting for a Desjardini to become available at the LFS.

Velifer

Desjardini(Red Sea)

Again though, these aren't endemic to the Red sea and there isn't really much if any difference between populations found in the red sea and those outside (desjardini). Its also the same with other species like the Asfur angel and maculosus angel. You find them in the red sea and one is by far nicer than the other but the red sea inhabiting fish aren't necessarily any more special than those living elsewhere (at least imo).
You do see some nice variations in Red sea species though and the raccoon butterflies are a nice example. The red sea pearlscales also make the other pearlscale species look dull and you get a little extra with their regal and emperor angels.

 

[saf1]

I have. Loved it.

Duh - I didn't even notice your location - lol, sorry.

You are closer to the Catalina islands too which is also very good diving. Nothing like all the corals you see in the warmer waters but California diving, while cold, is pretty epic.

 

[alton]

The Red Sea Raccoon Butterfly is much better looking than its all other ocean cousins.