Something truly distinctive arrived at Kernersville, North Carolina-based aquarium wholesaler Carolina Aquatics this week. Aquarists who’ve been in the marine hobby for a decade or more may recognize what this is, but by and large, this is an example of one of the more “common” aquatic rarities. Yes, that oxymoron is intentional…this isn’t an aberrant fish so rare that no one has ever seen one before, yet it is still singularly unique, one-of-a-kind, and will fetch a retail price in the thousands.
If you want to own an unparalleled fish that would make an ideal pet, one that certainly is not reef safe, you may want to have your favorite retailer reach out to Carolina Aquatics to secure this gorgeous rarity! For some collectors of truly rare fish, individuals like this are one of the more easily-obtained status symbols.
One more intentionally vague clue; this species isn’t found in the Atlantic! Can you ID this fish species, looking past its aberrant coloration? Post your guesses below, and check back for the answer, along with as much information as we can share on this boisterous, bellicose beauty!
Balistodis conspiculum, only spelled correctly.
Balistapus undulatus
Definitely B. Undulatus
Trigger fish
picasso triggerfish
Undulated trigger
Pseudobalistes fuscus
Undulatus trigger fish. My favorite fish.