Cirrhilabrus claire first collection, photo

Cirrhilabrus what? Unless you're a hardcore wrasse aficionado, I'm certain you've never heard of this species. For those that have heard of this species, you've never seen a live photo of this fairy wrasse, until now.

This pair was recently collected by Randy Olsen at 350ft off the Tahitian coast. The pair were transferred to Oahu where Koji Wada (of Blue Harbor Aquarium Factory, Japan) flew in to snatch them up. Presumably these will on sale in Japan soon.

Cirrhilabrus claire was officially described in 2001 by John Randall and Richard Pyle (who else?). However, up until now, only two holotype photos existed of this species (dead fish). They have never been collected, yet alone even photographed. The world now gets a glimpse of what the species really looks like.

I know you're all going to ask about price, and I have no idea. But considering the overhead expense of getting these to Japan and the nature of the Japanese rare fish trade, I'll go out on a limb and say upwards of 5000USD.

 

Cool fish indeed.
So is the article on reefbuilders yours? Just curious.

 

Ha! No sir. I just happen to know some info they don't. (hence the 2nd paragraph)

 

That is awesome, thanks for the share Hunter.

 

I heard of it a couple months ago. Wrasse aficionado's on RC wanted it.
Looks pretty.

 

Beautiful wrasse, thanks for sharing

 

Just had to bump this with the reefbuilders article. It has some awesome photos and a small update on how they are doing. Man, to be part of BH these days.

BlueHarbor releases new pictures and videos of Cirrhilabrus claire along with the other Tahiti caught rarities

 

Pony up Hunter, dont be a wimp!

 

: There's no way Koji would even sell them to anyone outside the country at this point. There's been talk he'll probably keep them for himself. I also wouldn't be surprised if Tanaka ended up with them.

 

Think there's a chance BH will be able to secure more in the near future, now that their divers have a better bead on collection points?