I saw an orange back fairy wrasse in person for the first time.

[Chris86]

And wow. Pictures can't do it justice. That makes me wonder what other fish and corals that are stunners when you see them in real life. Anyone else been surprised when you saw a certain fish in person for the first time? What fish was it that surprised you? I know this is the fish forum, but if you think of a coral, I don't mind if you post it too.

 

[mort]

It's not so much surprised but I'm always impressed when I see a nice healthy moorish idol.

I was impressed by a terminal male Richmond wrasse. That guy was stunning.

On the flip side I've been really unimpressed by most black and gem tangs I've seen (little blacks are ok), can't see the appeal myself and the most hideous fish I've seen was a tricolour tang.

 

[GHsaltie]

Juvenile interruptus angel. I was too scared to ask what the price tag was on it .

 

[blizzardscout2]

And wow. Pictures can't do it justice. That makes me wonder what other fish and corals that are stunners when you see them in real life. Anyone else been surprised when you saw a certain fish in person for the first time? What fish was it that surprised you? I know this is the fish forum, but if you think of a coral, I don't mind if you post it too.

I totally know what you mean. I was kicking around what wrasse I would buy this week. I made it to my LFS today and they had one. My goodness are they beautiful. I couldn't help myself despite the price, this wrasse has a new home.

 

[litenyaup]

Pics and price on them! Interested in one as well

 

[4FordFamily]

An adult male is a gorgeous specimen, I agree!

 

[blizzardscout2]

It was $80 plus tax. This wasn't the greatest pic but you get the idea

 

[saltyhog]

Labout's fairy wrasse is much underrated IMO. Stunning fish in real person.

 

[litenyaup]

Wow very nice! Thanks for the pic and info!

 

[Maritimer]

I had the very same reaction to my first orange-back.

Truly lovely creatures.

~Bruce

 

[jdemarco]

Anyone here have any long term success with this fish. It's my favorite fish and I haven't been able to keep long term. Very peaceful and beautiful fish but wondering about long term success rate..

 

[Maritimer]

I had mine for quite a few months (I know, not really "long-term") and it was doing well, until I combined the population of his tank (65 gallon) with the population of my QT (40-B) in a 75 ... and the striped parrotfish flat out _assaulted_ the orange-back. I think it ripped every scale off that wrasse, even after being separated by eggcrate.

I've got a new one in QT, and that particular parrotfish has been re-homed.

~Bruce