Clarion Angel

[MasterLuJr]

I don't know how many here have even heard of this fish but it is widely considered the most rare fish in the hobby. This has to due with the policy on collecting them. At one time they were on the endangered species list. They are known only to be found off the coast of Mexico. These fish go for $4,000.00 now. Usually about 100 to 200 make it to the states a year! It is beautiful. Most are sold in California.Anyone seen/owned one??

[-E-]

Dunno if I have seen one, but he certainly looks tasty...

[2112]

I have definitely seen something very close but I can't swear it was the same exact fish. It was about $200 not $4000. $4000 is a big risk as many angles never adapt well to a home tank unless it is a very calm reef system with lots of live bait living in the rocks/reef.

I have a Coral Beauty which is $45 and pretty hardy and almost as attractive.
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[PHC1]

Rare fish should be left in the ocean to live in peace and not die in someone's tank.

[2112]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Rare fish should be left in the ocean to live in peace and not die in someone's tank.

Well said.

It is sad enough when you loose a "common" fish. Many are not caught humanely.
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[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Rare fish should be left in the ocean to live in peace and not die in someone's tank.

+1

[MasterLuJr]

I completely agree with everyone's opinion. I was just wondering if anyone has seen one. I read that some importers label them passer fish to get them by customs Beautiful fish though!

[neonorchid]

yes, about 20 years ago my LFS woud get several of varying sizes in on a regular basis, along with king's and garibaldi fish! they sold for $300. at the time that was about the same $$ as purple and sohal tangs.
i wasn't that into the clarions and didn't get one. the juv.-teenager stage is o.k. and different but i don't like when adults develop greenish coloration. i actually had liked the large adult coloration of king's but they didn't do well, usually refusing to eat and wasting away at the LFS.
anyway given the current situation i think they should remain in the sea of cortez and public aquaria. i don't see the appeal and really don't know why you would even think about one unless of course your 007's nemesis Karl Stromberg!