Mystery Reef Fish from Carolina Aquatics

08 Jul, 2022

A new arrival at aquarium wholesaler Carolina Aquatics – can you ID this mystery fish?

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!

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About the author

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Matt Pedersen

Matt Pedersen is a Sr. Editor and Associate Publisher with Reef To Rainforest Media, LLC & CORAL Magazines, and is a Sr. Editor and Publishing Partner with Aquatic Media Press, LLC & AMAZONAS Magazine. Matt has kept aquariums for 38 years, has worked in most facets of the aquarium trade, is an active aquarist and fish breeder (both marine and freshwater), and was recognized with the 2009 MASNA Award as the MASNA Aquarist of the Year.

8 Comments

  1. July 08, 2022

    Balistodis conspiculum, only spelled correctly.

  2. Tim
    July 08, 2022

    Balistapus undulatus

  3. July 08, 2022

    Definitely B. Undulatus

  4. July 08, 2022

    Trigger fish

  5. July 09, 2022

    picasso triggerfish

  6. July 09, 2022

    Undulated trigger

  7. July 11, 2022

    Pseudobalistes fuscus

  8. July 11, 2022

    Undulatus trigger fish. My favorite fish.

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