Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems

Peppermint and Narcosis angelfish: jewels in the aquarium trade

The Peppermint ( Centropyge boylei ) and Narcosis ( Centropyge narcosis ) angelfish (Figure 6.12) are two of the most prized fish for home aquariums. They are both found in the Cook Islands, and the Peppermint angelfish has also been observed in French Polynesia. Peppermint angelfish have been recorded at depths of 55–120 m (Pyle et al. 2009), while Narcosis angelfish have been reported deeper at 100–120 m (Pyle and Myers 2010).

Both species ranges are likely to be severely underreported due to the difficulties in surveying these depths. Due to the rarity of collection in the marine aquarium trade, these species command extremely high prices. In 2012, private buyers offered up to US$ 30,000 for a single Peppermint angelfish (Kaneshiro 2012), while a single Narcosis angelfish sold for US$ 5,000 within seconds of being offered for sale online (Adams 2012).

(a)

(b)

Figure 6.12. (a) Peppermint angelfish ( Centropyge boylei ) and (b) the Narcosis angelfish ( Centropyge narcosis ) photographed at approximately 90 m in the Cook Islands (photos Richard Pyle).

Figure 6.11. Collector using a needle to puncture the swim bladder of an anthias, Pseudanthias bimaculatus , to prevent its swim bladder from bursting during ascent (photo Elizabeth Wood).

MESOPHOTIC CORAL ECOSYSTEMS – A LIFEBOAT FOR CORAL REEFS? 77