For Hiroyuki...Exquisite Wrasse

[Anonymous]

Hi Hiroyuki,

We are exhibiting Cirrhilabrus exquisitus in a large reef tank. We have the Indian Ocean/African form with the red area behind the pectoral fin. Is this still considered the same species as the Pacific color variant?

 

[Hiroyuki Tanaka]

Yes, they are the same species.

Smith of South Africa described C. exquisitus by using the Indian Ocean specimens, so the Indian form is the type. Then the Pacific form is a variant. Those from Rowley Shoals, Japan, Fiji, ... are all variations.