Loitering at LFS taking pictures

[Reef_Geek]

Somehow convinced the wife it was a good idea to visit some fish stores and take photos. She usually hates it cus she gets bored, so I had to bribe her by agreeing to get a Santa photo taken with the pug at PetSmart (proceeds go to local shelter).

First, the pug Santa shot... then the fish.



This is Meiacanthus atrodorsalis. I have spawned M. bundoon, M. grammistes, M. mossambicus, M. nigrolineatus, M. oualanensis, M. smithi, and M. tongaensis... but M. atrodorsalis has always been impossible to get. They are commonly available, but they always show this sunken stomach. Their gastrointestinal tract is typically damaged due to suspected poisoning practices in catching them (where they come from) and so wild specimens rarely survive to spawning condition. I've gone through about 4 shipments of these from a reputable importer in Los Angeles before finally giving up... as their wholesale value is also one of the lowest among Meiacanthus species.














"Whoa... Chinese Tailbar Lionfish... he's got malawi bloat!"




I've spawned these in captivity... very small larvae. Could not be reared through conventional live foods.









Also available IQF (individual quick freeze) at your local Asian grocery store's fish section.