History is replete with tales of individuals seeking something unobtainable. Jason and the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece. Ponce de Leon sought the fountain of youth. And I sought to obtain the Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani). I realize that most hobbyists have one fish that they must have, but I doubt that many have contacted over fifty stores over the course of five years to try to obtain it. Why would someone go to this much trouble just to get a pygmy basslet (Pseudochromidea) that for all intents and purposes resembles the common magenta dottyback (Pseudochromis porphyreus)?

The Volitans Lionfish is to me one of the most fascinating of marine fishes. They have an almost royal presence about them in almost any aquarium. If you like fish that swim all over the tank then this is not the fish for you, as they tend to be at home for hours in one spot without moving much at all (Usually they can be found perched on top of a plant or near the skimmer/water intake for your tanks filtration system).

With the opening of marine collection in the Red Sea, many organisms have become readily available which were previously too expensive for the average aquarist. It was just a few years back that a purple tang (Zebrasoma xanthurus), golden butterfly (Chaetodon semilarvatus), asfur angel (Arusetta asfur), or blue moon angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosas) would cost a few hundred dollars each. Such is no longer the case. I saw purple tangs from the Red Sea sold for about the same price as yellow tangs from Hawaii. This is a result of an increase in the number of Red Sea collecting stations and the development of adequate transport from them to livestock wholesalers. This situation is a real boon for aquarists, providing increased availability of many hardy and beautiful fish.