With a species designation that reflects the distinctive marigold-orange band on its caudal peduncle, Coradion calendula is a newly described addition to the stunning, enigmatic Coradion genus. Closely-related to Butterflyfishes such as the Copperband butterfly Chelmon rostratus, Coradion species are often commonly referred to as Coralfishes. They are not common in the trade and require a somewhat specialised system as they are not completely reef safe.
The 4th species in the genus, Coradion calendula was described on the basis of 44 specimens collected off Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and north Queensland, Australia. The species is very similar to already described C. chrysozonus, but can be distinguished by the afore mentioned caudal band which is darker, rather than orange, in C. chrysozonus. To muddy the waters further suggests that the two species are likely to hybridise.
Read the full paper HERE
Plus a piece by Matt Pederson at Reef2Rainforest
. Image credit: Kristin Anderson, via Matsunuma et al., CC BY 4.0.
