Rainbow Angelfish

[luvdiving]

Also known as a NiHackea (SP)?

This one was shot on Johnston Atoll at about 100 ft. They are supposed to be endemic to the Atoll. I have been trying to get a good shot of these guys for years. Very shy fish combined with infrequent dives to their habitat (usually over 80 - 100 ft) made for some frustrating dives. The Atoll is being closed and I no longer work there. I'm out of chances.:boom:

 

[CuriousMe]

Very cool looking fish!

Peace,
Cathie

 

[hcs3]

aka Centropyge multicolor

you can also find these fish in the fiji islands, cook islands, and micronesia amongst other places.

HTH

henry

 

[Dee]

Very pretty! Why is the atoll being closed? Diver damage?

 

[luvdiving]

Johnston Island existed for the last few years to support the Army's toxic chemical agent demilitarization program.

The agent on JI is now gone and all the buildings are to be demolished. The island is a National Wildlife Refuge under the control of the US Fish & Wildlife Service. In the future, the only access may be by boat.:boom:

 

[Overboard]

My guess is C. nahackyi! Too much yelow on the body for C. multicolor in my opinion. Johnston Atoll is THE primary range for C. nahackyi also, so you definitely were in the right place. A much rarer fish too!!

But who cares, its a great picture of a cool fish!!!

Overboard