Can you spot the differences between their fluorescent patterns?Rose dwarf monocle bream (new species) and swallowtail dwarf monocle bream (redescribed species)An exhibit of two very similar species!

Swallowtail dwarf monocle bream exhibit has ended.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has discovered that the dwarf monocle bream collected from Okinawan waters are actually two different species. The new species is now called the rose dwarf monocle bream, and the similar species has been redescribed and renamed the swallowtail dwarf monocle bream. We are happy to now be able to display both species together.

　　new species
https://churaumi.okinawa/en/topics/1600921356/

Rosy dwarf monocle bream
Scientific name：Parascolopsis akatamae

Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific. It inhabits rocky areas at depths of around 200 meters. In Okinawa, many are caught by fishermen, but it has now been confirmed as a new species.
The underside of its mouth fluoresces strongly.
　　redescribed species

Swallowtail dwarf monocle bream
Scientific name：Parascolopsis eriomma

Distributed in the tropics of the Western Pacific from Okinawa southwards. In Okinawa, swallowtail dwarf monocle bream account for just one or two percent compared to the rosy dwarf monocle bream. Its tailfin is the same shape as the tail of a swallow.
The sides of its body and the edge of its tailfin fluoresce strongly.

Place of exhibit

Journey into the Deep Sea in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Exhibit duration

From December 10th, 2020

Size of Exhibit

1 individual of rose dwarf monocle bream, and 1 individual of swallowtail dwarf monocle bream.
Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animal.

These two species are so similar, the rearing staff find it difficult to tell them apart, but when illuminated with blue light their different patterns of fluorescence allow identification. This is the world’s first case where the different patterns of fluorescence are used to identify similar fish species.

In this exhibit, you will be able to see both species fluoresce within the same tank.