this tiny flame is just as rare as the yellow scopas.
the origin of this flame angel is from the Philippines. Almost all the flames you see for sale are collected from Marshall islands and the surrounding areas. Very few come from Hawaii where they are locally rare. Even fewer come from Philippines, where they are at their limit in terms of their distribution.
Philippine flames are more orange in color, and because are rare locally finding a mate of the same species is not as easy and they more often than not, mate with the more abundant and closely related rusty angel to produce rusty x flame, or false shepardi angel offsprings.
yes, a normal flame from marshall/christmas islands is so much easier and nicer to obtain. a normal hawaiian yellow tang is so much yellower and nicer than the brown scopas. but knowing the story behind these unusual fish makes it all the more enjoyable and special! just sharing in case some people are wondering what all the fuss is about for these 2 normal looking fish.