2008 jcoppolino.htm

John Coppolino's innate passion for fish was nurtured growing up on an island on a lake in Northern New Jersey with a fish loving father and a mother allergic to everything with fur and feathers! A saltwater hobbyist since age 11, John began working at a local fish store in high school, and in college went on to study reef fish in Bermuda and the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador where he lived (and met his wife!) for about two years after obtaining his B.S. in biology.

Now 30 years old, John lives in Northern Virginia with his wonderfully supportive wife and two year old son, and keeps over 1000 gallons of saltwater aquariums with about twenty angelfish spread throughout, with most in pairs or harems in reef tanks. These include a trio of Pygoplites diacanthus (regal angelfish), a trio of Centropyge joculator (joculator angelfish), and the mixed species pair of Centropyge resplendens / Centropyge fisheri that created the first tank bred hybrid angelfish.

John travels yearly with work to Hawaii and Guam, where most free time is spent underwater! He has spoken to many reef clubs and has contributed to the newly published book “Angelfishes of the World”.

"Rare Angels "

Perhaps no other family of fish is more loved in the saltwater aquarium hobby than that of the angelfishes. Their striking beauty, charismatic personality, and captive adaptability have made them an aquarium favorite for years. While many species of angelfish were described over 100 years ago, advances in SCUBA technology combined with continued world reef exploration have led to a resurgence of discoveries in the angelfish family.

From new species to rare morphs to unusual hybrids to the first tank bred specimens, “Rare Angels” takes a look at them all with discoveries made as recently as this year, with a concentration on their care, husbandry, adaptability, and attainability based on personal experience. “Rare Angels” is of interest to all angelfish lovers from the casual observer to the angelfish nut!