Hawaiian Flames are less common, other regions aren't any less common. In fact, Hawiaan angels weren't as common as other regions previous to the collection woes in Hawaii.
They've gone up the most in the last 12-18 months, but Hawaii turmoil has been increasing prices on their fish for a few years as you mentioned :)
CB yellow tangs are terrible in body shape and coloration. Breeder will need to do a better job on these before I buy them. I hope they will eventually. I am willing to pay more for CB fish that is as nice or nearly as nice as wild caught. Coloration can improve with better care, but permanent deformed body shape fish will not find way into my tank, unless it happened under my care. I do have Fairy wrasse that have fin rot and now with permanent fins damage in my tank. He is otherwise healthy and fat now, just doesn't look very nice.
I have one of the Biota and his shape is fine. He was very dull in color but I think a lot of that was the fact he was about the size of a quarter when I got him. I have had him for about 6 weeks now and he has put on some size and the yellow is coming in nicely.
Agree, they are pale as small fish. Angels can have differing appearance when captive bred, tangs tend to be more static (less of these issues).
I haven't seen the deformities, but also haven't been paying much attention. I imagine this would have to do with poor nutrition as "larvae". I am not an "early adopter" for much.
