Introducing as we speak one other set of fish that appeared unexpectedly only a couple months in the past, from a brand new, stunning supply. It was close to the start of January when MiniZoo, famend on-line animal determine store in Australia, introduced a brand new sequence—an organization known as Mini Fish. I imply, how might I not be intrigued. It stated fish! They usually’re mini! That’s like my primary factor! My first query, was Mini Fish in some way a spin off of Mini Zoo? Nope, only a (well-named, awkward to go looking) Australian sequence developed by a diver, angler, and aquarist with a ardour for his native fish! Sounds acquainted to the story of Duplicate Toy Fish/Toy Fish Manufacturing unit, and there are different similarities.

The units are small, that includes 5 species every, unified by a broad theme of some type. Up to now there are solely two units launched, however extra are deliberate. I do know that the species are identified to some, however not me. But. Now, everybody, begin speculating (me, I wish to see a salamanderfish, however I just like the oddballs! I’m positive we’ll see sharks too.) Additionally paying homage to Toy Fish Manufacturing unit, these units are launched in five-fish deal with packing containers. In contrast to these, these packing containers are then packaged inside a carded sleeve, permitting for identifications and knowledge to be discovered on the again. I don’t know if this line was impressed by RTF/TFF, but when so, I these additions are impressed and actually carry them up a notch. For these collectors that prefer to be particular, they’ll be blissful to know that this card does embrace the binomial names (most are updated!) so it’s very straightforward to establish proper all the way down to species.

Total, the figures vary from round 6cm to 8cm (2.4 to three.1 inches) lengthy, with straight physique shapes, and a considerably shiny end. The fabric is a strong PVC-type materials, barely versatile however total stiff.  An fascinating side is that every one fins are hooked up as separate, prolonged items as a substitute of being sculpted towards the physique; it’s a small function, however positively will increase the perceived worth of the figures because it permits the fins to seem distinct the place applicable (extra just like the Yujin fish). I’ll say although, they’re a bit pokey, and with tough play I might see them being pulled off unintentionally. So as to preserve the evaluations from getting too lengthy (partially due to these intros!), I’ll break up the evaluations of the units into two elements.

This primary sequence is known as the Tropical Fish set, all unified by their iconic standing as residents within the tropical waters off of Australia. After all, many are discovered past these waters, however the focus of Mini Fish relies on how they relate to Australia. The figures within the set come named by Mini Fish, however I will likely be utilizing extra widespread or established names primarily based on the binomials from the playing cards. The names given on the knowledge card, if completely different , will likely be in (brackets) after the daring widespread names and binomials.

Slender-Barred Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus commerson (Spanish mackerel)

The narrow-banded mackerel is certainly one of many mackerel species is after all discovered round a lot of Australia, but in addition all through a lot of the western Pacific alongside the coast of Asia and as far out as Fiji, by way of the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean, within the Pink Sea and Persian Gulf, and down the japanese coast of Africa. They’re opportunistic pelagic predators of the shallower, higher ocean waters that prey primarily on fish however can even take shrimp and squid. The narrow-banded Spanish mackerel is the biggest of the Spanish mackerels (members of the genus Scomberomorus) reaching as much as 240cm (94 inches) lengthy, though 120cm (47 inches) is extra widespread. They’re fashionable sport and meals fish all through a lot of their vary however require some administration, being listed as Close to Threatened by the IUCN.

The determine is shiny and glossy, with a glossy, fusiform physique. Total size is 8.1cm (3.2 inches) lengthy for a scale of about 1:25 (for an enormous particular person) to 1:15 (for a extra widespread, however massive, particular person). Nearly all of the pinnacle and the edges and stomach are silvery, with an irregular teal saddle throughout the again to the bottom of the tail. There’s truly a shallow groove bordering the margin between the silver and teal. Down the edges are quite a few slim stripes in a lightweight olive color; previous the dorsal fin the stripes develop into thicker, extra irregular blotches. The perimeters are easy, no indication of scales. The eyes are darkish orange with black pupils. The opercula are incised as shallow grooves however different sensible there isn’t any different color on the pinnacle.

The pelvic fins are silver and the pectoral fins are black. The anterior is low, highest to the entrance dorsal fin and painted silver, whereas the posterior dorsal has the next, pointed tip, with a brief trailing margin. The color on this fin is usually olive with a black wash on the tip. The anal fin is just like the second dorsal, originating just a bit behind the dorsal fin origin, and paint in the identical color scheme. Behind the second dorsal and anal fin are 5 small finlets; these constructions are seen on the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, however there ought to truly be extra of them. The tail fin is deeply forked, symmetrical with lengthy, skinny, tapering lobes. There’s a black wash on the peduncle, and the fins themselves are the identical mild olive. Total, a very good illustration of the species if a little bit simplified.

Barramundi Lates calcarifer

The Barramundi is a well-recognized fish, and has been seen earlier than on this weblog beforehand from the Yujin sequence. So I don’t must go far into element in regards to the species. As a reminder, it’s a big fish discovered within the Indo-West Pacific, preying on vertebrates and small fish. They’re additionally very fashionable with anglers for his or her fierce struggle and enormous measurement as much as 1.2metres (3.9ft) lengthy. As an apart, ‘barramundi’ relies on an Australian Aboriginal phrase that used to confer with the Australian arowana Scleropages species, however advertising and marketing of Lates calcarifer took on the phrase; it is usually often known as the Asian seabass or Australian seabass (don’t fairly know why that required taking the arowana title for advertising and marketing, nevertheless it most likely made sense on the time).

The determine itself is laterally compressed, longer than it’s excessive, with a narrowed, pointed snout. The mouth is barely upturned. The determine is 7cm (2.8 inches) lengthy, giving a scale of about 1:11. The physique is sculpted with deep, rhomboid scales; on the opercula and cheeks, there are small, squared scales which can be troublesome to see. The pinnacle and face are easy. The mouth is flippantly open, and the eyes are bulbous, barely upturned, and painted in black. Nearly all of the pinnacle and physique is a silvery white. The again and high of the pinnacle are washed in a lightweight olive. This color palette would point out an grownup particular person.

The fins are distinctly painted and stand out prominently.The primary, pointed dorsal fin is within the centre of the again, and the second, rounded dorsal fin is current alongside the downward curve to the peduncle. Each are sculpted with a thick fin rays, are painted shiny black. The tail extends in a rounded fan, additionally with distinct rays and painted in a shiny black. The pelvic fins are current in a shiny, darkish yellow, with a straight higher margin and rounded decrease margin. The pelvics and anal fins are each additionally sculpted with distinct rays, and painted in the identical silver because the physique.

Total, it’s a very good mannequin, although rather less detailed than the Yujin determine. The physique proportion, longer than tall, is extra adult-like than the Yujin figures, that are extra ovate total.

These two figures are an fascinating begin to introduce what I discover to be a really intriguing sequence of fish from a unique space than we’re used to seeing. The figures are prime quality and painted very properly, with what might be described as a very good hand really feel. I like that the deal with field presentation, which now we have seen from different firms, is related to a card that provides extra data and identification. As I’ve stated, a sequence like this could embrace an schooling/data component to actually broaden its market. There’s additionally the sensible side of the unmarked field—lower your expenses on that manufacturing, with the backing cardboard playing cards (an easier merchandise to provide) carrying the knowledge and advertising and marketing.

 ‘Merry Fishmas’ everybody! It’s been a sizzling minute, however I used to attempt to do one thing fishy each December on one platform or one other. I believed I’d executed sufficient fish for some time, however they reeled me again in, and the way may I not? And only for enjoyable, right here’s most likely probably the most formidable one I ever did—I feel the phylogeny nonetheless principally holds up! Additionally, did you see that? The ‘reeled’ factor? Blaine can be proud.

For this Fishmas publish, I’m going to assist end of the evaluate of figures from an organization that bought backburnered for fairly some time! Again in 2019, I reviewed two units of fish from Toy Fish Manufacturing facility (TFF) after they first got here out, the Northern Angler and the Gulf Coast collections. However two units have been launched earlier, about 2017. One was reviewed by fellow blogger Gwangi, the River Monsters assortment, and one which by some means has been uncared for for all these years, the topic for right now, the American Angler assortment.

This set, very similar to the TFF Northern Angler, featured 5 remakes of figures first seen within the Reproduction Toy Fish (RTF) sequence. And whereas I used to be very completely satisfied to see a fish-focused firm, I’ve to confess that this set could have been a bit underwhelming. Was that a part of the difficulty for the corporate? I can’t say. I do know that the corporate has been silent for the previous few years, with no web site or energetic emails. It’s an vital set of species which are very talked-about with anglers in North America (therefore the intelligent identify) and in these instances, it seems that almost all of those are nonetheless the one commercially accessible variations of those species, even when that availability could be very restricted now.

Being that they’re successfully repeats of RTF figures which are already on the weblog I gained’t want to offer a lot background to the species, as sufficient has been mentioned! And finest as I can inform, the sculpts are successfully the identical because the RTF variations, so no matter I needed to say there’ll nonetheless be true for these ones. So actually we’re principally going to see how their paint apps look in comparison with the precise animals, and in comparison with the RTF model, since I already reviewed all of them. Additionally of word, of the 5 species, 4 are from the RTF Pond fish set.

Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

In all probability meant to be the marquee species within the set, if solely as a result of a purpose for the corporate was retailing in professional outlets, the largemouth bass was extra shocking that it was not within the first two units launched. The determine is about 7.9 cm lengthy, giving a scale of round 1:8. It’s total brownish dorsally, darkest on the again and head, with a darkish lateral band. The band shades to yellow then stark white in direction of the stomach. The spiny-ray first dorsal is brown, whereas the second soft-ray dorsal fin has a brown base and lightweight greenish margin. The caudal peduncle and centre of the tail fin is darkish brown, with the ideas of the lobes inexperienced. The anal fin is usually yellow with a brown spot, and the pelvic fin is white and lightweight inexperienced. The pectoral is towards the physique, with a brown wash.

The eyes are painted properly, with the bulging eyeball painted yellow with a black pupil. The mouth decrease head is stark white, as is the underside of the fish. General, it’s a first rate paint job, utilized pretty rigorously. The brownish tones, although, throw me off a bit, perhaps as a result of I’m used to seeing them depicted in a extra greenish hue, as within the RTF model (or the IC determine from Safari). The lateral band may additionally stand to be extra interrupted, however that’s variable. It also needs to be famous that all the fish within the set seem completed in a shiny shine, versus the extra matte end on the RTF figures. General, it’s not unhealthy, at minimal an awesome small toy model of the species.

Striped bass Morone saxatilis

One other ‘bass’ within the set, however not that carefully associated to the largemouth, we’ve the striped bass. At about 7.2cm lengthy, it has a scale of round 1:14. Whereas the TFF largemouth diverse from the RTF model however was nonetheless fairly good, n this determine, the final sample is comparable, however we will see some main variations in broad methods. First, the bottom color is prominently gentle inexperienced over the dorsal floor and face, with a white stomach. It has the horizontal stripes, however as a substitute of skinny, delicate traces, the marking are heavy and brown, far too ‘regular’ and thick.

The unpaired fins are all the identical inexperienced, with the decrease lobe of the tail in yellow. The anal and pelvic fins are principally uncoloured, with a slight inexperienced wash on the anal; the pectorals, pressed towards the physique, are merely colored over as if they’re a part of the physique, as a substitute of being handled as separate. The one marking on the top is the intense yellow eyes, principally painted properly on the bulging eyeball, with a black pupil. The determine is okay, however actually lacks the nuance seen within the RTF model.

Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

One other determine that was most likely imagined to be common with customers, we’ve a channel catfish (I undoubtedly assume folks wished extra catfish species!) And just like the striped bass, it’s clear what they have been doing, however in an easier method. The colors on the physique are typically fairly discrete, darkish brown again, head and mouth, and dorsal and tail fins. The higher sides are a fainter brown, and under the midline is stark white. The anal fin is white, and the paired fins are brown.

The eyes are painted properly, however being vivid yellow is odd since channel cats are likely to have darker eyes. The opposite notable characteristic is the spots—as a substitute of numerous tiny little spots—or only a strong grayish physique—there are a couple of, massive black dots scattered on the edges. It actually detracts from the determine, which might in any other case be wonderful, if a bit too white. Not horrible, however actually extra easy than the RTF model. That mentioned, this can be the one determine that I might be satisfied is a refreshed sculpt. It’s successfully the identical, however seems to be barely thicker across the center and face. However so shut, it might be an artefact of recasting the mould.

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus

For the primary of the 2 panfish within the set, we’ve a bluegill. This was some of the vibrant figures from the RTF sequence, and this one follows swimsuit. It’s additionally fairly small, about 6.5cm lengthy, for a scale of 1:3. The general physique, extending to the tail and anal fin, is a lightweight or mint inexperienced. The identical color extends over a lot of the pelvic fins, and the outer margin of the dorsal; the pectoral fin, sculpted towards the physique, is simply painted just like the physique in the identical color. The again is a darker turquoise that extends down the entrance of the face. Generally, that is much more greenish than can be anticipated for a bluegill.

There are some markings on the physique, after all, as is anticipated for bluegills. The paint on the opercula will not be very detailed, however there’s the standard darkish blue spot on the posterior level extending from the opercula (the ‘ear’) though the spot isn’t fairly outlined sufficient. The perimeters are marked with 5 gentle brown bars, extending about halfway down the physique, and a vivid orange patch on the throat. Whereas these colors and patterns are seen in bluegills, the bars are virtually too common and distinct, whereas the orange patch appears a bit too vivid, and will even have been lengthen additional alongside the stomach. Generally, it’s okay if not fairly to the usual of the RTF model. However the TFF one does stand higher than my RTF one, so there’s that!

Crappie Poxomis sp. cf. P. annularis

This one goes to trigger some query marks. As with the RTF crappie determine, this determine was not recognized to species. However, on condition that the sculpt is similar as that RTF determine, and the fin ray rely is similar, the sculpt might be indicating a white crappie once more. On condition that, it will be a scale of round 1:4 at its 7cm size. It is also that the color is why we’d name it a white…however as I mentioned earlier than, color doesn’t assist a lot, since white crappie ought to have black bars…and mine has no markings in any respect. However ignoring that, the color in any other case isn’t unhealthy. The again is highlighted in a darkish brown, that fades right into a white physique. The unpaired fins are all inexperienced, white the paired fins are principally white, with a bit  brown on the base.

One factor that stands out—there are no markings. None, not on the physique, not on the fins. That is most likely not unattainable for crappie, however impossible. I discussed earlier than that later units with this determine present it with scattered black markings, which is extra seemingly a black crappie sample. However mine is from the primary batch, and there’s not a lot I can do about it! The one different color on the fish is the eyeballs, that are surprisingly painted a darkish pink, which is sort of odd. Makes me assume that there was one thing uncommon of their supply photographs. General, it’s not unhealthy however doesn’t measure as much as the RTF model.

So that’s the American Angler assortment. General, the sculpts are nonetheless serviceable however lots of the paint functions seem simplified in comparison with their RTF counterparts, I feel to the detriment of the set. It’s attainable that that is as a result of deal with ‘TOY’, because the identify suggests, reasonably than ‘REPLICA’. That is additionally mirrored by the fabric, the place the TFF figures are smooth sufficient to bend barely, in contrast to the very inflexible RTF figures. This was one of many two units initially launched by Toy Fish Manufacturing facility, and we might solely see two extra, which was a disgrace. There have been quite a lot of different units (16 to be actual) that may be that includes quite a lot of species (I’ve seen the listing) that we’ve by no means seen earlier than, and I feel quite a lot of collectors and fish followers have been actually excited to see. If I needed to guess, that was one of many components that impacted the success of TFF.

There was quite a lot of pleasure for this sequence when it was first introduced, however even from the RTF expertise, the preferred species have been the ‘oddballs’ (gars, sturgeon), the salmonids, and the 6” catfish (no representatives from the primary two bought made, and there was no plan for the more-popular massive sized figures). That is purely anecdotal, after all, however I personally assume hitting the market with these new, uncommon, and common weirdos, plus ones that may attraction to areas that may need them for academic/reward store functions, may need seen extra success, extra rapidly.

Equally, the gradual launch price of solely two units at first, adopted by two extra a number of years later, accessible solely as 5 figures within the set within the sort out field, which can have offered restricted incentive for bodily retailers from a merchandising perspective. In distinction, RTF, when first began, had 18 figures in two sizes, with quite a lot of packaging, and so would make a great retailer show (and the figures might be bought in quite a lot of packages or as singles, additionally vital to some patrons—greater than as soon as I offered dozens of a single species to some locations for academic causes). As with many makes an attempt in our unusual pastime, it should all the time be a ‘what could have been’. So if these units do nonetheless curiosity, I extremely suggest getting them whereas they’re nonetheless on the market! I even nonetheless have spares of all 4 that might use houses!

Jellyfish are acquainted and common animals! Whereas stunning in type and coloration and enchanting of their actions, they’re additionally venomous predators, paralyzing and subduing prey with stinging nematocysts. They’re additionally no stranger to the toy and determine realm, the place units dedicated to jellyfish have been produced by Okay&M Worldwide, Kaiyodo, Kitan Membership, Ikimon (a number of occasions), Qualia, and The Entry, simply to call just a few. Whereas Safari Ltd. has just a few stand-alone jellyfish of their Wild Safari Sealife, Unbelievable Creatures, and Good Luck Mini traces, they joined the social gathering and lately launched a Jellyfish TOOB consisting of eight species (seven scyphozoans and one cubozoan). Launched in late 2025, it carries a 2026 manufacturing yr. I considered no higher strategy to ring within the New 12 months than reviewing a 2026 product on the Weblog :-). I used to be impressed by promotional pics, however in-hand, the element on these jellyfish is basically fairly good given their dimension. I believe a number of the element is misplaced in photographs due to their monochromatic paint jobs, the explanation for which is as a result of these jellyfish glow at midnight (see final picture)! And although they’re monochromatic, their coloration selections are near the overall base coloration of the particular animal generally. As a result of I’m reviewing a complete TOOB right here, my descriptions of every species might be temporary, specializing in geographic distribution, habitat, dimension, scale, and frequency in toy/determine type, with occasional enjoyable tid-bits of knowledge thrown in right here and there. Safari Ltd. solely marketed these by widespread names. The widespread names beneath are these utilized by Safari Ltd., whereas the Latin names in parenthesis are my identifications. If anybody thinks my identifications are in error, or can provide you with one thing higher, please remark beneath, I’d be comfortable to listen to!

Sea Wasp (Chironex fleckeri)
The widespread identify sea wasp is used for a number of field jellyfish, the 2 most typical being Alatina alata and Chironex fleckeri. I believe the latter is the extra seemingly selection primarily based on the form of the bell and the presence of a number of tentacles coming off of every aspect of the bell. Additionally, C. fleckeri, which is often referred to as the Australian field jelly, might be essentially the most acquainted field jelly given its popularity as one of many deadliest of all of the jellyfish! Chironex fleckeri happens in pelagic waters of the West Pacific, from northern Australia and New Guinea north to the Philippines and Vietnam. Safari’s sea wasp is about 7.5 cm in whole size. Utilizing the bell as a metric (n=2.5 cm) the size involves about 1:6.4-1:14 for C. fleckeri. Every nook of the bell has 4 tentacles; in nature there are often 15 per cluster however that will be tough to soundly replicate in a determine of this dimension and elegance. Different species of field jellies have fewer tentacles per stalk, so one might have this determine characterize one other species of their selecting! Settle for my identification, and that is the one determine of C. fleckeri I’m conscious of, though different venomous field jellies embody Chironex yamaguchii (habu-kurage) by The Entry and Carybdea brevipedalia by Kaiyodo. That is the one cubozoan within the set; the remaining figures are all ‘true’ jellyfish within the Scyphozoa.

Floating Bell (Phyllorhiza punctata)
Going by different widespread names, comparable to Australian noticed jellyfish, brown jellyfish, and white-spotted jellyfish, the pelagic P. punctata is native to the West Pacific, from Japan to Australia. Nonetheless, it has been launched elsewhere and is taken into account in an invasive species within the Mediterranean in Europe, Hawaii and southern California within the Pacific, and the northern Gulf of Mexico, Better Antilles, and the Carolinas within the Atlantic. The Safari floating bell is about 5.5 cm lengthy. Utilizing the bell as a metric (n=2.5 cm) the size involves about 1:8.2-1:11.3. I’m not instantly conscious of different figures of P. punctata, however given the variety of units of jellyfish out of Japan and the intensive aquarium traces by Kaiyodo, I wouldn’t be shocked if there was one other instance on the market!

Blubber Jelly (Catostylus mosaicus)
Generally referred to as the blubber jelly, jelly blubber, or blue blubber jellyfish, C. mosiacus inhabits estuaries, lagoons, and shallow bays from the japanese shoreline of Australia to the Malay Peninsula. It’s identified for its huge blooms, typically exceeding 500 tonnes per sq. kilometer. The Safari blubber jelly, which is appropriately blue, is about 4.7 cm lengthy. Utilizing bell as a metric (n=2.7 cm) scale involves about 1:9.3-1:11.1. I do know of at the very least one different determine of this species, a 2008 gashapon determine by Kaiyodo for Quantity 2 of their Japan Aquarium 3D Organic Catalogue collection.

Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo)
Rhizostoma pulmo, generally referred to as the barrel jellyfish, dustbin-lid jellyfish, and frilly-mouthed jellyfish, is a pelagic species within the Atlantic. It primarily happens within the northeast Atlantic, from the British Isles to Portugal and the Mediterranean, Black, and Azov Seas. There may be additionally a inhabitants within the South Atlantic off the coast of South Africa. It’s a very giant jellyfish, with bells starting from 40-150 cm or bigger! This Safari barrel jellyfish is 5.0 cm with a bell of two.8 cm vast giving it a scale of 1:14.3-1:53.6 and placing it into many collectors’ most popular scale ranges. I’m not conscious of every other figures of this species off-hand.

Topped Jellyfish (Cephea cephea)
The time period ‘crowned jellyfish’ is generic and may apply to jellyfish in any considered one of six households of the order Coronatae. Based mostly on the morphology, I consider Safari’s represents the cauliflower jellyfish, Cephea cephea. This pelagic species is widespread within the Indo-Pacific, occurring from the Pink Sea and South Africa east to the Marquesas Islands and north to Russia. It’s an edible species and harvested in Southeast Asia. Wanting like a flying saucer, it will get its widespread identify ‘cauliflower jellyfish’ from the warty projections on the highest of its bell. Safari’s cauliflower jellyfish measures about 5.2 cm tall. With a bell measuring about 4.0 cm in diameter, the size involves about 1:15. I’m unaware of every other figures of this species. With its intricate morphology, this is likely to be my favourite within the bunch!

Pacific Sea Nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens)
The Pacific sea nettle happens within the North Pacific, from Japan to the Gulf of Alaska and south alongside the West Coast of North America to Mexico. It will get its widespread identify ‘sea nettle’ from its painful, albeit hardly ever clinically harmful, sting. It’s a pelagic species, occurring from 0-80 meters in depth. No stranger if determine type, it has been produced a handful of occasions, together with a number of by Kitan Membership and Ikimon on the Nature Techni Color line. At this time’s determine by Safari measures 7.5 cm lengthy and has a bell measuring 1.7 cm vast for a scale of 1:17.6-1:58.8 (there are a variety of discrepancies on-line concerning the most width of the bell, however a number of web site 1 meter). Safari designed the tentacles to be clustered collectively as a single piece, in all probability to forestall breakage throughout play.

Widespread Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
When the set was first introduced, I used to be uncertain of this determine’s id. However in-hand I’m extra satisfied now that it represents the widespread, or moon, jellyfish, Aurelia aurita. The species happens almost worldwide, inhabiting inshore habitats comparable to estuaries and harbors. It’s in all probability essentially the most commonly-produced species of jellyfish, with others by Kaiyodo, Kitan Membership (together with Ikimon reissues), The Entry, Okay&M Worldwide, and Qualia, simply to call just a few off the highest of my head. I believe what threw me off initially, is that Safari designed theirs with the bell compressed above the tentacles, as of in energetic movement, whereas most different figures of this species are displayed in a extra relaxed place. Assuming A. aurita was the supposed species, it could have been good to etch the 4 distinctive horseshoe-shaped gonads into the highest of the bell, which might have cinched the identification. At this time’s moon jelly is about 3.5 cm tall and has a bell 3.0 cm vast for a scale of 1:8.3-1:13.3, though that scale must be used with some warning given the marginally compressed nature of the bell.

Cannonball Jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris)
Stomolophus meleagris will get its two widespread names, cannonball jellyfish and cabbagehead jellyfish, from the form of its giant, globose bell. The species happens coastally within the Americas, from California to Ecuador within the East Pacific and New England to Brazil within the West Atlantic. The cannonball jellyfish is harvested of the East Coast of the USA and is shipped to Japan, China, and Thailand. Additionally it is one of many principal prey species for the endangered leatherback sea turtle. Safari’s cannonball jellyfish measures 4.5 cm. Utilizing the bell as a metric (n=3.7 cm) the size involves about 1:6.8. I’m unaware of every other figures of this species.

Nicely, there we’ve got it people, an outline of Safari Ltd.’s 2026 Jellyfish TOOB. This can be a very nice set and may enchantment to collectors of sea life and attention-grabbing taxa. Even for a prolific collector like me, six of the eight figures characterize new species and it’s potential 5 of them are totally new to our passion!

Supply: https://www.eurogamer.pt/clair-obscur-goty-2025-recordista-game-awards

Supply: https://www.eurogamer.pt/anunciado-control-resonant-com-lancamento-em-2026

Supply: https://www.eurogamer.pt/diz-o-que-vais-jogar-neste-fim-de-semana-101

Overview and pictures by Zhuchengotyrant; edited by bmathison1972

This evaluate is, nominally, all a few rendition of an animal that’s no stranger to being made in toy kind: the 2011 Papo llama. Llamas have been made numerous instances by a big assortment of various firms. Nevertheless, a extra detailed inspection reveals a determine a lot rarer. For context, one should be typically conscious of llamas and their kin. Inside the camel household exists the tribe Lamini, which consists of 4 dwelling species, all of that are present in South America. One is the purely home llama (Lama glama). The others are the equally home alpaca (L. pacos) and two wild species, specifically the guanaco (L. guanicoe) and the vicuña (L. vicugna). Guanacos and vicuñas are considered the wild descendants of llamas and alpacas, respectively. The home half is quite common in toy kind, whereas the guanaco and vicuña, to my information, have just one nominal toy between them: the Yowie Group guanaco.

However what if this wasn’t the one guanaco determine on the market? As you’ve got in all probability pieced collectively by now, the Papo “llama” may very well signify a guanaco! I used to be first alerted to this determine by Toy Animal Wiki, which lists it underneath L. guanicoe. I agree with this conclusion fully, as we’ll discover beneath. Having seen each guanacos and a llama in life, only a fast look betrays the determine’s true identification. So, this evaluate will likely be on the determine as a guanaco toy, although some feedback can even be constituted of the “llama lens” of viewing the determine.

Wanting on the extra goal nature of the determine itself, it’s just below 3.5 inches (8.5 cm) from snout to tail tip. When it comes to peak, it’s just below 2.25 inches (5.5 cm) on the shoulder. For a guanaco, this places the determine within the 1:20 scale vary by peak and the 1:18-1:23 vary by size. For a llama, the determine could be round 1:16-1:22 vary by peak and round 1:10-1:18 vary by size. So, they’ll work for each round 1:20 scale, however it is very important be aware that llamas are bigger than guanacos on common in life.

When it comes to look, it has a pleasant basic lamine form with nicely sculpted, pretty shaggy hair. Its foremost fur colour is a pleasant orange brown, a colour that may be present in llamas but additionally extremely typical in guanacos. The underside is a white colour, once more doable in llamas however normally related to the wild guanaco. The hair is realistically full all through and tapers off on the legs and face of the toy. The top is the place the determine is most guanaco-like, because it has a characteristically grey face. Llamas typically have lighter colour faces. The ears are one other rivalry level; it’s listed on Toy Animal Wiki as being guanaco-like in being shorter and pointed, in comparison with longer and extra curved llama ears. I agree with this evaluation, as llama ears are typically longer than depicted on this Papo determine. Nevertheless, it may possibly nonetheless work as llama ears if anybody so needs. Shifting to the opposite finish of the physique, the tail is a darker shade of brown than the remainder of the coat

The sculpt could be very nicely achieved, and Papo has achieved an amazing job in creating this determine, no matter what species it’s. It has a really lifelike glean to it, significantly within the face. Above the eyes are sculpted eyelashes. Whereas they’re simply sculpted as one stable construction, it actually provides to the look of the face, particularly from afar. The face additionally has a really good and naturalistic downward curve, with detailed nostrils and the looks of some strands of wispy hair on the intersection of the neck fur and the face. The eyes have a shine to them that works very well, however, conversely, the inside of the ears appears a bit lazy. The grey paint representing the ear’s insides is sloppy and lower than the requirements set by the remainder of the face. The top usually could also be a bit too giant, however it doesn’t distract from the general look of the determine.

One other equally weak a part of the determine are its legs. Anatomically, they give the impression of being nice, however the paint on the entrance of every leg is a bit much less naturalistic than the remainder of the determine. Moreover, the toes appear to be a bit too giant for both llamas or guanacos. Nevertheless, these points are very minor and don’t detract from the general look of the toy, particularly when viewing on show or on a shelf.

The fur isn’t fairly as puffy as one could count on from a llama, which is one other level in favor of the guanaco identification. Then again, though, guanacos in life are typically related to barely longer, lighter, and thinner hair on its abdomen space. The look of this determine remains to be inside pure variations of the species, so, on the entire, the distribution of the fur nonetheless helps this determine being a guanaco. The fur could be very nicely sculpted regardless, with a sensible shagginess and texture. One further well-made function of the fur is that each side are clearly distinctly sculpted, which provides as soon as once more to the realism of the toy.

All in all, I’m nonetheless firmly within the camp that this toy higher represents a guanaco than a llama. Whereas llamas will be present in brown colours, the shade that Papo selected for this determine’s fur matches completely with the fur colour related to the wild guanaco, right down to the white underside. The ears are extra guanaco-like as nicely, with a slight curve however not fairly so long as stereotypical llama ears are. Maybe probably the most convincing proof for this determine being a guanaco is the face colour, as grey faces are an indicator of the wild animals. Nevertheless, the usage of this determine as both a guanaco or llama comes right down to the collector themselves, because it nonetheless works reasonably convincingly as a llama. Nevertheless, in my ebook, it is a guanaco!

I extremely advocate this determine. If you’re a camel lover, it’s a should. And simply typically if you’re any form of animal toy collector, it is a vital determine of a fantastic animal hardly ever made in toy kind! Sadly, it’s retired, so it might take some time to search out one on-line. Fortunately, once they do pop up, they aren’t overly costly. If you will get your fingers on this determine, you positively ought to!

Final week we seemed on the Safari Ltd. “catfish” which Safari was sort sufficient to determine not on the species degree, and even household degree, however on the order degree. An order containing 3,000 species. The determine was fairly simple to determine nevertheless it does beg the query, why doesn’t Safari determine it extra exactly on their web site? They commissioned it in spite of everything. Effectively right this moment we’re one other loosely recognized fish from Safari, the Unbelievable Creatures salmon, from 2019. Safari’s website claims it’s from the “family Salmonidae, particularly genus Salmo and Oncorhynchus”.

ToyAnimalWiki identifies this toy as a chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), however I don’t wish to take their identifications at face worth, typically they’re unsuitable and making an attempt to determine figures offers me an excuse to mud off my faculty textbooks and fish identification keys. I feel a powerful case could be made for a chinook salmon however I additionally assume that the pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) is a viable possibility.

The determine might casually be recognized as a chinook salmon solely on the idea of the within of its mouth being darkish coloured. The decrease jaw and gums are black in chinook salmon, giving them the opposite frequent title of blackmouth. However the darkish coloration right here is only a barely darker shade of the teal coloration used elsewhere on the toy. That mainly means it’s unpainted and doubtless ineffective in confidently figuring out the toy.

The determine has irregularly formed black spots alongside the again, above the lateral line, and throughout your complete caudal fin. Species just like the sockeye and chum salmon haven’t any spots and might thus be dominated out. On the coho salmon’s tail they’re restricted to the higher caudal fin. That mentioned, the pink salmon, and rainbow trout aka steelhead salmon has recognizing in these areas in addition to a crimson or pink streak alongside the flanks, like this toy. Actually, the general coloration will not be very indicative of the chinook salmon in any respect. Chinook salmon are blue, inexperienced, or grey above with silvery sides and bellies in marine waters and reddish-brown or maroon when of their freshwater spawning colours. The toy can be lacking spots that must be on the dorsal fin which makes the distribution of spots extra much like that of the pink salmon, which additionally lacks spots on the dorsal. The dimensions and form of the spots could be inaccurate for a pink salmon although, which have bigger and extra blotchy spots, particularly on the tail.

To rule out the steelhead salmon we now have to show to the anal fin. The form of the anal fin can be utilized to inform all Pacific salmon from rainbow and cutthroat trout. Within the latter the anal fin has a shorter base, with the longest ray equal to or longer than the bottom, in order that when the fin is folded the tip touches the physique previous the fin base. In Pacific salmon the fin base is longer than the longest fin ray, in order that when folded the tip of the fin rests close to the center of the fin base. We can’t compress the fin on a toy, however we are able to eyeball it nicely sufficient to find out the place the fin tip would contact, ruling out the rainbow trout/steelhead salmon. So, for those who’re figuring out the determine based mostly on the scale of the spots and coloration of the mouth, it’s a chinook salmon. In case you’re figuring out it based mostly on the distribution of spots and colours, it’s a pink salmon.

The chinook salmon is native to the north Pacific, from Alaska to California within the japanese Pacific and from Russia to Japan within the western Pacific. They’ve been broadly launched elsewhere nonetheless, together with to the Nice Lakes, Patagonia and Argentina, and New Zealand.

The pink salmon is essentially the most ample species of Pacific salmon and could be discovered from the Mackenzie River in Canada to California within the japanese Pacific and from Russia to North Korea and Japan within the western Pacific. They’ve been launched elsewhere nonetheless, together with to the Nice Lakes, Iran, and Europe.

Also referred to as king salmon, the chinook is the most important of the Pacific salmon. They common 28-40” (71-102 cm) and weigh 10-25 lbs. (4.5-11.3 kg) however they will attain as much as 58” (150 cm) and 130 lbs. (59 kg). The Safari determine measures 6.75” (17.15 cm) in whole size which places it at 1/3.6-1/5 in scale for a mean sized salmon and 1/7.5 in scale for a most sized particular person.

The pink salmon is the smallest of the Pacific salmon. They common 18-24″ (46-61 cm) and weigh 3-5.5 lbs. (1.4-2.5 kg). If the determine is a pink salmon then that might put it at 1/2.6-1/3.5 in scale. The determine is posed with a mild rightward curve within the physique and supported by its pectoral, anal, and caudal fins. Not like the Safari Ltd. catfish and largemouth bass, the determine is hole.

The anatomy and element work on this determine is first rate sufficient that I gained’t should nitpick it to dying like I did with final week’s catfish, however I’ll level out that the dorsal fin is positioned too far again. The top is easy with sculpted enamel within the decrease jaw and two pairs of nostrils. The main points of the operculum are first rate, with sculpted branchiostegal rays alongside the throat. The cycloid scales alongside the physique are small and positive and in dimension would favor the chinook salmon over the exceptionally fine-scaled pink salmon. The lateral line will not be highlighted. The fin rays look good however are etched into the adipose fin once they shouldn’t be. A standard mistake on fish figures with adipose fins.

The determine is teal with a pale underside and has a pink streak operating via both sides. The place it ends, the teal has a bleed down impact alongside the flanks. A pink blush can be evident over the operculum. The tip of the dorsal fin has a pale tip whereas the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins have pale bases with teal coloured suggestions. The eyes are yellow with black pupils.

This paintjob doesn’t match the chinook salmon nicely. Spawning chinook salmon are nearly fully maroon coloured with olive-brown heads and backs. The colours listed below are a greater match for a spawning pink salmon than a chinook. That mentioned, spawning pink salmon males have a pronounced hump on their backs so if the determine is a pink salmon then it must signify a feminine.

The Safari salmon is a reliable determine on its floor, and clearly represents a salmon, nevertheless it fails to adequately seize the look of any explicit species. Whereas I really like that Safari is producing figures of freshwater fish species (or anadromous, on this case) I do want they might be extra diligent with them and make use of the identical consideration to element that they’re nicely regarded for with their different figures. I anticipate greater than only a generic trying salmon from Safari. I like to recommend this determine to fish collectors, however considerably begrudgingly, and principally as a result of salmon figures are unusual. It could be a very good determine to have repainted.