Breeding Marine Fish, Corals and Invertebrates...Help Save Our Reefs

The saltwater hobby has flourished in the past few years. Technological advances and dedicated research focusing on water parameter issues combined with livestock compatibility and husbandry requirements have taken alot of the guesswork and heartaches out of this enjoyable and rewarding hobby. It is now easier than ever to maintain a successful marine aquarium, with the right amount of preparation, devotion and time. Carrying this one step further incorporating an extensive breeding program into the mix and we are now realizing that much of the livestock we maintain in our aquariums now, was once looked upon as having a glimmer of hope at best to live more than a few months.

These tank raised breeding practices provide hardier animals due to ease in acclimation to life in a captive environment more so than their wild counterparts. The more pertinent benefit to this breeding procedure is lessening the strain placed on the reefs of the world. The wrath of Mother Nature in the form of hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis is destructive enough but when you factor in other detrimental ploys, our reefs really take a hit. Maybe not initially, a year from now or even in our lifetime, but eventually we will pay the price as the damage will rear it ugly face. Careless neglect portrayed by many, through illegal and detrimental collecting techniques(cyanide and dynamite), global warming, the infamous oil spill in the Atlantic, to something on a smaller scale such as simply standing on a coral formation, handling coral to dragging an anchor over a reef comes with such a cost to our reefs and those in close contact to them.

Breeding programs such as those achieved by organizations like ORA(Oceans, Reefs and Oceans) to the collegiate level like that employed at the University of Maine gives us hope for now and the future. What had only been viewed as a dream has become a reality. Many species of Clownfish, Pseudochromis', Damselfish, Seahorses, Peppermint Shrimp and Mandarin Dragonettes are being bred in captivity with more marine animals on the horizon being explored. Tangs, Angelfish, Triggerfish and Wrasses may be the new craze in the next year or two. Moreover, not only are the normal coloration and patterns being replicated but various color morphs are being introduced through breeding with other species of fish. For example, Clownfish are now offered not only in the standard coloration but you can now get Platinum, Blizzard, Mocha, Picasso, Black, Onyx, and no bar Clownfish. Granted you can spend a pretty penny for some of the more highly sought after coloration forms, they are truly amazing.

Corals and Tridacna Clams represent another breakthrough in the breeding program, allowing our reefs not to be subjected to the harshness of reality through inferior collection and handling techniques. Farming on tracts of space on the ocean floor is the norm now allowing the cultivation of Crocea, Maxima, Derasa, Squamosa and Gigas Tridacna Clams successfully with out having to disturb them in the wild. Moreover, the cultivation of these clams enables the dwindling population of these important invertebrates to regenerate. Corals are also being farmed, propagated and fragged (small mirror images of the mother colonies) as well. Being able to grow out corals without the negative side effects that coincide with breaking off chunks or pieces of a coral reef is a big deal. Live rock is even being cultivated on the ocean floor and is being made by molding concrete in various shapes and sizes. Within a year or so the once bare and lifeless pieces of concrete will have blossomed with a plethora of algae, sponge, coral, plankton, bacteria and other lifeforms.

In time, I believe that these efforts will not only help to reduce the stress placed on our reefs but enable marine aquarists with a greater abundance and selection of livestock to add to the diversity of their aquariums.

It is astonishing how many people venture to the myriad of Islands and Countries that hug the Equator over the course of a year. Scuba diving and snorkeling sites dot these tropical oases like stars that fill the night time sky. We are mesmerized, as marine lovers, by the beauty, tranquility and diversity that exists on the reefs that is home to such an array of fish, invertebrates and corals.

Its sad to see our reefs depreciate like they have over the past decade or so. Many dive locations have become so depleted that they look like barren wastelands. If we don't change our approach or turn our heads in hopes that things will get better without taking any course of action, we will not be able to enjoy the secrets and wonders of our reefs. Our kids and their kids may possibly only know what a reef looks like through photographs taken by us here and now. That would be a hard fact to swallow, but one that isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Captive breeding efforts and successes are a small step in the right direction, but it will take more. Small steps such as this add up and shouldn't be hindered or looked at as not that big a deal. Our reefs and all the living animals that reside there need our help. If we are to continue to enjoy the times spend on and around our reefs awareness and preservation is crucial along with the collective efforts surrounding breeding and farming tactics.

Save a reef...Grow your own and select captive bred livestock!