Colourful reef fish are popular pets for many, but researchers at the University of Florida are concerned about the impacts of the sourcing of these fish, which are often wild-caught.
Seeking to reduce this pressure on Florida's reef ecosystems, the researchers hope to encourage aquaculture producers to breed popular species to meet the consumer demand.
"Aquaculture here decreases the need for wild-caught fish. It is sustainable, and it provides a healthy fish for the aquarium trade,” said Cortney Ohs, associate Professor of fisheries and aquatic sciences at the University of Florida, in a press release.
So far the researchers' mission has been met with success, having managed to breed notoriously difficult species such as blue tang, alongside pet-shop classics such as the clownfish. Going forward they hope to expand their repertoire to encompass many of the most popular reef fish species.
"The mission of the lab is to solve problems and create opportunities. We don’t know how wild harvest affects these reefs, so finding ways to raise sought-after marine fish species can contribute to conservation, as well as job creation and economic stimulation. What we’re trying to do is develop those methods so farmers in the state have the option to produce them if they want,” said Matthew DiMaggio, director of the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin.
It hasn't all been plain sailing, however, as before breeding can take place, the researchers must determine the specific environmental and resource needs of the fish, which can differ drastically from species to species.
"It’s very labour- and cost-intensive, which is why it’s important we do this research for the industry to create a blueprint. You can’t successfully raise the larvae any other way," concluded DiMaggio.
