Captive Bred Marine Aquarium Fishes: Are Tank-Raised Saltwater Fishes the Future of the Hobby?

There has been a preponderance of press recently in the marine aquarium world about the role of captive-breeding. For example, in a recent issue of Marine Fish and Reef USA, Tim Hayes contends that “[m]arine species are threatened, and hobbyists’ efforts may be the only solution.” The article’s take-home point is that the responsible marine aquarist should be “encouraging captive breeding and propagation as a source of livestock for the marine aquarium trade.”

Environmentally Responsible Aquarists

Some might assume that the environmentally responsible aquarist should therefore only acquire captive-bred marine aquarium fishes. For example, Suite101 writer Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen recently advised aquarists that a “golden rule” for environmentally-aware aquarists should be to “[p]urchase tank-bred fish instead of wild-caught” (“The Eco-Friendly Saltwater Aquarium”). The implication, however, that purchasing wild-caught fishes is categorically anti-environment is misleading, as many positive environmental initiatives are secondary to the establishment of sustainable fisheries.

In his Marine Fish and Reef USA article, Hayes argues that environmental degradation as a result of climate change “and the way the world responds to the reality of global warming” will have profound impacts on tropical reefs. “[I]t is pretty obvious,” Hayes states, “that the reefs as we have come to know them are on their way out.” It therefore follows (at least for Hayes) that the marine aquarium industry, which is currently dependent on wild-caught marine fishes, “is going to change significantly.”

Hayes believes that an increased awareness of the degradation of marine ecosystems will lead to an increased number of protected marine areas. “The indirect effects,” he says, “will be that the reef aquarium industry will become increasingly restricted in its taking of corals from the wild and may eventually be banned from doing so. When the reefs go, it will have the knock-on effect of destroying the habitat of the reefs’ fish.” In short, the hobby will then “have to survive on a much reduced variety of fish unless action is taken.”

Captive Breeding of Marine Aquarium Fishes

The action to which Hayes is referring is captive breeding of marine aquarium fishes, but is captive-breeding really the key to a successful future for the marine aquarium hobby? In truth, the future will most likely be dependent on a combination of both commercially-operated captive breeding programs and the further support and development of sustainable fisheries. To suggest it is an “either-or” situation is simply naïve and ignores the true scope of the marine aquarium industry.

More popular marine fish species such as Banggai cardinalfish, tangs (especially yellow and blue) and dwarf angelfishes (especially flame and coral beauties) should become the focus of aggressive commercial captive breeding operations. The result will be less pressure on wild populations which may be in trouble, less incentive to use destructive fishing practices to catch some of these fishes, and less mortality overall, as captive-bred fish are generally hardier.

Sustainable Fisheries Should Remain Integral to the Marine Aquarium Hobby

Having said that, it should be acknowledged that many popular species of marine aquarium fishes may never be appropriate candidates for commercial breeding operations, and sustainable fisheries for some of these animals can be a valuable source of income for impoverished island nations. Further, when a sustainable fishery is established, conservation of the habitat should be a natural byproduct because, if nothing else, it makes good economic sense.

Overall, it is important to remember that these are multifaceted, complex issues. While they may be easily painted with a broad, black-and-white brush, the truly responsible marine aquarist recognizes the inherent complexity of the gray areas and acts appropriately. Making informed decisions between the acquisition of sustainably-collected wild fishes and captive-bred fishes is what is most critical to the future of a robust and sustainable marine aquarium industry.

Jan 23, 2009 5:58 AM

Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen :

Nice article, and what a breathtaking flame angel! It's always good to hear both sides of the argument.

I live / work alongside the only barrier reef in N. America, which is dying. Yet, time and time again, the lawmakers in Florida cowtow to the fishing industry, cruise ship industry, etc., while the reef (not to mention the lobster and grouper fisheries)is slowly destroyed. I do not feel that, where there is money involved, the environment EVER comes out on top. I doubt that commercial collecting of sand, rock, livestock, etc., will ever be regulated enough, or the regulations enforced enough, to make up for the damage already being caused--especially in impoverished island nations.

I think you are right that the most important thing in this issue is that aquarists do their research before filling their tanks and make well-informed decisions, especially with the popularity of saltwater tanks steadily on the rise! Great work!

Best,
Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen

Jan 27, 2009 9:23 AM

Ret Talbot :

Sarah,

I certainly understand from where you are coming on this, and I too have been frustrated to no end at the impacts caused by the commercial fishing industry, cruise ship industry, etc. While these industries have a far greater impact on the ecosystems than the marine aquarium industry (with the exception of situations such as the Banggai cardinalfish issue), I do not believe we are off the hook as a hobby.

As we seem to both agree, it is essential that each and ever hobbyist inform themselves and make responsible choices. For example, the fact that no substrate or coral is collected in the Western Atlantic is a very good thing given the stressors already present. I actually think we should go a step further there (e.g., consider not taking parrotfish given the ecological niche they fill and their general unsuitability for aquarium life).

I am hopeful that ongoing initiatives in some parts of the Indo-Pacific are making strides in terms of conservation that is moving forward hand-in-hand with the marine aquarium industry. In my opinion, more aquarists need to know about those initiatives so that they can support them. It seems to me that a robust, sustainable hobby depends on it.

Ret