Correlation of Fish Origin/Source and Survival Rates

[mjreefs]

Hi all.

I'm actually just curious (and hopefully this would spur discussion): does the origin/source of the fish have an effect on the survival rate (and longevity) of the fish? This made me wonder as my LFS claimed that among all the Achilles Tangs he sold, Tahitian ones fared better than their Hawaiian counterparts. Of course a lot of factors come into play like the case of the Regal Angelfish (like most Indo-Pacific Regal Angels are cyanide caught and that's why have low survival rates compared to their Red Sea/Indian Ocean counterparts), but I'm looking for the collective experiences of hobbyists and hopefully a lot would contribute.

 

[Feet4Fish]

I have recently started to wonder the same things. From collection techniques, initial holding conditions, transport techniques all play a factor. Similarly I would love to know the regional variation in the fish themselves.....appearance, temperament and ability to adjust to the captive environment! Great post and like you, very hopeful that some of our contributors on the commercial and collection side could throw out some of their observations and experiences!!!

 

[mjreefs]

I have recently started to wonder the same things. From collection techniques, initial holding conditions, transport techniques all play a factor. Similarly I would love to know the regional variation in the fish themselves.....appearance, temperament and ability to adjust to the captive environment! Great post and like you, very hopeful that some of our contributors on the commercial and collection side could throw out some of their observations and experiences!!!

I'm also particularly interested in the longevity of captive-bred vs. wild-caught fish. (of course, we do not have an idea on how old the wild-caught fish is when it comes to us, but should give us a rough estimate).

 

[Feet4Fish]

Agreed. We are starting to see fish being captive bred where their wild counterparts are traditionally not the hardiest of fish in a closed system. ie. Majestic Angels.

Now if someone other than you and I can chime in that would be great!

 

[Jesterrace]

I can't prove it for 100% sure but Coral Beauties sourced from Fiji seem to do better overall than those from Indonesia (also tend to have better color).

 

[nereefpat]

I wouldn't believe that location would have much of an impact. Collection methods, shipping methods, and travel definitely make a difference.

 

[mjreefs]

I wouldn't believe that location would have much of an impact. Collection methods, shipping methods, and travel definitely make a difference.

But isn't the three (collection method, shipping method, travel) have something to do with the location?

I became extremely curious of this as my LFS claimed that the Tahitian Achilles Tangs fare better than the Hawaiian ones. What made the difference?

 

[nereefpat]

But isn't the three (collection method, shipping method, travel) have something to do with the location?

Sort of...My point was that it doesn't have much to do with the fish itself. It's not that Indonesian fish are unhealthy. They wouldn't have much, if any, genetic differences compared to Australian fish, for example.

I don't know specifically about Tahiti vs Hawaii tangs. Usually fish fish hawaii are good survivors for us. My guess is that your LFS has some anecdotal evidence here. Or maybe the Tahitian ones are more expensive ....Or maybe Hawaiian fish have to make an extra stop in CA before going to FL, or wherever. I'm obviously just making guesses.

 

[S2G]

I find the angels collected from redsea/India are in better health when they get in.

Lies About Cyanide

I'm not saying cyanide isn't used to catch fish in some parts of the world. And where it is used, it does need to be stopped. But anti-aquarium activists, most notably Renee Umberger and her organization For the Fishes, have waged a campaign to paint "99% of aquarium fish caught with cyanide"...

www.reef2reef.com