The global trade of aquatic organisms for home and public aquariums, along with associated equipment and accessories, has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Aquaculture of marine ornamental species, still in its infancy, is recognized as a viable alternative to wild collection as it can supplement or replace the supply of wild caught specimens and potentially help recover natural populations through restocking.
Marine Ornamental Species Aquaculture collects into a single work the most up-to-date information currently available on the aquaculture of marine ornamental species. It includes the contributions of more than 50 leading scientists and experts on different topics relevant for the aquaculture of the most emblematic groups of organisms traded for reef aquariums. From clownfish, to angelfish, tangs and seahorses, as well as corals, anemones, shrimps, giant clams and several other reef organisms, all issues related with the husbandry, breeding, and trade are addressed, with explanatory schemes and illustrations being used to help in understanding the most complex topics addressed.
Marine Ornamental Species Aquaculture is a key reference for scientists and academics in research institutes and universities, public and private aquaria, as well as for hobbyists. Entrepreneurs will also find this book an important resource, as the culture of marine ornamental species is analyzed from a business oriented perspective, highlighting the risks and opportunities of commercial scale aquaculture of marine ornamentals.
List of Contributors xxv
Foreword xxxi
Part I Overview of Marine Ornamental Species Aquaculture 1
1 The Marine Ornamental Species Trade 3
2 The Need for Cultured Specimens 15
3 Life Cycles in Marine Ornamental Species – Fishes as a Case Study 23
Part II Facilities, Culture Systems and Other Specific Requirements 71
4 Early Culture Trials and an Overview on U.S. Marine Ornamental Species Trade 51
5 Location 75
6 Broodstock Systems 81
7 Larviculture Systems 101
8 Live Prey Production Systems 111
9 Larval Diets and Nutrition 125
10 Growout and Broodstock Nutrition 139
Part III Marine Ornamental Fishes Aquaculture 175
11 Considerations for Developing a Marine Ornamental Hatchery 159
12 Clownfish 177
13 Mouthbrooders – the Banggai Cardinalfish 201
14 Other Demersal Spawners and Mouthbrooders 223
15 Large Angelfish and Other Pelagic Spawners 251
16 Dwarf Angelfish 279
17 Seahorses and Pipefish 299
18 Post-Larval Capture and Culture of Ornamental Fishes 327
Part IV Marine Ornamental Invertebrates Aquaculture 381
19 Common Diseases in Marine Ornamental Fishes 347
20 Live Rock 385
21 Cnidarians 403
22 Decapod Crustaceans 475
23 Molluscs 507
24 Polychaetes 565
Part V Other Issues in Marine Ornamental Species Aquaculture 595
25 Other Invertebrates and Macroalgae 581
26 Packing and Shipping 597
27 The Role of Public and Private Aquaria in the Culture and Conservation of Marine Ornamentals 609
28 How Nano Tanks can Foster the Demand for Bred and Cultured Marine Ornamentals 635
Part VI Future Challenges and Concluding Remarks 647
Glossary 651
Appendix 655