The Marine Aquarium Fish Trade
The primary allure of the marine aquarium hobby has to be marine aquarium fish.
This is also true with the freshwater aquarium scene where most folks get into the hobby primarily because of the fish.
Sure there may be some were interested mainly because of the beauty of corals or planted tanks but they are far from the majority.
As marine aquarium hobbyists, we are spoiled for choice.
There are a myriad number of species available in the marine trade to satisfy the vast majority of us.
And it you have the money, you can pretty much get what you want including sharks, stingrays and pricey deep water species.
For most of us however, are well satisfied with the available saltwater aquarium fish that are plentiful in the market.
In terms of price, rarity has always been major influence on the ultimate price per specimen.
Take Amphiprion Ocellaris for example.
Named the Ocellaris clownfish, it is the most recognizable member of the clownfish family along with its twin, the percula clownfish.
It is also very abundant in our oceans, which ultimately makes his fish a relatively cheap specimen to purchase.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have true rarities such as the Gem Tang and the Peppermint Angelfish.
Their price tag runs well into the thousands.
In the case of the peppermint angelfish, the last specimen fetched a reported twenty thousand dollars in Japan.
Because demand for marine aquarium fish are always high, there are some that are concerned for the sustainability of the hobby.
Having seen hundreds upon hundreds of fish in large holding tanks myself, i would have to agree.
Our oceans cannot possibly replace the huge numbers that are collected in time to replenish stocks in time for the next collection.
Thankfully, there is a concerted effort in producing tank raised marine aquarium fish.
One such place that focuses exclusively on rearing marine fish is the popular forum, MOFIB.
com.
However, due to the increased costs associated with tank reared specimens, most do not generate a big enough profit to warrant tank raising.
This is also true with the freshwater aquarium scene where most folks get into the hobby primarily because of the fish.
Sure there may be some were interested mainly because of the beauty of corals or planted tanks but they are far from the majority.
As marine aquarium hobbyists, we are spoiled for choice.
There are a myriad number of species available in the marine trade to satisfy the vast majority of us.
And it you have the money, you can pretty much get what you want including sharks, stingrays and pricey deep water species.
For most of us however, are well satisfied with the available saltwater aquarium fish that are plentiful in the market.
In terms of price, rarity has always been major influence on the ultimate price per specimen.
Take Amphiprion Ocellaris for example.
Named the Ocellaris clownfish, it is the most recognizable member of the clownfish family along with its twin, the percula clownfish.
It is also very abundant in our oceans, which ultimately makes his fish a relatively cheap specimen to purchase.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have true rarities such as the Gem Tang and the Peppermint Angelfish.
Their price tag runs well into the thousands.
In the case of the peppermint angelfish, the last specimen fetched a reported twenty thousand dollars in Japan.
Because demand for marine aquarium fish are always high, there are some that are concerned for the sustainability of the hobby.
Having seen hundreds upon hundreds of fish in large holding tanks myself, i would have to agree.
Our oceans cannot possibly replace the huge numbers that are collected in time to replenish stocks in time for the next collection.
Thankfully, there is a concerted effort in producing tank raised marine aquarium fish.
One such place that focuses exclusively on rearing marine fish is the popular forum, MOFIB.
com.
However, due to the increased costs associated with tank reared specimens, most do not generate a big enough profit to warrant tank raising.
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