Utilizing public aquariums and molecular identification techniques to address the larviculture potential of Pacific blue tangs (Paracanthurus hepatus), semicircle angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus), and bannerfish (Heniochus sp.)

• Published in: Aquaculture international Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 253 - 265
• Main Authors: Cassiano, Eric J, Wittenrich, Matthew L, Waltzek, Thomas B, Steckler, Natalie K, Barden, Kevin P, Watson, Craig A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer-Verlag 01.02.2015; Springer International Publishing; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aquaculture; Aquariums; Biomedical and Life Sciences; breeding; Eggs; Fish eggs; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Genetic testing; Heniochus; Larvae; Life Sciences; Marine; Marine fish; Metamorphosis; Ornamental fish; Paracanthurus hepatus; Pomacanthus semicirculatus; rearing; Success; Veterinary medicine; Zoology; Zoos; I, Pacific; Public aquarium; DNA barcoding; Pacific blue tang; Semicircle angelfish; Bannerfish
• ISSN: 0967-6120; 1573-143X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10499-014-9813-3

Limitations in our understanding of aquaculture strategies necessary for cultivating many desirable species of marine ornamental fishes have impeded examining their commercial production. Currently, only a small fraction of species have been captive bred. Recent research efforts have focused on evaluating the rearing potential of marine fish eggs and larvae collected at public aquariums. However, as exhibits contain multiple species, accurate identification is crucial for determining species-specific larval rearing protocols. In this study, marine fish eggs and larvae were collected at four public display aquariums and were preserved for genetic identification prior to and during larviculture trials. During the project, numerous marine fish species were identified (n = 14) and three desirable species displayed traits conducive to captive breeding. Pomacanthus semicirculatus was identified using molecular techniques prior to metamorphosis and verified morphologically once grown. This species was also reared through the larval phase and into the juvenile (or nursery) phase. However, two species (Paracanthurus hepatus and Heniochus sp.) did not reach metamorphosis and observations made during larviculture would not have been attributed to those particular species without the use of molecular identification techniques.