Coral reefs and Tangs

[srikamaraja]

Given the current state of coral reefs the world over, being overrun by algae and other such phenomena, is it responsible, in any fashion, to keep/buy reef 'janitors' such as herbivorous tangs?

I only ask because at this point, these animals may do far more good in the wild than in our tanks. If tangs in a given area are over collected, it can easily be overrun by algae.

The only exception I can imagine is any Caribbean species that wash up with the Gulf stream in September to the coasts from new jersey to cape cod.

 

[philhawk]

i believe everyone has a responsibility to support captive breeding programs but that being said there are many fish responsibly caught for the aquarium trade. some research into the status of the fish you are buying and look for the option of captive bred specimens. i dont buy alot of fish online but i know that www.drsfostersmith.com clearly marks those that are captive bred.

 

[DiverDan]

i believe everyone has a responsibility to support captive breeding programs but that being said there are many fish responsibly caught for the aquarium trade. some research into the status of the fish you are buying and look for the option of captive bred specimens. i dont buy alot of fish online but i know that www.drsfostersmith.com clearly marks those that are captive bred.

That's a great idea. Does anyone know of any NGO's that keep an eye on this?

 

[BIGgourami]

most of the problem is that the native algea eaters dont eat the ALIEN algeas..

increasing the number of herbivores will do nothing but put further strain on native populations

 

[srikamaraja]

The only problem with the captive bred idea is that, as far as I know, there are no captive bred tangs/surgeonfish, because of their method of broadcast spawning, and subsequent planktonic development.