Pre- and post-metamorphosis Pacific Blue Tangs, Paracanthurus hepatus, spawned and raised at University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, Florida. Silver fish have not completed metamorphosis. Image: Tyler Jones.

Rising Tide Conservation and the UF Tropical Aquaculture Lab Announce Ocean Conservation Breakthrough Success raising Pacific Blue Tangs

via Rising Tide Conservation

Fort Plain, NY, July 20, 2016—Rising Tide Conservation, in partnership with the University of Florida, announces the successful culture of Pacific Blue Tang surgeonfish, the species known as the character “Dory.” This major breakthrough is a major step forward in aquaculture of marine ornamental fish. Until today, all Pacific Blue Tangs were collected from reefs, primarily in Indonesia or the Philippines.

Dr. Judy St. Leger, president of Rising Tide Conservation, announced the much-anticipated breakthough:

Dr. Judy St. Leger, head of the Rising Tide Conservation Initiative and an aquatic veterinarian.

“This is a new chapter in ornamental fish aquaculture. Both display aquariums and marine fish hobbyists can now choose where many of their fish come from. Collecting reef fish is a complex issue with both positives and negatives. When there are concerns of destructive practices, having an alternative source can benefit fish, people, and reefs.”

The advance was made possible by the efforts of a committed team of biologists, including Eric Cassiano and Kevin Barden at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory of the University of Florida in Ruskin, Florida. The laboratory is directed by Craig Watson, and the Rising Tide Conservation program is overseen by Dr. Matt DiMaggio. Rising Tide Conservation identified this species as one of conservation interest for aquaculture in 2010.

Three members of the Tropical Aquaculture Lab Team with Pacific Blue Tang broodstock. From left to right, Eric Cassiano, Kevin Barden, Dr. Matt DiMaggio

Craig Watson, director of the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory said: “This team is a can-do part of Rising Tide Conservation. We are committed to improving the science of raising fish and we are proud to be part of Rising Tide. Our folks are a successful team because of their knowledge, commitment, and ability to work with others to reach a common goal. Eric and Kevin gave up weekends and holidays to make this happen. I could not be more proud of them than I am today.”

Efforts have been underway to develop techniques for rearing this fish in both Florida and Hawaii at the Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University. Dr. Chad Callan of the Oceanic Institute commented, “The basis of Rising Tide Conservation is communication and sharing. This breakthrough came, in part from methods for propagating Yellow Tang here in Hawaii. We expect many more species to be successfully produced using the techniques that made these two iconic tangs possible.” Callan’s own team scored a major breakthrough in 2015 with the first commercial production of Yellow Tangs, a mainstay species in the marine aquarium trade.

At 55 days post-hatch, these “baby Dorys” were photographed, not on an Indo-Pacific reef, but in a greenhouse in Ruskin, Florida.

About Rising Tide Conservation:

Established in 2009, Rising Tide Conservation is non-profit entity dedicated to coral reef conservation. The program develops sustainable aquaculture alternatives to collecting marine ornamental fish from reefs. Rising Tide is composed of integrated stakeholders from the public aquaria and zoo communities, research institutes and universities, tropical fish producers, wholesalers, and retailers, as well as numerous businesses and organizations in the hobby fish industry.

Research facilities include the University of Florida and the Oceanic Institute of Hawaiian Pacific University. Major funding stakeholders include the international retailer Petco and SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. For more information, go to www.risingtideconservation.org

About the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory of the University of Florida:

Established in 1996, the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory is part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, and falls within the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Its primary mission is to provide scientific research and extension support to Florida’s unique ornamental fish industry. Located in Ruskin, the lab includes both indoor and outdoor research facilities on a 6.5-acre fish farm, a disease diagnostic lab, and partners with the USDA and Hillsborough County Community College, which operate out of the facility. Go to tal.ifas.ufl.edu for more information.

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Image Credits: UF IFAS File Photos – photographer Tyler Jones. Used with permission.

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