Purchasing marine fish

[Kerry]

Hi everyone, 

I am looking into starting up a marine tank. I spoke to some experts at Hollywood fish farm and they informed me that all their fish are reef/wild caught. Are there stockists in Auckland where I can purchase captive bred fish? 

Im looking to start with no corals and some trigger fish. 

Thank you,

Kerry

[livingart]

Sorry no stockists that really deal in captive bred fish exclusively and only a few trigger species are  only just being bred overseas. There are a couple of people that breed clownfish and Bangai Cardinals in NZ that advertise when they have some available.

[Kerry]

Thanks for your reply.

Can I please ask what people's thoughts are around purchasing reef caught fish. And the facts. I'm not very informed around the topic and want to do what's best! 

Thanks,

Kerry

[zombieworm]

Unlike freshwater aquariums which contain a high percentage of captive-bred and raised animals, nearly all the fish kept in saltwater aquariums are captured from coral reefs, with fewer than 5% bred in captivity. A lot of fish simply won't breed in captivity, which means the reality is either wild caught, or a different hobby. Sorry.

I am starting my first marine tank too, but have opted for a reef tank - mostly corals. As far as I am aware most of the corals and anemones available in NZ are tank bred (remember corals are animals not plants). I do want some clownfish, and maybe some Bangai cardinals, and will try to get captive bred if possible, but the mandarin fish I am interested in is only wild caught.

Good luck with your new tank