What do you see when you look at a saltwater Clownfish? Do you see Nemo and Marlin? I’ll tell you what I see. I see a fish that was almost endangered but now prevails. I see a fish that started an important movement that will someday save the oceans. I see happy and healthy fish that are now captive bred (aquacultured) for your aquarium. I see fish that do not miss the ocean like Nemo did because they are bred in captivity. These fish started something amazing around the time Finding Nemo came out. They are so important and often get overlooked. I admit, until I started writing about aquaculture I didn’t give the clown fish enough credit either. I have over 100 clown fish in my store that I look at every day and I took them for granted, but they started the aquaculture movement for saltwater aquarium fish.

Here is a silly Clownfish playing in his anemone

It only takes one to start a movement and they are the one. They paved the way for some impressive species now being aquacultured. One of my favorite things about this is the fact that it is not just the big research facilities and universities getting this done; hobbyist are also making waves in this area. I am an LFS (local fish store) owner who is aquaculture obsessed. We usually have more aqua cultured than wild caught fish in our store and someday I hope to carry 100% aquacultured  fish. I have a beautiful pair of clowns that I am going to try to breed. Their parents are wild caught from Australia. I will be posting my progress with them as much as I can.

The ocean is in trouble and the fact that reefs are dying is devastating for coral enthusiasts and fish enthusiasts alike. Without the reefs there will be no fish – we need to take this seriously and many of us do. Biologists are trying to help the reefs and grow corals once again, and now it’s our turn to help the fish. Raising them in captivity would make for healthier and happier fish. It would also ensure the breeds will make it through for future generations. Aquaculture is the future and clown fish are the future!

This is a trio of mocha clownfish.