Aloha Fellow Aquarists,
My name is Cody Chapin and I am currently working on a thesis project to describe the status of Potter's angelfish in the marine aquarium industry. I am trying my best to put together the "big picture". I have been interviewing and working with wholesalers, retailers, and aquarium collectors on the Big Island of Hawaii and also on the island of Oahu. I am also in need of the hobbyist perspective and that is something I hope you all can help me out with. The following questions will give you an idea of the type of information I am looking for:
Husbandry Preferences:
Do these species fare better in reef aquaria vs. fish-only tanks? Do they nip at corals and if so which do they prefer? Does coral nipping vary according to the individual? Are there any particular fishes that Potter's should not be housed with? Do you have any general husbandry recommendations for this fish? What is the smallest tank size you would recommend?
Mortality & Longevity:
Is this fish considered more difficult to keep in aquaria than most other reef species? Are there any parameters or conditions (perhaps certain aspects of water quality) that this species is particularly sensitive to? Is there a high mortality rate for this fish when compared to other angelfishes or reef fishes? If well-established, how long can these fish last in aquaria?
Diet:
What foods do Potter's most seem to prefer? Pellets, flakes, gels, live, or frozen? Due to possible specialized nutritional needs, is it critical that certain "more specialized" foods (i.e. sponges) be offered to this species; and, if so, what are those foods? Is it difficult to get this species to eat following capture or out of retail? Are there any particular "first foods" that work for newly-acquired specimens?
Disease:
Are these species susceptible to any particular types of disease in aquaria? (I have heard that gill worms have been known to occur.)
Reproduction:
Have any aquarists out there attempted to pair or even spawn this species in captivity and, if so, were they successful?
Other:
Do hobbyists prefer certain color patters, perhaps more rare patterns (like an all-blue individual, for instance). Will they pay more for these variations?
So now you get the idea. I would appreciate your time and help with this project... I am working on a much bigger project to help fortify the aquarium industry here in the Hawaiian Islands and any information that you provide will help to move that project forward as well. I will keep everyone posted. The more replies that I get (even to verify earlier replies), the more that your input will be fortified in my study!
Mahalo a Nui Loa!!!! (Thank you very much!) I wish you all happy reef-keeping!
My name is Cody Chapin and I am currently working on a thesis project to describe the status of Potter's angelfish in the marine aquarium industry. I am trying my best to put together the "big picture". I have been interviewing and working with wholesalers, retailers, and aquarium collectors on the Big Island of Hawaii and also on the island of Oahu. I am also in need of the hobbyist perspective and that is something I hope you all can help me out with. The following questions will give you an idea of the type of information I am looking for:
Husbandry Preferences:
Do these species fare better in reef aquaria vs. fish-only tanks? Do they nip at corals and if so which do they prefer? Does coral nipping vary according to the individual? Are there any particular fishes that Potter's should not be housed with? Do you have any general husbandry recommendations for this fish? What is the smallest tank size you would recommend?
Mortality & Longevity:
Is this fish considered more difficult to keep in aquaria than most other reef species? Are there any parameters or conditions (perhaps certain aspects of water quality) that this species is particularly sensitive to? Is there a high mortality rate for this fish when compared to other angelfishes or reef fishes? If well-established, how long can these fish last in aquaria?
Diet:
What foods do Potter's most seem to prefer? Pellets, flakes, gels, live, or frozen? Due to possible specialized nutritional needs, is it critical that certain "more specialized" foods (i.e. sponges) be offered to this species; and, if so, what are those foods? Is it difficult to get this species to eat following capture or out of retail? Are there any particular "first foods" that work for newly-acquired specimens?
Disease:
Are these species susceptible to any particular types of disease in aquaria? (I have heard that gill worms have been known to occur.)
Reproduction:
Have any aquarists out there attempted to pair or even spawn this species in captivity and, if so, were they successful?
Other:
Do hobbyists prefer certain color patters, perhaps more rare patterns (like an all-blue individual, for instance). Will they pay more for these variations?
So now you get the idea. I would appreciate your time and help with this project... I am working on a much bigger project to help fortify the aquarium industry here in the Hawaiian Islands and any information that you provide will help to move that project forward as well. I will keep everyone posted. The more replies that I get (even to verify earlier replies), the more that your input will be fortified in my study!
Mahalo a Nui Loa!!!! (Thank you very much!) I wish you all happy reef-keeping!
