Queen Triggerfish Reared in Captivity for First Time
For the first time ever, offspring from the queen triggerfish, Balistes vetula, were reared in captivity. With help from scientists at the neighboring Roger Williams University, biologists at the New England Aquarium are the first to achieve success captively rearing this threatened saltwater species. The proud parents, a pair of queen triggerfish inhabiting a 250 thousand gallon Bahamian reef exhibit, are reported to have been regular spawners since the early days of the aquarium. However, all previous attempts to rear the offspring had failed. Success is attributed, in part, to the availability of copepods as first food source, thanks to the research of Dr. Andrew Rhyne, from RWU. Tens of thousands of eggs were collected and taken to Roger Williams University for hatching and grow out, and four larvae survived to reach sub-adulthood and take dry (prepared) foods. Despite the modest survival rate, this is a major step forward for aquaculture. Many saltwater fish are notoriously difficult to rear in captivity, due to the small size of larvae at hatching, and their need for even smaller, yet nutritious live foods. Copepod culture could be the key to achieving success with the queen triggerfish, and other species.
Works Cited
Daley, Beth. (2009, September 28).“Hatching a Marine Breakthrough”. The Boston Globe. September 28, 2009. Retrieved from http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2009/09/28/aquarium_and_roger_williams_university_grow_first_triggerfish_to_be_raised_in_captivity/
“RWU & New England Aquarium Breeds Rare Fish”. Retrieved November 5, 2009 from Roger Williams University Media Room website. http://mediaroom.rwu.edu/index.php/2009/09/09/new-england-aquarium-breeds-rare-fish/
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