Any dwarf Angelfish that are captive bred
- Thread starter Jyetman
- Start date
Jyetman
Active member
Thats what I had for 8 years she sadly passed away few days ago. Was hoping to find another type. Surprising I bought that coral beauty from a local Petco on sale. Can they be trusted today?
WVfishguy
New member
There was a period of time when I would not set up marine tanks for this very reason, but that was more than 30 years ago (longer? I have little sense of time) And even then, it was mostly in the Philippines. The Philippine reefs were almost destroyed by this practice.
I was not aware this practice was still going on. Do you have evidence of this?
Over the years, I've placed many, many dwarf angels in my client's aquaria, as well as my own, and they have all proven to be very hardy. I believe dwarf angels are some of the toughest fish you can keep.
Fish collected with cyanide will generally die quite soon. Back when this practice was prevalent, I'd see a half-moon spot on the side of the fish, and it would die in a few days or weeks. I don't know if cyanide was the cause, but I remember seeing quite a few dead fish with that mark.
It certainly was not just dwarf angels which were collected with cyanide. I specifically remember seeing large saddle back clowns for sale at $6, as well as other species which were way too inexpensive. I'm sure they were collected with cyanide.
I've seen photos of Philippine reefs where the sea floor was carpeted with angels, butterflies, wrasses, clowns, you name it. You could not see the bottom for the piles of dead fish. It was quite disturbing.
I really do not believe cyanide is being used today. The fish for sale today are simply too hardy - although I'm sure SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE may be collecting that way.
Of course, it's ALWAYS preferable to get tank raised or tank bred fish. But I do not hesitate to buy a healthy dwarf angel.
Jyetman
Active member
They must still be worried about it today! "note article 2018"
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5976154/
WVfishguy
New member
In the aquarium trade, I have not seen nor heard of this in many, many years. I don't believe any reputable importer would be so stupid as to have anything to do with cyanide collected fish. The article is simply a study on cyanide, not an accusation of anyone still using it.
I think this ship has sailed and we won't see it again. I hope.
I think this ship has sailed and we won't see it again. I hope.
Jyetman
Active member
Well I hope they don't still rather buy a captive bred. Why haven't I found a corpse? One concern is I have a one spot fox face. I never seen the coral beauty and fox face tangle but is it still possible the fox face killed her? I also have a 8 year old BIG black perk who bumps and bullies the fox face never had stinging issue.
WVfishguy
New member
I've never seen foxfaces be aggressive, but clowns can be killers.
BTW - I buy quite a few fish from my local Petco. The one in my area has a good selection of fish and inverts, and are quite a bit cheaper than most LFS. Their livestock is every bit as good as the LFS.
I really don't have an LFS close by - the closest ones are 40 miles in either direction, but I'm fine with Petco (I never thought I'd say that!)
The only problem is Petco will not buy/trade fish or plants from local hobbyists - and that's actually a big deal for me. I breed African cichlids, freshwater angels, swordtails and albino bristlenose plecos. And Bangai cardinals.
BTW - I buy quite a few fish from my local Petco. The one in my area has a good selection of fish and inverts, and are quite a bit cheaper than most LFS. Their livestock is every bit as good as the LFS.
I really don't have an LFS close by - the closest ones are 40 miles in either direction, but I'm fine with Petco (I never thought I'd say that!)
The only problem is Petco will not buy/trade fish or plants from local hobbyists - and that's actually a big deal for me. I breed African cichlids, freshwater angels, swordtails and albino bristlenose plecos. And Bangai cardinals.
