Caribbean SPS

[Chasmodes]

Are there any SPS species that are available from the Caribbean or Atlantic that are available for sale? I haven't seen many species, if any, offered for sale. Are they all protected? Can you purchase aquacultured frags from the Caribbean? I'm thinking about setting up and establishing a Caribbean SPS biotope tank.

I'm leaning towards having one SPS dominant species occupy the majority of the reef, in a large reef tank, and perhaps a diverse "island". Fishes, LR, LS, macro algae, and other inverts would all be Caribbean in my plan. I just think that this would be a very cool concept, one that I'm sure has been done many times, but not one that I see very often. If I can't obtain Caribbean SPS then I'd go with Pacific corals.

I think that Pacific species are very beautiful and exotic and those biotopes are awesome, but there are a few Caribbean critters that I just don't think that I could do without. Maybe one day if I hit the Lotto I can run 2 systems, one Caribbean and one Pacific!

 

[Obi-dad]

I think they are not allowed to be collected without special permits (and only for scientific use, not resale). Here's hoping they are eventually available as frags from existing aquariums - would be a great way to preserve them since they are rapidly disappearing in the wild.

 

[ClownReef®]

I dont think so. I believe people used to collect in jamaica (Thats why diving there SUCKS, there's nothing left). Some people still sell stuff from jamaica (i.e some rics and things of that nature) but its very uncommon.

Im originally from Mexico, and collecting in the Mexican Caribbean is absolutely restricted. Every single inch of Mexican caribbean is protected by the federal goverment and punishable with jail time and a HUGE fine. Ive snorkled the mayan riviera/cozumel a few times, and it is very common to see the navy patrolling the reefs. Hopefully it will stay like that for a long LONG time. That area is absolutely breathtaking.

 

[fishnerd]

I too am very interested in the A. Palmata and A. Cervoconis
but they are illegal to collect. It has been reported from reefers that some hitchhikers from florida LR survived and thrived. So hopefully these "people" post some pics and offer frags!

First in line.

 

[castorpollux]

i have been wanting a. cervoconis for a while. especially because of the white band disease killing so many of them...