Karen Brittain's Latz

[zumaboy]

Photos above; Juvenile Latz (A. Latezonatus)


Latz have been bred in captivity in Australia and elsewhere. Results have not been without serious flaws - incomplete middle bands, or totally missing middle bands being common.

Until these problems are resolved its unlikely that quality captive bred Latz will see themselves in your home aquarium anytime soon. Wild caught Latz have their issues too. Originating from the sub-tropical waters of Australia, these Latz live where water temperatures are between 63 and 77 degrees F (17-25 degrees C), depending on season. This imposes additional financial burden on the hobbyist who would have to set up special tanks for the cooler water temperature needs of these Latz.

Furthermore, wild caught Latz do not travel in shipping very well.

I recently spoke with Aquarium Biologist Karen Brittain at the University Hawaii, and Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology on these issues. Karen is best know for being only the second person in the world to have successfully spawned and raise saltwater angelfish in captivity. Karen tells me that she enjoys the challenge of breeding rare clownfish, especially ones that have difficulty adjusting to captivity, ones that ship poorly, and those that are very challenging to spawn in captivity ,but generally fair better when bred and raised in captivity. Most of all, she emphasises that CB help reduce the number of fish collected from the wild.

I am happy to report that Karen had done it! She has successfully spawned and raised Latz in captivity without any of the flaws noted earlier. Karen's captive bred Latz are identical to their wild caught counterparts you can't tell the difference.

Equally important - Karen's Latz thrive in 78-82 degree F water temperatures.

Her associate Chris tells me they do not use chilliers in Hawaii. 78-82F is amazing, as that means no special tanks or expenses are needed. This is good news. It brings the regular marine aquarist closer to owning A, Latezonatus. and also Latz that can be introduced into their main display tanks with other tropical marine critters.

Final question: What about the still relatively high cost of Latz?

Karen wishes to make her fish available to as many hobbyists as possible. For this purpose, she has found a like-minded person in California to make this happen. This online saltwater fish store will bring her CB Latz to the masses at a reasonable price.


Photos below;Juvenile Latz(A. Latezonatus) aka Wide Band Anemonefish

Photos courtesy: [violation]

 

[velvetelvis]

This is great news. Who will be selling them?

 

[k.tran]

Heres the article

http://glassbox-design.com/2010/captive-bred-amphiprion-latezonatus/

 

[zumaboy]

This is great news. Who will be selling them?

I've been told its [violation]..........

 

[velvetelvis]

Thanks!

 

[tcmfish]

I am a little skeptical about the CB ones not needing cooler temps. It may shorten their life in the long run, but they probably don't notice any ill effects now. Either way its about time someone raised some not misbar, that is what makes this species!

 

[BonsaiNut]

Either way its about time someone raised some not misbar, that is what makes this species!

Most people don't understand that raising a clown with normal bars is HARDER than raising a misbar. They think that misbars are something special - and are willing to pay more for them... So if you are a breeder, which would you raise?

 

[zumaboy]

I am a little skeptical about the CB ones not needing cooler temps. It may shorten their life in the long run, but they probably don't notice any ill effects now. Either way its about time someone raised some not misbar, that is what makes this species!

you make a good point, I was told the broodstock is also kept without the use of chillers... and yes " Either way its about time someone raised some not misbar, that is what makes this species!"

 

[zumaboy]

Most people don't understand that raising a clown with normal bars is HARDER than raising a misbar. They think that misbars are something special - and are willing to pay more for them... So if you are a breeder, which would you raise?

you're absolutely spot on, percs are a good example, fortunately with Latz the misbars are a no go.......

 

[copps]

I've been told its iBluewater..........

This info was published in my original article in October linked above...

"Aquarists in the U.S. can order direct from Aqualife Unlimited. Additionally they will be made available to local fish stores both domestically and internationally via two major wholesalers from Oahu."

Copps

 

[platperc]

I read both articles. Thanks zuma for all the new additional info in your article......... :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[zumaboy]

I read both articles. Thanks zuma for all the new additional info in your article......... :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Thank you for acknowledging ......

 

[dc]

So what are the odds that 2 people in this thread share an ip with the user iBluewater?

 

[Anemone]

So what are the odds that 2 people in this thread share an ip with the user iBluewater?

I'd say the odds are pretty good that they'll both be losing their posting privileges unless they PM either you or I with an explanation immediately, since we take a very, very dim view of shilling on ReefCentral.

Kevin