Re: SW Invert BAP proposal
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8410665#post8410665 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by herpchat
OK guys and gals;
Here is a draft of my 16B catagory for OKAA, I want your comments, criticisms and any advise you might be able to give me here;
Thanks;
G
Class 16B: Ornamental Saltwater Invertebrates (4 species)
• 5 points: Bristleworms and All other highly opportunistic species.
• 10 points: Tubeworms, Zooanthids*, Gorgonian Type Corals* and mushroom anemones.
• 15 points: All hermaphodidic shrimp with direct development. All Cup Corals* and all other Corals* not listed elsewhere, All other anemones**.
• 20 points: All crabs, lobsters, and other crustaceans not listed elsewhere.
• Target: None.
* For Zooanthids and Corals a frag with a minimum of 6 polyps are needed, photographic proof should be provided as well.
** For the case of anemones only 1 anemone from binary fission is required for BAP.
*** Aptaisa Anemones were in the original draft but are pest anemones and will not be considered for BAP purposes whatsoever.
I see SEVERAL problems with this.
First, this is the Breeder's Award Program, but what defines a breeding? Sexual or Asexual or Both forms of reproduction? What about reproduction caused by human intervention? Does it have to be totally natural? How can you document and tell when something has actually bred? If it is only through sexual reproduction, then how can you tell that something was bred through this means and not snuck in as some form of asexual reproduction?
Second, a variety of these animals have various species that are easier or more difficult than what they are noted as.
Bristleworms: This is a vague, and general term for any fuzzy Polychaete worm. It could be the common Eurythoe species worm, or the less common Hermodice or Oenone species. That's like saying that all arborous mammals. Some would be more difficult than others. What would justify a true accomplishment and how could you keep up with the numbers?
Opportunistic Species: Opportunistic might not be the best wording here. Do you mean their feeding style, attitude, or the fact that they just take the opportunity to multiply when the conditions are good? In that case, all "pods" would fall under this, but there are many that are more difficult to care for. Heck, you can consider phytoplankton or zoaplankton in this category.
Tubeworms: Most tube worms multiply in an aquarium easily, but there are some that rarely multiply. Once again, where do you draw the line?
Zoanthids and Mushrooms: Why are these any different from any other coral. If you provide the correct environment, which usually works for most corals, then they will grow rapidly
Gorgonians: Does it matter which type? Photosynthetic or filter feeder.
Crustaceans: Why seperate these out? As long as the conditions are right, they all will produce young. The hard part is raising them.
Why have no target? There has to be something out there that you can target. Heck, successful sexual reproduction and growth of larval planulae of a coral species in a captive marine environment would be a "target", but well deserving of being the number one best in the BAP. Heck, no one has accomplished that.
Another pressing issue is that you don't allow Aiptasia in because it is a "pest". Sure, it is. But what defines a pest? Would Majanos Anemones make it? What about Ball Anemones (Pseudocorynactis sp)? Bristleworms are considered pests by some. Even Sundial Snails and Zoanthid Eating Nudibranchs. But, there are still some that keep them, or buy them to get rid of something. But if you look at it from the other side, why breed a "pest" that no one readily wants and you just kill them anyway? Wouldn't that be unethical and inhumane?
Other considerations might be what image are you promoting. How can you ensure that someone isn't running a chop shop by getting something in and just fragging it up?
Now, for something that will REALLY throw you off, do you consider someone's food culturing station to be allowed into the BAP. After all, they are successfully breeding many creatures, but to feed higher animals. For example, say someone is culturing Aiptasia to breed Berghia Nudibranchs or someone is culturing starfish to breed Harlequin Shrimp. Would you count them the culture as a success?
Really, my suggestion is to either scrap the BAP for Marine Invertebrates and stick strictly with marine, brackish, and freshwater fish, define that it is through sexual reproduction only. Or make a seperate category for ornamental invertebrates and corals. There are too many factors, back doors, and flaws to be done any other way.
Honestly Gerald, I really suggest that you get a lot more personal experience behind your belt in the marine hobby. I promise you that when you get into things that would concern the BAP, it is COMPLETELY different than freshwater. I can't even stress enough how much of a difference it is. I'm not trying to be mean here, but if you start this now with little experience, you will be forever altering the BAP rules to fit, and people will get out of hand with a lot of the options stated above. I know this is just a mock up/revision, but please think about this carefully.
