Tank bred or wild caught?

[Seadogs]

I have seen more and more tank bred fish being offered. I would think these fish would be a better choice over wild caught. Not only for the preservation of the reefs, but also for the health of the fish. Less chance of parasites, disease, etc...

Is this true?

I have had some people tell me this is not really the case. That tank bred fish have a lower immunity to disease and are therefore more likely to have problems should any kind of disease, parasite, etc.. show up in a tank.

I would love to hear any evidence supporting or contradicting either view.

Thanks!

 

[Drewcipher]

I don't have evidence other than my experience. I have a pair of tank bred clowns that have done fine for the last 2 years. We are about to fill our new 225, when we start stocking I plan to look for captive bred first.

 

[Seadogs]

Experience works too!

Thanks!

 

[Vili_Shark]

Cant even compare tank bred fish to wild caught and Clown fish are the best example.
While wild clown are sensetive to various disease especially brooklynella ,tank raised Clowns are very hardy.
I even experienced once when brooklynella infected phillipines ocellaris clowns were kept in the same system with tank raised clowns (before removed for treatment) the tank raised stayed in the system and never had a problem.

 

[Wolverine]

IMO you should always choose TR fish when available. They are hardier and more disease resistant. They also come from a lineage that has shown a propensity to pair up and spawn in captivity. You're also supporting a very important fledgling industry, that might be our whole source of animals some day.

Some people feel that TR fish have less vibrant colors, but I haven't found this to be the case from the good suppliers.

Dave