which to breed in classroom?

[seapug]

+1 on the Cardinals. They are probably the easiest of all marine fish to breed and raise the young (supposedly as easy as guppies). They are also generally easy to care for as adults. Plus, they are very endangered in their natural habitat so there's something a bit more "important" you can teach by breeding them. You might even be able to give them to a local store in exchange for dry goods (salt, food, etc.).

 

[noboddi]

Mouth brooders are a good choice.

The complete illustrated guide to marine aquarium fishes by wittenrich is a good book. So is conditioning, spawning, and rearing of fishes with an emphasis on clownfish by hoff

On a totally different tack, peppermint shrimp are very easy to breed. they are hermaphroditic and are always pregnant. how to raise and train your peppermint shrimp by kirkendall is a good resource for that, and pretty funny as well

I would read one of the books and see what is easiest. Shrimp are IMO

 

[Steven Pro]

Banggai cardinals would be your best bet.

 

[stylolvr]

I agree with Juruense. There is an endless amount of knowledge to be gained from a marine aquarium, especially one with corals/clams/other inverts. I have taken many biology classes, including several focusing on reproductive bio, and the tried and true method has always been either fruit flies (if I never see another one, it will be great with me!) or freshwater live-bearers. If you are looking to set up an aquarium specifically for breeding/reproduction, IMO a freshwater species tank would be the way to go.

Good Luck! Let us know what you decide.

 

[jadeguppy]

Thanks for the info. I am currently planning on breeding guppies and killifish, but was thinking of upgrading to salt the following year. I am in a unique position to teach the students three years. It gives me a chance to address their individual needs, but also requires that I have three years worth of lesson plans. I have collected pygmy seahorses locally, but I don't know if the neons live near hear. I'm on the upper Gulf Coast. Although I know many of you have colder weather right now, it is dipping into the 20's tonight and I live five minutes from the beach. Our waters don't stay as warm as central and south Florida's.