Coral Beauty Hardiness- Location, Location, Location!   5/24/07
Hello Crew! - and specifically a big Texas "Howdy" to Bob, as we haven't spoken in quite some time. I need to drop him a special "line" some time soon and I still need to get to Fiji.
<Hi there! Scott F. with you tonight!>
I have searched the site for specifics on this issue without seeing it addressed, but being "timing/event" sensitive it is probably best to ask the question again anyway. So, please forgive if I am redundant.
<No problem...that's why we're here!>
My questions are in regards to the current availability/hardiness of Centropyge bispinosa, the beautiful Coral Beauty Angel, one of my personal favorites.
<One of mine, too- a favorite in one of my favorite families of fishes!>
First of all, knowing that you remain abreast of all
things salty, where are the hardiest specimens of C. bispinosa being collected currently that are making their way to dealer's tanks? Does one region surpass another at this time for exceptional hardiness over another and is there really a preferred origin with this genus-species as with many others?
<Great questions. I've been doing a lot of personal research on various Centropyge species lately, and I've been talking to some of the local wholesalers here in L.A., as well as shop owners and others in the know. The current consensus is that the hardiest C. bispinosus are coming from Australia and Polynesia. The collection practices in these countries are much more conscientious and yield consistently healthier, hardier specimens than those that come from areas such as The Philippines. Much effort has been put into training local fisherman into utilizing better collection practices (without chemicals, dynamiting reefs, etc.), but change is slow. Bottom line- at this time, I'd try to find a Coral Beauty out of Australia or Polynesia. Reputable e-tailers, such as Marine Center or Live Aquaria can help you locate specimens from these locales and others where better collection practices are common.>
I ask primarily because I feel that the quality of these animals that I am seeing today is superior to the ones that I have
owned or viewed 3 to 4 years ago. This may be an aberration or
coincidental to my experience but they seem to be far more robust,
inquisitive, and active at the LFS. I would like to think progress has been made and the industry is ramping up in terms of knowledge,
resulting in increased environmental awareness, and subsequently more acceptable collection, transportation, and transfer methods.
<Agreed...change is happening for the better. As Bob has mentioned often, we as hobbyists can "vote with our pocketbooks" and pass on specimens that appear to have been collected with chemicals, or from locales that have not embraced more conscientious collection practices. We should speak up and let our local fish stores know that we want specimens from reputable collectors/suppliers. Not always an easy thing to do, but it can and will make a difference in the long run.>
I ask because four to five years ago I owned two Beauties, one
immediately after the demise of the first (which didn't last more than 5 months). The second also succumbed after only a few months in the tank, manifesting the same symptoms - a brief period (less than a week) with loss of vitality, appetite, activity and awareness. They went down fast.
<Sad to hear...Many possibilities as to why this happened.>
Looking back, these specimens seemed to meet the criteria of healthy animals when acquired but comparatively did not display as much vigor as those I am now seeing. This 55 gallon reef system had already been running successfully, without the loss of any other fishes, for about 3 years - all parameters in check. It contained 70 lbs. of live rock, which served as constant forage and cover and these fish were good eaters of all other fare. There were no signs of any disease present or any harassment/conflict from and with mates, as well.
<An excellent environment for Centropyge species.>
This particular system is still running successfully, going on 8 years now. It currently houses a 5 year old Tomato Clown, a smaller Foxface of about 3" (which will need to move eventually, requiring larger quarters - YES!), an Azure Damsel, and a Yellow Dottyback, all healthy and getting along remarkably well. I am planning on acquiring another C. bispinosa and would like to know the current state of the species as far as origin, availability and hardiness are concerned.
<Just a word of caution: The welcome this fish receives may not be all that warm if the Dottyback, Clown, and Damsel assert themselves..!>
I would like to be armed with updated information when I enter the store. I would feel a sense of confidence in knowing that the order of things is superior today, if this is indeed the case.
<Again, I agree that there are many better quality specimens arriving today than ever before.>
Thanks, Crew, for your dedicated support to all of our efforts.
David Bell
Highland Village, Texas
<And best of luck to you, David! Hope that your Coral Beauty works out great! Regards, Scott F.>