Term of the day: ROI (re-turn-on-in-vest-ment) For the first time in the United States, and likely anywhere outside of Australia, the rare McCulloch’s Clownfish (Amphiprion mccullochi) has spawned in captivity–laying eggs and opening the possibility of a rearing attempt stateside. As the cover photo suggested, this has occured in Rhinelander, Wisconsin under the care of [...]
Term of the day: ROI (re-turn-on-in-vest-ment)
For the first time in the United States, and likely anywhere outside of Australia, the rare McCulloch’s Clownfish (Amphiprion mccullochi) has spawned in captivity–laying eggs and opening the possibility of a rearing attempt stateside. As the cover photo suggested, this has occured in Rhinelander, Wisconsin under the care of Kevin Kohen and the LiveAquaria staff.
Via LA:
“I switched some of the fish to keep like-sized individuals together to reduce the size differential…this helped a bit, but was still problematic as they would revert to behavior where the stronger fish constantly picked on the weaker individual. I then proceeded to incorporate the use of large, clear plastic cups with screw-on lids,” writes Kohen, “The dominant fish would be placed in these large cups and located next to the anemone where the weaker fish would be allowed to regain its strength and composure for 3-4 days…After each confinement period, the cupped fish would then be released, and the bonding process started all over again. Through careful observation, patience, and diligence and 20 or more attempts, this bonding method finally paid off for the final two pairs!”
These fish that have spawned are captive bread McCulloch’s thanks to Ryan’s Reef in Australia who received the proper Lord Howe permits to collect these rare fish. LiveAquaria has fortunate enough to receive several pairs of Amphiprion mccullochi and priced them at $6,000USD. Be sure to see their new page detailing these fish with a video showing the pair fanning the freshly laid eggs.
Edit: As if the McCulloch’s are not enough, check out tonight’s Diver’s Den listing for a Pair of Candy Basslets (Liopropoma carmabi).
