Recent content by Elysia

Dr. Rubec, some of the American aquaculture companies mentioned produce marine ornamentals that are native to the American coastline, such as Hippocampus erectus, Gramma loreto, and various cardinal fish. Do you have an ethical issue with such breeding? I am simply curious. Again, I wish that a...

Aquacultured marine ornamentals are being produced in the United States, despite the costs. Places like Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums (ORA), Proaquatix, C-Quest, Tropic Marine Centre (TMC), Inland Aquatics, Seahorse Source, Seahorse Australia, and South Australian Seahorse Marine Services offer...

I like the idea of aquacultured marine ornamentals. I believe that there are some definate benefits to purchasing aquacultured animals for a captive life in my tank over a wild caught animal. On a moral level, I feel better knowing that my purchase has not disrupted any sort of equilibrium in a...

I am interested in how the wholesaler and retailer treat the aquacultured animals that they sell. Are you saying that you researched the wholesalers that you use, and each guaranteed that your aquacultured animals would have a system dedicated to them, and only them? They wouldn't be mixed...

I am interested to know if anyone can comment on whether or not aquacultured species are handled and held differently by wholesalers than wild caught species. For those who have stores, I am also interested to know if you hold your aquacultured species in dedicated systems or together/in-line...

Thank you for looking into this; this is unfortunate news if it is indeed the case, which I am now assuming it is. Raising non-native species in net pens in the ocean is troubling -- not only are the seahorses that are being raised of questionable health (not that this is of concern to the...

I don't think that this is a completely fair statement. I think the main reason why people still purchase seahorses from LFS not knowing their origins has more to do with general ignorance than it does with trying to save a buck. As for Ocean Rider, the last time I checked H. erectus were...

SeahorseWhisperer, If you go to OR's website, you will see that they sell individual seahorses for up to $950.00 each. Most other breeders/hobbyist charge between $45-$80 per horse, depending on species and age. There was (may still be) a problem with customer service at OR as well. Until the...

Mr. Rubec, Any information that you can obtain would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for looking into this. Where should one look for the report that you mention above? I am also interested in knowing if the CITES import/export data for specific species and countries is available to...

I am not saying that this does in fact happen. Other hobbyists are saying that it is happening. I like to be informed, but someone saying something is so isn't enough to make me believe them. The quote above states that ORA sells net pen raised H. reidi from Asia, despite the fact that in...

I have a question about this. From my reading, most "local fisherman," regardless of the locale, are described as being very poor, to the point that I was under the impression that most would not have the facilities to house frozen plankton. I assume I am totally off base with this, from what...

I hope that somebody here will be able to confirm or deny rumors that seem prevalent in hobbyist circles regarding the rearing of non-native seahorses in net pens in the ocean in Asia. I understand that net pen rearing of juvenile horses does occur in Asia, as I have been able to find...