We offer corals and fish from sustainable aquaculture. By purchasing captive-bred fish, you not only contribute to the protection of natural reefs, but also receive healthy animals that are already adapted to aquarium conditions.
Wild catches for marine aquaria - the standard
If you look at freshwater aquariums, you will see that the majority of the animals in the shops are captive-bred. The situation is completely different in the reef hobby, as almost all fish, invertebrates and corals are still taken from the wild. Unfortunately, the dependence on wild catches is not without consequences for coral reefs and their natural populations. Since 1990, hard corals have therefore been listed without exception in Appendix II of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and trade in them is strictly regulated. Exporting countries can set new quotas every year - up to and including complete export bans. In the wake of climate change and pollution and overfishing of the world's oceans, further restrictions on the trade in hard corals can be expected in the future.
The alternative - fish, corals & co from aquaculture
Fish and corals from aquaculture are a sustainable alternative to wild catches. They also offer significant advantages for aquarists compared to their wild counterparts. Since cultured specimen are born in an aquarium system, they adapt better and better to the conditions there from generation to generation. For example, changes in water chemistry or lighting are more easily tolerated by cultured species than by wild catches. In addition, the aquaculture of marine ornamental organisms means that endangered species such as the Banggai cardinalfish ( Pterapogon kauderni ) or the giant clam ( Tridacna sp . ) are more frequently and legally available in the trade.
TOP 3 reasons why you should buy aquacultured specimen:
1. Captive-bred animals are healthier than wild-caught animals
Compared to wild catches, the likelihood of disease or parasite infestation in captive-bred corals is significantly reduced. The reasons for this are that there are no intermediate hosts for certain parasites in aquaculture facilities, quarantine is possible, and short transport times minimize stress levels and thus susceptibility to disease. To further reduce this already low risk of disease, Coralaxy has a separate quarantine system. All animals, regardless of whether they come from aquaculture, mariculture, or privately, are kept and observed in this special system for at least four weeks before we offer them to you for sale. When introducing new corals into our own breeding facility, the quarantine protocol used is even more strict.
2. Captive breeding is a sustainable alternative to wild catches
At Coralaxy, we completely refrain from selling wild-caught fish, corals and alike. By purchasing aquacultured species, you protect the natural coral reefs and their stocks. In addition, the transport routes are much shorter and transport losses are correspondingly low.
3. Aquacultured specimen are adapted to life in the aquarium
Most of the animals offered by Coralaxy were bred in aquariums or aquaculture facilities. This means that they are perfectly adapted to the conditions in your reef tank. Fish from aquaculture accept prepared food and are very hardy and less territorial than their wild counterparts. Farmed corals from aquaculture also have a much more intense and stable coloration, as they have already been cultivated under the nutrient conditions found in aquariums and under artificial lighting.
More and more species can now be successfully bred and new ones are added every year. Support this development and, if possible, choose fish, corals, etc. from aquaculture!
