| The primary allure of the marine aquarium hobby has | | | | It is also very abundant in our oceans, which |
| to be marine aquarium fish. This is also true with the | | | | ultimately makes his fish a relatively cheap specimen |
| freshwater aquarium scene where most folks get | | | | to purchase. On the other end of the spectrum, we |
| into the hobby primarily because of the fish. Sure | | | | have true rarities such as the Gem Tang and the |
| there may be some were interested mainly because | | | | Peppermint Angelfish. Their price tag runs well into |
| of the beauty of corals or planted tanks but they | | | | the thousands. In the case of the peppermint |
| are far from the majority. | | | | angelfish, the last specimen fetched a reported |
| As marine aquarium hobbyists, we are spoiled for | | | | twenty thousand dollars in Japan. |
| choice. There are a myriad number of species | | | | Because demand for marine aquarium fish are always |
| available in the marine trade to satisfy the vast | | | | high, there are some that are concerned for the |
| majority of us. And it you have the money, you can | | | | sustainability of the hobby. Having seen hundreds |
| pretty much get what you want including sharks, | | | | upon hundreds of fish in large holding tanks myself, i |
| stingrays and pricey deep water species. | | | | would have to agree. Our oceans cannot possibly |
| For most of us however, are well satisfied with the | | | | replace the huge numbers that are collected in time |
| available saltwater aquarium fish that are plentiful in | | | | to replenish stocks in time for the next collection. |
| the market. In terms of price, rarity has always been | | | | Thankfully, there is a concerted effort in producing |
| major influence on the ultimate price per specimen. | | | | tank raised marine aquarium fish. One such place that |
| Take Amphiprion Ocellaris for example. Named the | | | | focuses exclusively on rearing marine fish is the |
| Ocellaris clownfish, it is the most recognizable | | | | popular forum, However, due to the increased costs |
| member of the clownfish family along with its twin, | | | | associated with tank reared specimens, most do not |
| the percula clownfish. | | | | generate a big enough profit to warrant tank raising. |