Where Have All
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Centropyge bispinosus |
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| PTSD Defined Post-Traumatic Shipping Disorder (PTSD) refers to a broad range of complications suffered by marine fishes following traumatic capture, holding and/or transportation. Bar none, PTSD is the biggest problem facing our hobby! PTSD results in the sudden and mysterious demise of seemingly well adjusted fish, days or weeks after import. It has been suggested that the majority of cases result from digestive tract damage resulting from inadequate nourishment during a period of significant (stress-induced) metabolic demand. Most Often Affected Species Fishes with high metabolism (constantly swimming and eating) as well as notably "nervous" species, especially those that are imported from distant collection sites. A few examples are: Most blennys, wrasses, seahorses and dwarf angel species; many gobies, tangs and butterfly species. The anemonefish species that are commonly affected are the blue stripe clownfish, true sebae, black footed clownfish, and the blue lipped anemone-fish, among others. Diagnosing PTSD At this time, diagnosing PTSD is virtually impossible. Unlike cyanide-caught animals, fish affected with PTSD seldom show any signs of problems for weeks. Most PTSD affected animals look good, feed well, and meet the demands of even the most experienced and cautious hobbyist. Many flame angels, (Chaetodon loriculus) for example, thrive for six weeks, mysteriously die one night, leaving a stunned hobbyist wondering what went wrong. Number of Animals Affected Referring again to the flame angel as our example, this is one of the more popular species in the hobby and is generally described as a hearty species. It is not unusual for a large exporter to ship 5000 a week out of Hawaii. (Editor's note: Only the "Hawaiian Flame angel with the most spectacular color is found in Hawaiian waters and in very limited supply and are considered rare. The collection of this specie has not occurred for many years, with only very few exceptions. If "5000" per week have been shipped out of Hawaii, they were first imported from other south Pacific island locations before they were shipped to the mainland of the US). Most Flame angels do well for at least a week or two, generally long enough for them to "establish" in the hobbyist's aquarium. In fact, the species has been listed more than once as a good beginners' choice." (Editor's note: this is inconsistent with the information provided by the AMDA. Please refer to our Ecolist labeling system that is available on our web site at: www.amdareef.com). We were absolutely shocked to find that over 75% of the Flame angels perish in the first six weeks in captivity. The numbers are similar, or worse, for nearly all of the other dwarf angels (Centropyge sp.), including the popular Lemonpeel angel. Why you've never heard of PTSD The PTSD theory is only a couple of years old. Inland Aquatics' initial goals included making natural pairings (pairs, trios, harems) marine ornamentals readily available to the hobby. We quickly learned that both husbandry costs and losses were significantly greater when the holding period was extending long enough to make successful pairings and market them. As experienced hobbyists, we dealt with the disappointment by assuming the losses were the result of poor husbandry and/or relatively new systems. Young mariculturists soon learn that problems and disappointments multiply a lot more reliably than fish and corals. Soon thereafter, we improved the facility's stock tracking system. We found that we experienced a series of Flame angel deaths, after having six weeks without a problem and it precipitated another review of our records. It was immediately obvious that this "anomaly" wasn't try anomalous. We were either losing or selling the majority of dwarf angels in the first three weeks. We began holding all dwarf angels for six weeks and soon the shocking survival rates were revealed. Thankfully, we also noted that nearly 95% of the Pygmy angel (C. argi) continued to thrive after six weeks. For the first time, we were confident that it was the fish. It wasn't long before we had similar numbers for the genera. I began to suspect that my diligent effort to succeed with the Potter's angel (C. potteri), a decade earlier, may have been doomed from the start. Nevertheless, doubt prevailed, "how could this be? Our systems are so healthy….the fish are FAT….it can't be the fish…..CAN THIS REALLY BE TRUE? Flame angels are hearty fish….aren't they"? Subsequent conversations with Bill Addison and other mariculturists revealed more of the same. I began to see the light; Inland Aquatics was able to identify this incredibly common, yet unknown, problem because our facility affords a perspective unique to the history of marines. Think about it….who in the marine hobby/industry has EVER witnessed dozens, even hundreds, of a given species for WEEKS after importation? ABSOLUTELY NO ONE! The evolution of the industry is founded on the idea that survival rates are maximized when transport time is minimized. Continual stress and starvation are considered necessary evils in the effort to expedite the progression of livestock from collector to hobbyists, with ever-increasing speed. Conventional wisdom supports this approach, "Fish are tough, but stress kills fish. All efforts should be made to remove all causes of stress before the animal arrives in your store, allowing the fish to pull through." BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD! Sober consideration of present environmental (and political) conditions leaves little doubt; significant changes are imminent. If the hobby/industry is to be invited to participate, a substantial, voluntary reconsideration of inefficient practices is imperative, if the hobby/industry hopes to participate. Ironically, the shortcomings of the current system have greatly insulated it from change. Avoiding PTSD affected animals Unfortunately, until collecting and distribution practices are changed, the only effective defense against the disorder is extended quarantine. Only purchase commonly affected species from a reputable dealer who is willing to hold the animals for several weeks prior to purchase. Inland Aquatics has provided this service for years and others are sure to join in the near future. This is not only going to
save you a lot of money…. |
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