Taiwan first to artificially reproduce pipefish

2014-09-16

National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung County showcased 15 banded pipefish, product of the world’s first successful artificial reproduction program, Sept. 12-15 at the Taiwan Aquarium Expo in Taipei City.

According to NMMBA, 124 fry measuring 7 centimeters were hatched from 1,000-plus eggs during the two-year breeding program, with a survival rate of 37 percent. Four juveniles went on to become couples and mate 330 days after birth.

“We are extremely excited about this record,” an official from the aquarium said during the event held at Taipei World Trade Center’s Nangang Exhibition Hall. “This achievement augurs well for global research and protection of this reef fish.”

According to the official, banded pipefish inhabit tidal pools, lagoons and outer reef slopes in tropical climates throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Although still relatively common, populations of the fish are under heavy pressure because of demand from Chinese medicine producers and home aquarium owners. More than 30 million of the banded pipefish are sold every year.

"The fish is not yet endangered, but it is important to develop effective breeding programs for scientific and commercial purposes sooner," the official said. “We are confident this success will lay a firm foundation in the sustainable development of banded pipefish worldwide.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=221622&CtNode=413)