HOW ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY SHAPES THE AQUARIUM TRADE: AQUACULTURE OF
THE HAWAIIAN ENDEMIC POTTER’S ANGELFISH (Centropyge potteri)
Kent Glover
Oceanic Institute of Hawai‘i Pacific University, Finfish Program
kaglover@hpu.edu
The Potter’s angelfish (Centropyge potteri), a Hawaiian endemic reef fish long prized in the global aquarium trade, was historically harvested at levels of approximately 9,000 individuals annually prior to Hawai‘i’s 2021 ban on commercial aquarium fish collection. This research represents the first replicated success in aquaculture of C. potteri, documenting larval growth, survival, and culture techniques while integrating laboratory results with policy analysis to promote sustainability within Hawai‘i.
Broodstock spawned reliably in captivity following lunar cycles, producing viable eggs nightly from December 2022 to May 2024. Larval development closely resembled other Centropyge species, with flexion occurring between 14–21 days post-hatch (dph) and settlement at approximately 60 dph. Iterative refinement of feeding protocols improved survival to settlement from 0% to 3.4%, largely by mitigating acute mortality points during feed transitions. Success required continuous live algae (Tisochrysis lutea) and Parvocalanus copepods through settlement, delayed introduction of Artemia and dry feeds, and the use of larger (1,000 L) rearing tanks on a recirculating aquaculture system to minimize environmental stress. Feeding trials further revealed optimal algae densities of 75,000–150,000 cells/mL, emphasizing the importance of diet composition, timing, and tank management.
Concurrently, the research assessed the impact of Hawai‘i’s 2021 aquarium fish collection ban on supply, demand, and pricing of historically significant species such as the Potter’s angelfish and Yellow tang. Interviews with stakeholders in Hawai‘i’s aquarium fishery provided insights into the socio-economic consequences of the ban and informed a proposed policy scenario aimed at increasing benefits for all stakeholders. This interdisciplinary approach integrates scientific data with stakeholder perspectives to address the complex dynamics between the aquarium industry, marine ornamental aquaculture, and regulatory frameworks in Hawai‘i. The outcomes aim to contribute to sustainable practices in the aquarium trade and offer implications for global marine conservation efforts.
