Marine Fish Collection Methods
Unlike many freshwater fish, only a very small percentage of saltwater fish and invertebreates are bred in captivity. As their price reflects, most are caught and collected using more time and labor-intensive methods. On this page, we'll describe a few of those methods and their impact on the hobby.
The first method is the most basic: hand and net collecting. Dating back far into history, people have constructed crude nets with which to catch fish. The typical fish collector will go out with a weighted net a few feet in diameter and a collecion bag which can be strapped onto the waist. They will typical free-dive along the reef, searching for desirable fish. Once a suitable marine fish is found, the collector will throw the net over the fish to keep it in place. At that point, the collector can reach under the net and take the fish by hand, placing it into his or her collection bag. They will make several dives, collecting multiple live fish until their collection bag is full. This is typically the least traumatic experience for the aquarium fish as it involves minimal contact and the net is usually soft fabric.
The second, very controversial method is the use of sodium cyanide. Collectors grew tired of chasing and netting fish and the economics of the industry demanded higher yields, so saltwater fish collectors turned to sodium cyanide as a method to affect a broad range of the reef. Using this method, divers will release sodium cyanide from a bottle onto an area of the reef where there is a large grouping of live fish. The sodium cyanide acts as a tranquilizer, rendering the fish sluggish and unable to escape the collection efforts. While this sounds like a smart technique, its effects are devestating and far-reaching. As most people know, cyanide is a deadly poisin. Studies have indicated that over 50% of saltwater fish collected this way die on initial exposure to the cyanide. While the fish that live slowly revive from the tranquilizing effect, the cyanide is taken up and has long-term and permenant effects on the health of the fish. Many aquarium fish appear fine, only to die a week or two after being placed into the tank due to mysterious issues. Beyond that, the rest of the reef that is exposed is typically killed as well. Never buy fish caught with sodium cyanide of from a seller that uses sodium cyanide collection techniques.
Realize that most of the live aquarium fish you buy will be hand-caught by a hard-working person doing long days of diving. Please appreciate the work that is done to bring these beautiful saltwater aquarium fish to your home.
