Ina short updatedpublished by Rising Tide Conservation last night, Kevin Barden laid claim to the first captive-breeding of the Melanurus Wrasse,Halicheores melanurus. This now brings the total of tropical wrasses bred in captivity to two (the first being the Cleaner Wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus,reared by Bali Aquarichvirtually accidentally)
The most noteworthy details is that this success was claimed to have occurred in a hobbyist-type setting with what are now readily available tools. First foods wereParvocalanus crassirostrisnauplii, and by 14 days the larvae were introduced to Otohime larval feeds. Settlement is said to have occurred at only 22 days post hatch, which is remarkably short for a pelagic-spawning reef fish; similar species include some of the Mandarin Dragonets (Synchiropus picturatus,S. splendidus) and some of large angelfish with the shortest larval durations, such as the Semicircle Angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus)。
Be sure to readthe full updatefrom Rising Tide Conservation for detailed rearing information and a video of a post-flexion larval Melanurus Wrasse.
Images courtesy Rising Tide Conservation