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Sold as ornamental organisms for aquariums
Prices vary based upon coral species, color pattern, and colony size◦ More colorful is more expensive
Corals are cultured and sold around the world◦ US is main purchaser
High shipping costs
Economics
Stony corals – Order Scleractinia◦ Family Acroporidae -SPS
Montipora spp.◦ Family Dendrophylliidae - LPS
Turbinaria peltata Dendrophyllia fistula
Soft corals – Order Alcyonacea◦ Family Alcyoniidae
Sarcophyton spp. Sinularia spp.
Aquaculture Genera
Life Cycle
Asexual Sexual
Budding◦ Colonial growth
Fragmentation◦ Colony physically broken
into separate sections
Spawning◦ Free swimming larvae
◦ Adult sessile polyps
◦ Hermaphroditic and non-hermaphroditic types
Indoor tanks – Intensive◦ RAS filtration system◦ Zooxanthellae very sensitive
Floating nurseries – Extensive to Semi-intensive◦ Shallow water◦ Reef building
Production Methods
Tropical waters◦ Bright light
◦ Temperature: 78°F to 84°F
◦ Salinity : 1.026 s.g.
◦ Calcium: 390 to 450 ppm
◦ pH: 7.9 to 8.3
◦ Alkalinity: 140 to 180 ppm
Environmental Requirements
Zooxanthellae provide energy
Dissolved organic matter
Plankton and small organisms
Feeds and Feeding