Captive propagation of animals is an important part of our conservation ethic at the Aquarium. In addition,
many of the species we have raised have commercial value or are threatened in their natural habitat. Below is a partial
list of some of our successes.
Mahimahi, Coryphaena hippurus
Mahimahi are raised at the Waikiki
Aquarium as part of aquaculture research and development.
Aquaculture can be more than just fish farming. Possible applications include
restocking natural populations, as well as providing a supply of quality
seafood.
Nautilus spp.
After studying Nautilus in the wild to learn their habits, Aquarium researchers constructed
special temperature-controlled tanks. By simulating Nautilus' natural habitats, the Waikiki Aquarium was
the first facility in the world to successfully propagate them. See our Cephalopod Biology
page for more information.
Hawaiian seahorse, Hippocampus sp.
Little is known about the life history of the rare Hawaiian seahorse. This unique fish is most commonly found on the
surface at night over very deep water. It is also frequently found in the stomachs of open-ocean tuna. What is going on here?
A pelagic seahorse? By following the Hawaiian seahorse through its entire life cycle, Aquarium researchers hope to unravel
this odd mystery.
Coral
Coral reefs are important biologically, geologically and economically. By learning to "farm" corals, we are
able to better understand their biology. Raising coral for the aquarium hobby is also the focus of an emerging industry.
By demonstrating that it is possible and cost-effective to grow coral on a production scale, the Aquarium is helping to foster a nascent and environmentally responsible
market. Please see our Corals Are Alive! page for more information.
Other Current Projects
We are actively refining our techniques for rearing the Hawaiian seahorse. Our researchers are also working on two
other ornamental marine fish: the masked angelfish (Genicanthus personatus) and the endemic yellow goby, Priolepis.
The masked angelfish, a striking animal, is highly sought-after in the aquarium hobby. The endemic yellow goby, which is also quite
attractive, is not yet commonly seen in the aquarium trade. Both are good candidates for commericial ornamental aquaculture.
Other species successfully raised at the Waikiki Aquarium
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Fish
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Amphiprion melanopus, A. ocellaris and A. percula
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cinnamon anemonefish, common anemonefish, percula "true" anemonefish
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Premnas biaculeatus
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maroon anemonefish
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Pterapogon kauderni
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Banggai cardinalfish
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Synchiropus splendidus
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psychadelic mandarinfish
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Order Pleuronectiformes
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flatfish
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Family Tetraodontidae
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pufferfish
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Family Exocoetidae
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flyingfish
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Invertebrates
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Aurelia aurita
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moon jelly
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Hymenocera picta
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harlequin shrimp
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Lysmata amboinensis
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cleaner shrimp
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Mastigias papua
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lagoon jelly
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Nautilus belauensis and N. pompilius
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chambered nautilus
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Coral
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hard corals:
Acropora, Anacropora, Caulastrea, Euphyllia, Hydnophora, Montipora, Pavona, Tubastraea
soft corals:
Discosoma, Protopalythoa, Rhodactis, Rumphella, Sinularia, Xenia, Zoanthus
black coral:
Cirrhipathes anguina
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