That Fish Blog – Aquarium Advice and Information

Melissa here. I recently read an interesting article (sadly, one of many) on the decline of Florida reefs.  The prognosis for the future of many Florida and Carribbean reefs is not looking good, especially if steps are not taken soon to stop the forces that are having such a negative impact on these environments. The reefs off the coast of Florida’s keys are in real danger, and according to this report, there has been a significant decline of both reefs and some fish populations in just the last 10 years. Snapper and grouper populations in particular have declined according to the article, and it is estimated that they are below sustainability levels. While I have been to Florida several times, I have yet to scuba dive there. I have been told by friends that it’s beautiful, and that wild queen angels (my favorite fish!) swim freely on these reefs. This article doesn’t address the Queen Angel population, but with their habitat being in trouble I wonder and worry about the impact on them over the next decade and beyond. I don’t know about you, but being an avid Queen Angelfish lover, I would love to take a trip to the Keys so I can take in the beauty of these reefs before it is too late. It may be sooner than we all think that this and other majestic species will only rarely be able to be observed, except in a captive aquarium environment. Feel free to let any thoughts you may have about the declining reefs and fish. Here is a link to the article if you want to read more:

http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2009-06/2009-06-27-voa22.cfm?CFID=275166319&CFTOKEN=73173781&jsessionid=de301bc52bb9dc166b8015546a492f1b21b1