Two new MASNA Education Pages: Palette Surgeonfish Aquaculture and Lionfish Education

MASNA is a non-profit organization composed of marine aquarium clubs and individual hobbyists from North America and abroad, totaling several thousand individuals.

MASNA and its volunteers have put together two new educational articles, one on the aquaculture of the Palette Surgeonfish, and one on invasive Lionfish Education.

The Palette Surgeonfish Aquaculture article (https://masna.org/masna-programs/palette-surgeonfish/) details the work being done in the captive breeding and rearing of the common Palette Surgeonfish (P. hepatus), and Yellow Tang (Z. flavescens) by hobbyists, corporations, and scientists alike. Detailing successes and efforts from sources such as Rising Tide Conservation, The Oceanic Institute in Hawaii, Sustainable Aquatics, the Fisheries Research Institute of Taiwan, and even home hobbyists such as Darren Nancarrow. We delve into the success rates, feeding regime, and success stories of breeding and raising these difficult fish.

Along with this, we cover the upcoming Disney movie, Finding Dory; the possible ramifications the film will have on the hobbyist and industry alike, and the stance the cast and producers are taking regarding the subject of releasing captive housed livestock back into open waterways.

The Lionfish Education article (https://masna.org/masna-programs/lionfish-education/) details the current invasive epidemic of the common P. volitans and P. miles Lionfish in Atlantic and Caribbean waterways. Reaching back to the first known sightings of these invasive species, possible methods of their introductions, and steps being taken to remove and eradicate current populations, the Lionfish Education Guide is essential information for the hobbyist and any recreational diver planning on visiting the afflicted areas.

From anecdotal and professional information concerning the historical and current spread and locale of the invasive species, scientists trace back potential sources of their introduction into non-native waterways. Looking into the genealogical histories of captured specimens, behaviors and impacts of native species, and work being done by local fisherman and volunteers, we can educate hobbyists and professionals on how to react to seeing these fish in their daily dives and what they can do to help ease the burden being caused by these animals.

Both articles are geared toward education and presentation for hobbyist, club, and professional aquarists. The articles can be accessed for free at www.masna.org, and are made for immediate and easy dispersal. Additional information has been included in these articles in the forms of media and external links for those wishing to further their education and understanding of these items.

To contact us, please visit our website at www.masna.org, or email us at publicrelations@masna.org.