Comments on: Coelacanth #5 Taken In Asia

By: mystery_man

mystery_man — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:46:44 +0000

I have to say that if anyone is going to pull off the keeping of a live coelacanth, it is the Japanese. Some of the most sophisticated and advanced aquariums in the world are to be found here in Japan, and the drive towards research and development in aquarium science is cutting edge.

Some difficult species to keep in captivity, such as the whale shark have been successfully kept for long periods of time in Japan, and it is due to some surprising innovations made by the Japanese.

Although so little is known about these fish that there are some concerns, I would say a coelacanth would likely be in good hands here. I’m all for a captive specimen if it is for study and raising public awareness of these wonderful creatures.

By: korollocke

korollocke — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:57:25 +0000

I totally cool with one alive on public display.

By: cryptidsrus

cryptidsrus — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:38:09 +0000

I happen to agree with Dogu4.

I don’t quite see anything wrong with this as long as it is for scientific inquiry.

I would love to see one alive.

By: dogu4

dogu4 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:52:13 +0000

Collecting a specimen for display at an aquarium might not be against the CITES convention provided the aquarium is part of a scientific research/educational function. On the presumption that it is, it would be interesting to see one of these creatures alive and learn something about that which makes every living creature interesting.
It’s pretty clear that while not common enough to sustain a commercial harvest, even one dedicated to curiousity seekers and souvenier takers, it’s protection is a good thing but aquariums bring an appreciation for healthy oceans into the lives of people whom otherwise may not realize the ocean’s health have significance to the rest of the planet’s living web.
Considering how many places the coelecanth has been found so far, and how unexamined are the depths in which they flourish, I won’t be surprised if a wider range than we conservatively anticipate now is one day recognized.