Collection of coral and other benthic reef organisms for the marine aquarium and curio trade in Fiji: status report

Abstract

The ornamental or curio coral trade has previously been the principal coral product exported from Fiji. With advances in technology allowing “mini-coral reef aquarium” hobby, there has been a growing market for live coral, both hard and soft, and a variety of other reef creatures notably clams and anemones. Live rock is an important part of the aquarium and has proved to be a growing market. Of the Seven companies are operating in Fiji, five export live coral, fish and live rock and two are concerned solely with curio coral export. The export of coral reef fishes and curio coral from Fiji has occurred for the last 16 years. The Live Rock industry has been operating for 7 years and live coral exports for 5 years.