Originally Posted by SOU812
U da man nice research I'll have to tell all the pet shops in my area to stop selling them. Also I was just wondering since pannatius bats, Morish idoles, and most butterflies fair poorly should they not be sold also. Just making a list .
The listing already exists and can be found on a google search using maine animals better left in the ocean, fish better left in the ocean, etc.
The reason many animals that fair poorly in closed marine systems are offered for sale to the hobbyist is because many are unaware of the horrible survival rates in captivity for some species. Some do so knowing of the survival rates but feel thay have the magic answer pertainng to Moorish Idols and/or can provide an adequate home for some species such as butterflies. They purchase them so the demand is there for lfs's or internet sites to offer them for sale. Even the advanced hobbyist cannot keep Moorish Idols alive past one year . Sure, there is an occassional success stroy but many will certainly die for that one rare one that thrives in captivity.
An estimated 99% death rate for Moorish Idols in closed marine systems within one year or slightly longer.
Butterflies can fair well in larger mature systems that provide an ample adequate food supply and the appropriate system parameters for the species. While the species in general would rank as a diffuclt to keep....it does not compare to Moorish Idols in general for the survival rate.
There is a way to SLIGHTLY increase odds for success in keeping a Moorish Idol alive past the one year window which can be found on the internet. Species selection, hawaiian water animals and juvenile Moorish Idols SLIGHTLY increase the odds for success.
