| 17 September 2009
As many of you have done this summer, I spent a few days at the beach for some rest and relaxation. While there, being an aquarist, I naturally scouted the shoreline for interesting marine life. The idea of scoring a cool critter while at the beach (for FREE!) seems like a no brainer, but there are some things to consider before you bring that snail, crab, starfish or fish home to your personal aquarium.
First, make sure the animal you collect is suitable for your tropical reef aquarium. Many of the animals along the Central and North coasts of Florida are temperate animals. This means they have evolved to survive in cool waters which rarely get beyond 82 degrees. They have evolved to require cooler water temperatures as the seasons change. There is no guarantee these animals will survive for long in a consistently warm (78-82 degree) environment. Second, and more importantly, never blindly introduce an animal you find at the shore, or the beach, into your aquarium. Even if you aquire the animal from the Keys in a 'reef' environment, there are MANY invertebrate predators, such as whelks, that do very well on a diet of your prized cleaning crew! The best course of action if you don't have a good guidebook is Do NOT remove it from it's habitat, period. I recommend picking up a field guide of local marine life before heading out if the thought of bringing something back is on your mind. The internet is a great tool for this as well. Just think: The tiny starfish you found under a rock and brought back may be a coral-eating monster and you have to dismantle your aquarium to remove it! Not the scenario most people wish for. Believe me, I have heard this scenario many, many times!
Also consider the majority of fish you will catch or find in tidepools off the coast are not suitable for a reef aquarium. If you have a fish only system you may find more suitable specimens, however some good literature will advise you on temperament and maximum size. As with inverts, don't plan to bring a fish home unless you know exactly what species you have and have the proper tank for it. I regularly am asked to identify a fish that was caught in local waters which turn out to be a fish that grows far too large, or simply has poor survivability.
One item that is very critical: Make sure what you remove is not protected by local/state/Federal laws. A good place to check is Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website. It is definitely advisable to obtain a saltwater fishing permit before you arrive at your destination. With all of that being said, there ARE some great reef-safe critters to be found on a well-planned hunt. You might find hermit crabs, reef-safe snails, horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, emerald crabs and several other common reef inverts on our local shores. One will typically find a greater diversity of animals to collect the farther south you travel. In any area, it will take some detective work to find the best spots - tidepools, inlets, bays, estuaries and areas around bridges and pilings usually give the best opportunities. Once you find something suitable to bring home, don't forget to bring along gear to keep your finds alive for the trip home. I recommend a small insulated cooler and battery or DC powered air pump at the minimum. Fill the container two thirds full of water from the area and connect the air pump. Your specimens will be fine up to 10 hours provided they don't overheat, or become too cool depending on the season.
I hope the advice I have given assists you if you do decide to do your own collecting on your next beach vacation. Remember if you have ANY doubt, just take a picture and leave our amazing Florida wildlife in it's natural habitat!
