Hi folk.
We have a class 2 endangered species in New Zealand called the Giant Kokopu.
NZ'ers may have seen Charles Mitchell, the scientist whitebait farmer on Country Calendar a couple of weeks back. I've two days ago had the priviledge of meeting this man and talking NZ fish. Charles has also successfully bred Giant Kokopu for several years.
They are big, beautiful, edible fish
(did I mention endangered)
There are many problems with keeping these fish in captivity.
Giant Kokopu will not spawn in tanks, they spawn in the pond system linked to the tides that Charles has made. If they do not spawn they become eggbound and die.
Due to the lack of interest shown from the Government there isn't the facility or resources to take things to another level, mass production...
But these fish, as he told me, need humans help to survive.
He has a great idea in which I will most willingly participate.
I plan to find people in NZ willing to 'adopt' a giant kokopu and transport them to and from Charles farm in spawning season.
Here's some things to consider first if wanting to adopt..
These fish are highly territorial and so can only be stocked as individuals.
These fish are carnivores and require high quality feed.
Other species will get eaten, so one Giant Kokopu and some other fish is not an option.
These fish require a black tank to do well. In nature they are nocturnal and live in dark places during the day. Once I have worked out how to put a porthole on a black barrel you will be able to view your giant kokopu...
Temperatures must remain cool, and so a cooler may be required in the system making it an expensive set up.
If you wish to have the same fish year in year out, you will also need to microchip it.
Once things are designed and agreed upon, I wish to find 'adoptees'. They will purchase afore mentioned custom Kokopu tank, and have permanent 'loan' (but obliged to return for spawning) of a Giant Kokopu that comes with the tank.
More information will come as things progress.
What do the schoolteachers here think of this as an educational model.
A specialised environment housing an endangered species as part of a DIY breeding programme to save it.
Plus Aquaponics, with a 'filter' of native plants.
)
ROTFL!