Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Oceanic Institute Make Monumental Progress in Captive Breeding of Coral Reef Fish

KO OLINA, Hawai‘i – Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, together with Oceanic Institute of Hawaiʻi Pacific University, has made landmark strides in the success of breeding of the Milletseed Butterflyfish, the Potters Angelfish, and the Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse, fish that historically have had only very rare success in captive breeding. Through a pilot program in which eggs are collected from Aulani Resort’s Rainbow Reef snorkeling lagoon, significant progress has been made in the viability of continued captive breeding, which will have a positive impact on the sustainability of these species and the global aquarium industry, including the potential to lessen the number of fish taken off reefs around the world. ​ 

Aulani Resort’s Rainbow Reef is a lively underwater world, home to diverse marine life. Photo Courtesy: Yasutv LLC

“We’re excited about the possibilities this research represents,” said Raffy Jacinto, animal & water sciences operations manager at Aulani Resort. “Sustainability is key to maintaining the balance of aquariums and other aquatic environments such as Rainbow Reef, and we’re happy to be playing a role in research that could provide us with some important clues as to how to accomplish that.”

Collecting fish for aquarium use is currently banned in Hawai‘i, so any coral reef fish in aquariums are obtained through aquaculture, or the breeding of fish. There are limited fish species available based on the success rates of those being bred, however Aulani Resort’s work with Oceanic Institute is changing that. 

For the last few years, Aulani Resort Cast Members have collected fertilized fish eggs from Aulani Resort’s Rainbow Reef snorkeling lagoon and counted them using a catching jar—amounting to over a hundred thousand viable eggs. Aulani senior aquarist Eric Curtis logs a description of the eggs, complete with hand-drawn sketches of each type he can distinguish via a microscope. Viable eggs are then transported to the Oceanic Institute facility to raise as many fish as possible. The results have provided significant findings, including these landmark breeding outcomes. Some of the fish raised from the donated eggs will continue to other Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions. 

“It is an exciting time for marine science. Aulani Resort’s Rainbow Reef has allowed us to work with species we did not have access to and enabled us to expand our research and conservation efforts,” says Chad Callan, director of OI’s finfish program. 

Rainbow Reef, the only private snorkeling lagoon on O‘ahu, is home to hundreds of diverse tropical fish, most of which are native to Hawai‘i. The successful aquaculture of fish species in Rainbow Reef can be attributed, in part, to the remarkable quality of its environment. Aulani Resort’s Animal Programs team has created a stress-free environment for the fish, enabling them to thrive and produce other healthy fish. 

To learn more about Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i, please visit disneyaulani.com.

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About Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa is perfectly positioned on 21 beautiful oceanfront acres of Ko Olina on the leeward coast of O‘ahu. Just 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikīkī, Aulani Resort features 351 rooms, including 16 suites, and 481 two-bedroom equivalent villas, including 20 grand villas. Guests are invited to experience its world-class spa, restaurants and lounges, pools, kids’ club, and more—all uniquely designed for families to discover the culture, history and traditions of Hawai‘i. For more information and reservations, visit www.disneyaulani.com or call (866) 44-DISNEY.