Reef aquarium events are an integral part to the experience of being a reef hobbyist in America. These gatherings offer us an opportunity to meet other reefers, see new products, catch a speaker talk or two, exchange ideas and information, but who are we kidding? At many shows the highlight of visiting a marine aquarium conference is seeing all the newest corals in all the crazy colors, and picking up a frag or two.
Shows like MACNA, the three ReefAPaloozas, ReefStock and many others feature some of the best coral frags available anywhere in the world, and they are quite literally the greatest coral farmers’ markets. We can never get every coral we want, but even if we don’t take all the corals home, we can still see many different examples of new coral species, new color morphs, interesting growth forms etc.
Even seeing that people are still farming and producing more established strains like rainbow & sunset monti, armor of god zoas and phonape birdnest is reassuring, knowing that as new corals are being discovered and appreciated, classic strains are not being lost in the process. Basically, coral frag swaps, farmers markets or whatever you call them are the best galleries of living coral diversity, even more than many parts of the ocean.
Today we have a preview of the living coral gallery that will be coming to ReefStock in Denver this weekend. Even if you can’t make it to ReefStock this year, be aware of events happening in your area and make a point to attend, you’ll be glad you did. Enjoy this sneak peek of what the country’s best coral vendors will be bringing to the Mile High City, and we can’t wait to see it for ourselves, and to see you there.
