The aquarium hobby: can sinners become saints in freshwater fish conservation?

The aquarium hobby is popular worldwide, but it has positives and negatives for freshwater fish conservation. The most damaging impacts of the aquarium trade on ecosystems are overharvesting and invasive species. Consequently, many conservationists and academics have the perception that aquarium hobbyists are generally harmful to species conservation. Without overlooking these major drawbacks of the aquarium hobby, we aim to establish common ground between hobbyists and conservationists by correcting some misconceptions and showing the benefits of serious aquarium hobbyists in the conservation of freshwater fishes and their habitats. Our overview illustrates that the aquarium hobby is not insensitive to the pernicious effects of this enduring hobby on natural systems and that serious aquarists and their associations can directly assist and fund scientific research, increase conservation awareness among the general public and even participate in ex situ and in situ conservation programmes for native fish species at national or international levels. Whilst the relationship between conservationists and the aquarium hobby has often been antagonistic in recent years, ultimately most biologists and aquarists share a love of the species they study or maintain, and this common interest could be the basis for a more positive and productive relationship.     

Profile of the Marine Aquarium Fish Trade in Hong Kong

A market survey and review of government statistics were carried out to establish imports and exports of marine ornamental fishes into and out of Hong Kong, and to examine the local trade in terms of volume, value and species composition. Official government import figures for marine aquarium fishes were available from 1984 to 1991 and from 1997 and 1998. When compared with net imports, export and re-export volumes over the 15-year period were small, indicating that most imports entered the local market, or were exported unrecorded. The market survey of marine aquarium shops in Hong Kong was carried out between August 1996 and January 1997. From this survey, an annual estimate of 957,563 coral reef fish was calculated for the local trade, valued at HK$57,453,780, with a mean retail price of HK$60 per fish. These figures account for an estimated 2–3% of the global value and volume of marine aquarium fish trade, according to 1992 figures and, compared with government figures, indicate that official declarations of imports are underreported by at least 2–3 fold. A total of 342 marine aquarium fish species, from 49 families, were recorded with about 60% belonging to the families Labridae, Chaetodontidae, Pomacanthidae and Pomacentridae. It was estimated that a large proportion of the trade was in juvenile fishes and almost all fish were less than 10cm in standard length. It was common to see fishes in poor condition, species hard to maintain in captivity, or those listed for conservation concern, on sale. There are no regulations for local traders of live marine fishes other than those relating to either protected species or animal welfare. Licensing of traders in marine fishes could be introduced under existing Hong Kong legislation if fishes were to be re-classified as animals. This is strongly recommended as a step towards regulating and managing the trade in Hong Kong.     

Ornamental Reef Fish Aquaculture and Collection in Hawaii

Ornamental fishes endemic to Hawaii's reefs are a valued resource and a staple of the marine aquarium trade, worldwide. At present, the market for Hawaiian ornamental reef fish is supplied entirely by the export of wild-captured animals, but the long-term sustainability of this practice is debatable. The success of breeders of ornamental fishes elsewhere, and concerns about overexploitation of wild fishes have stimulated interest in the development of an industry based on the captive propagation and rearing of Hawaiian ornamental fishes. Initial attempts to spawn and rear the larvae of various marine ornamental fishes in Hawaii were carried out in the early 1970s. The results of these culture efforts, conducted primarily at the Oceanic Institute and the University of Hawaii's Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology on Oahu, have varied in success. For the most part, these results have appeared previously only in dissertations or in reports distributed locally. Technological improvements in marine aquarium husbandry and in the culture of edible marine fishes have both benefited practitioners of ornamental reef fish culture, and promise to do so in the future. Our objective in this paper is to review the progress that has been made in the captive cultivation of ornamental marine fishes and to provide an overview of the status of the marine aquarium industry in Hawaii.     

Hobbyists acting simultaneously as anglers and aquarists: Novel pathways for non-native fish and impacts on native fish

1. Human translocations of non-native aquatic species are a global conservation challenge. Aquarists and anglers are two hobbyist groups whose practices are particularly likely to translocate non-native aquatic species, especially fish.
2. This article aims to stipulate a change of perspective among these hobbyists, who – by acting simultaneously as anglers and aquarists – establish novel pathways for non-native fish.
3. This study showed that: (i) 51 of 226 respondents to a questionnaire act simultaneously as anglers and aquarists; (ii) 53 of 237 non-native fish species in the European Union are used for both angling and aquarium hobbies; and (iii) hobbyists write online reports on the catch and exchange of a particularly invasive fish, the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus).
4. This combination of knowledge on how hobbyists use non-native fish and the ecological impacts of round goby demonstrates how the impact of an invasive species can be influenced by the combined behaviours of anglers and aquarists.
5. We suggest that future research in aquatic conservation should move beyond considering the commercial aquarium trade and angling as separate pathways for translocating non-native fish, and instead consider these hobbyist groups as interconnected.

     

Effect of unmanaged harvests for the aquarium trade on the population status and dynamics of redline torpedo barb: A threatened aquatic flagship

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The Potential for the Restoration of Marine Ornamental Fish Populations Through Hatchery Releases

Populations of tropical and subtropical marine fish are being depleted worldwide to supply increasing demands of the aquarium industry and fresh seafood market. Overfishing and destructive harvest techniques have left some marine fish populations virtually extirpated in a number of primarily underdeveloped countries. In situations where only small remnant populations and significantly degraded habitat remain, population recovery even under the complete absence of collection will be slow, with the high potential for population loss due to natural environmental and recruitment variability. Stock enhancement, supplementing natural recruitment with hatchery produced fry, has the potential to significantly increase the rate of population recovery while maintaining population vigor.Stock enhancement research on Pacific threadfin has demonstrated measurable positive impacts on recreational and commercial fisheries for this species in experimental scale releases; similar successes can be expected for enhancement efforts directed toward species of ornamental value. The major technological barrier to ornamental fish enhancement, the development of appropriate culture capabilities, is being addressed in research directed to the commercial production of fish for the aquarium trade.     

Project Piaba -- towards a sustainable ornamental fishery in the Amazon

Fishes and aquaticenvironments are often overlooked in conservation and sustainabledevelopment projects in Amazonia, yet the diversity of fishes(> 3 000 species) and the socio-economic value of thefisheries and the aquatic habitats have a great importance forthe region. Fishes are not only the principal source of proteinfor local people (> 70 kg/capita), many are also traded asornamental fishes in a worldwide market. The middle Rio Negrobasin is the major fishing grounds for live ornamental aquariumfish. Nearly 20 million live fishes are exported from the regionannually, generating more than US$ 2 000 000 annually forthe local economy. The trade in ornamental fish now contributesover 60% of the income revenue in the municipality. The goal ofProject Piaba is to promote an economically viable fishery forlocal fishers, and an ecologically sustainable resource for agreen aquarium industry. To arrive at these goals first requiresan understanding of the ecosystems and sociocultural systems ofconcern. The Project Piaba team has made baseline studies on thediversity of fishes and habitats, and socio-economic processes ofthe ornamental fishery. Five principal project goals are:(1) To collect baseline data on the ecosystem, socio-economy and diversity of fishes, to analyze the impact of the ornamental fish trade on social and natural environments.(2) To diagnose diseases, to introduce fish care techniques, to improve the survival and quality of fishes and turtles, and eventually to establish quarantine protocols at each level of the trade.(3) To provide environmental education and socio-cultural history to local fishers, distributors and public, and to promote career development in aquarium science and conservation.(4) To create community based fishery management strategies which would include managed harvest levels, stock enhancement of fishes and turtles and the development of aquaculture.(5) To assist in the revision of policies by regulatory agencies in order to protect vulnerable species and enhance the economic viability of the region     

Essential Fish Habitat and the Effective Design of Marine Reserves: Application for Marine Ornamental Fishes

Extensive and unregulated harvest of marine ornamental fishes can lead to localized depletion of target species and habitat degradation from inappropriate collecting techniques. One potential solution to these problems is the creation of marine reserves where fishing is prohibited. Marine reserves have been shown to increase fish abundance and protect ecosystems from habitat destruction associated with fishing. If protective areas are to be effective, they must include the diversity of habitats necessary to accommodate the wide range of fish species that are of interest to the marine ornamental fish trade.Fish assemblages with high diversity and abundance are often associated with habitats of high structural complexity. A relationship between fish size and reef complexity suggests the importance of shelter as a refuge for certain fishes in avoiding predation. Many species tend to aggregate to spawn in structurally complex habitats to reduce their risk of predation. Closing of spawning areas during aggregation periods has been shown to be a highly effective management strategy for these species. The limited home ranges and high degree of habitat specificity associated with many marine ornamental fishes should make marine reserves a highly effective strategy for managing these resources.     

Structure and Management Issues of the Emerging Ornamental Fish Trade In Eritrea

Following independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea resumed exploiting Red Sea and Arabian fish species for the ornamental trade in 1995 as a means to earn foreign exchange from sparsely exploited marine resources. This paper describes the findings of research conducted in 1997, in collaboration with the Eritrean Ministry of Fisheries. The capture, transport and export of aquarium fish were reviewed and potential impacts and the status of management were investigated through liaison with stakeholders and researchers. From 1995 to 1997 two companies exported approximately 60,000 fish per year, mainly to the USA, worth US$65,000 (export value). Seventy-five species (from 22 families) were exported. Damselfishes made up two-thirds of total exports but more valuable families (angelfishes and butterflyfishes) were more economically significant. To earn revenue for Eritrea, a 20% export tax was imposed, although this was calculated from declarations by the operators. The emerging nature of the trade allowed detailed monitoring by the Ministry of Fisheries. However, management efforts were constrained by a lack of capacity for enforcement and baseline research. Several potential effects of the trade exist but other, land-based impacts may be more pressing concerns for Eritrea's reefs. Research priorities for management are discussed as well as the implications of mariculture of Eritrean species by other nations.     

山西省主要河流鱼类分布及物种多样性分析

在2008-2011年山西省鱼类本地调查基础上,研究了山西省主要河流鱼类种群、区系分布、渔获物组成、河流断面优势种、主要经济鱼类生长及鱼类资源状况等。结果显示：山西省主要河流中共有95种鱼类,分属8目14科。本次调查采集到鱼类68种,其中黄河干流最多,计42种。从渔获物组成看,各河段的第一优势种为麦穗鱼Pseudorasbora parva或 Hemiculter leucisculus;经济鱼类中,丰满度系数最大的为滹沱河的鲫鱼Carassius auratus、最小的为黄河干流的乌苏里拟鲿Pseudobagrus ussuriensis;多样性指数最高的为黄河干流,该河段物种丰富,多样性水平相对较高;鱼类资源变化表明,山西省主要河流鱼类资源量呈锐减趋势。     

The demography of introduction pathways,propagule pressure and occurrences of non‐native freshwater fish in England

• 1. Biological invasion theory predicts that the introduction and establishment of non‐native species is positively correlated with propagule pressure. Releases of pet and aquarium fishes to inland waters has a long history; however, few studies have examined the demographic basis of their importation and incidence in the wild.
• 2. For the 1500 grid squares (10×10 km) that make up England, data on human demographics (population density, numbers of pet shops, garden centres and fish farms), the numbers of non‐native freshwater fishes (from consented licences) imported in those grid squares (i.e. propagule pressure), and the reported incidences (in a national database) of non‐native fishes in the wild were used to examine spatial relationships between the occurrence of non‐native fishes and the demographic factors associated with propagule pressure, as well as to test whether the demographic factors are statistically reliable predictors of the incidence of non‐native fishes, and as such surrogate estimators of propagule pressure.
• 3. Principal coordinates of neighbour matrices analyses, used to generate spatially explicit models, and confirmatory factor analysis revealed that spatial distributions of non‐native species in England were significantly related to human population density, garden centre density and fish farm density. Human population density and the number of fish imports were identified as the best predictors of propagule pressure.
• 4. Human population density is an effective surrogate estimator of non‐native fish propagule pressure and can be used to predict likely areas of non‐native fish introductions. In conjunction with fish movements, where available, human population densities can be used to support biological invasion monitoring programmes across Europe (and perhaps globally) and to inform management decisions as regards the prioritization of areas for the control of non‐native fish introductions.

© Crown copyright 2010. Reproduced with the permission of her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Alien freshwater fish species in the Balkans—Vectors and pathways of introduction

Fish introductions, particularly in areas of high biological diversity and endemism, represent a major threat for biodiversity. In the Balkan Peninsula, 60 fish species have been introduced to date, of which 36 have become naturalized in inland waters. Since the Balkans are one of the world's 35 biodiversity hot spots, this large presence of alien fish species poses a serious threat for the stability of freshwater ecosystems and the survival of the native ichthyofauna and of aquatic biodiversity in general. The motivation for the introductions, and the historical timeline, varies among the Balkan states. Despite recent attempts to implement and align legislation aimed at preventing the introduction of potentially invasive species, and the implementation of rigorous controls of introductions and increased protection of open waters, the majority of current introductions remain intentional, primarily via aquaculture. This review article provides a historical overview of freshwater fish introductions, the motivation behind them and the current distribution of alien freshwater fishes in the Balkans. The ecological implications and future perspectives concerning alien fish species in the region are also discussed.     

Risk screening of non‐native,translocated and traded aquarium freshwater fishes in Greece using Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit

The invasion of non‐indigenous freshwater fish species is one of the most important threats to aquatic biodiversity. Similar to other Mediterranean countries, Greece is considered a hot spot for freshwater biodiversity, with many range‐restricted endemics of high conservation concern. The aim of this study was to undertake a risk screening assessment to evaluate the invasive potential of non‐native, translocated and traded aquarium fishes in Greece by applying the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK). In total, 73 freshwater fish species were evaluated by two assessors. FISK was able to discriminate reliably between invasive and non‐invasive species with a threshold of 15.25. Based on mean scores, 30 species were classified as ‘high risk’, of which 17 as ‘moderately high risk’, six as ‘high risk’ and seven as ‘very high risk’. There was a high coincidence rate for the species categorisation between the two assessors, but significant differences in certainty. The results suggest that FISK is a useful tool for assessing risks posed by non‐native, translocated and traded aquarium fish species in Greece.     

Freshwater fishes of Southeast Asia: potential for the aquarium fish trade and conservation issues

SoutheastAsia is an area rich in biodiversity, with a high degree ofendemism in both flora and fauna. Many freshwater fish specieshave been exploited for the ornamental fish trade. As thepopulation in South East Asia increases, vast tracts of forestsare cleared for agricultural, industrial and urbanizationpurposes. To conserve and sustainably exploit the wild fishpopulation, measures should be adopted to protect this naturalresource. Already, several ornamental species have been severelyoverexploited, e.g. bala shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus),pygmy loach (Botia sidthimunki) and arowana (Scleropagesformosus), but the extirpation of local populations occurs formany reasons, including deforestation, and not just because offishing for the trade. There are also still many species thathave great ornamental fish potential. Wild fish species have alsobeen successfully bred in captivity and conserved, e.g. tigerbarb (Puntius tetrazona), bala shark, pygmy loach and arowana.Other methods of conservation include public education, leavingpristine forests intact and reforestation. The aquarium trade ofthe bala shark, harlequin rasbora (Rasbora heteromorpha), clownloach (Botia macracanthus), arowana and sawfish (Pristismicrodon) is discussed     

国内外海水观赏鱼产业与研究现状

海水观赏鱼贸易是海洋水族馆贸易行业的重要部分,是一项价值十几亿美元的产业,每年交易量达数百万尾,且需求量逐年上升,但由于严重依赖野生资源捕捞而使该行业饱受争议。目前,90%~95%的海水观赏鱼由野生捕捞获得,在已知的数千种珊瑚礁鱼类中,有一半以上在缺乏或无监测情况下进行贸易,自然资源面临严重威胁。观赏性水产从业者和消费者有责任保护野生捕获物种的可持续发展,海水观赏鱼的养殖被认为是一种保护野生资源的有效手段,但仍有许多技术问题阻碍其发展。文章结合相关数据和文献,概述了国际海水观赏鱼产业现状及最新研究进展,讨论了海水观赏鱼产业中存在的问题,并提出了一些可行的解决方案,旨在为中国海水观赏鱼产业发展提供一定的借鉴和参考。     

家用型水族箱养殖海水观赏鱼技术

海水观赏鱼以其怪异的体型、鲜艳的色彩，深受观赏鱼爱好者的青昧。家庭及办公场所海水观赏鱼饲养者常因养殖技术缺乏、经验不足而导致饲养失败。笔者结合自身养殖经验对水族箱的设置、观赏鱼品种的选择、水质指标的控制、饵料投喂及病害防治方面进行了分析与探讨，为家用型水族箱饲养海水观赏鱼提供技术支持。     

Early Development of the Mandarinfish, Synchiropus splendidus (Callionymidae), with notes on its Fishery and Potential for Culture

The mandarinfish, Synchiropus splendidus, is a small, pelagic-spawning enthic dragonet of the western Pacific. Although popular in the marine aquarium trade, little is known of its fishery or biology. All aquarium-trade animals are currently taken from the wild and the impact of heavy collecting is unknown. The specialized and selective nature of the fishery for mandarinfish is described and its potential to disrupt the mating system identified. As a possible alternative to wild capture and as an aid to sustainable exploitation, egg production and early development relevant to mariculture are described, including egg output, embryo, larva and post-settlement development to 30 days, based on live material. Egg output was determined for 40 females and ranged from 12 to 205 eggs. Embryo and larva development were rapid, with settlement occurring within 14 days at 24–26 °C, and at 3.5 mm TL. The swimbladder is retained in adults. Our limited attempts at raising the mandarinfish to settlement were encouraging and suggest an excellent potential for mariculture with implications for both conservation and improved maintenance of fish in captivity. At present, given that this species is difficult to maintain in captivity, it is only suitable for experienced aquarists. Preliminary diet information is provided. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Scientific uncertainty and the assessment of risks posed by non-native freshwater fishes

The introduction of non‐indigenous plants, animals and pathogens is a pressing global environmental challenge. Although not all introduced species become established and the fraction of those that do often have little appreciable effect on their new ecosystems, many others exert significant ecological, evolutionary and economic impacts. Stimulating further debate, Gozlan [Fish and Fisheries (2008) Vol. 9, pp. 106–115] argued that the majority of intentional freshwater fish introductions associated with aquaculture (fish species providing societal benefits) have not been reported as having an ecological impact. We find little to argue with his suggestion that low risk of ecological impact coupled with high market value encourages further introductions. But do we have an adequate understanding of the ecological risks associated with fish introductions to support such decisions? Indeed, resource managers and decision makers require some scientific knowledge to support their management actions; without this information, a precautionary approach is the only sensible course of action. The precautionary approach implies that the lack of scientific certainty is reason enough for postponing intentional introduction of non‐native species to avoid potentially serious or irreversible harm to the environment. Here, we suggest that we actually know very little about ecological impacts associated with fish introductions and that it would be therefore wholly inappropriate to equate a lack of data with a conclusion of ‘no impact’. We discuss four major challenges for enhancing the assessment of risks posed by non‐native freshwater fishes in the face of scientific uncertainty and highlight research opportunities and some alternative approaches for confronting these challenges in the future.     

Ornamental Fish Industry in Sri Lanka: Present Status and Future Trends

The aquarium fish industry in Sri Lanka has become a valuable foreign exchange earner during the past few years, earning Rs. 530 million in 1998. Sri Lankan ornamental fish exports for the international market include locally wild caught marine, brackish-water and freshwater species as well as captive bred freshwater fish. Presently, there are about 18 registered aquarium fish exporters and together they currently contribute approximately 1% of the world's demand for ornamental fish. Of the freshwater fish species exported from Sri Lanka, the guppy ranks the highest (67% by number), followed by swordtails, angels, platies and various species of tetras. This study aims to assess the present status and future trends in the ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka; to overview the present fish production system which caters for the international market; and to identify present constraints within the industry. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Fish feeding in changing habitats: effects of invasive macrophyte control and habitat complexity

Abstract –  Many freshwater lakes have been invaded by non-native aquatic plants. Although managing the invasions is necessary to restore native macrophytes, little is known about the effects of invasive macrophyte eradication on fish foraging. This study was designed to determine whether fish feeding was affected by large-scale changes in plant composition after selective control of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum , and whether feeding was correlated with habitat complexity or abundance of invasive plants on a smaller scale. Popnets were used to collect plants, invertebrates and fishes in the littoral zone of four Minnesota lakes twice a year for 4 years. The degree of stomach fullness in fishes was not correlated with the proportion of invasive plants or habitat complexity. Bluegills, the most abundant fish species, exhibited high selectivity for Diptera and their preferences varied little in different plant habitats. Changes in niche width of bluegills were not consistent with invasive plant control. Overall, invasive macrophyte control with timely restoration of the native plant community did not affect the characteristics of fish feeding we investigated. This study also contributes to our understanding of fish–macroinvertebrate interactions as a function of habitat complexity.