Ornamental Fish Dr. Craig Kasper HCC Brandon Tampa

So far...it’s been all about the food!

Aquaculture has been (and may always be) about feeding people.Aquaculture has been (and may always be) about feeding people.

“But Dr. K.... What else is there??”

“Feel good” fish!

First...lets revisit food fish aquaculture.First...lets revisit food fish aquaculture.

(Tlusty 2005)

Introduction ♦Aquarium trade a rapidly growing sector of aquaculture. ♦Approximately $15 billion industry (Bartely 2000). ♦High demand drives industry ($$$). ♦Several pros and cons concerning this industry.

Making fish makes money! Source: 1998 Census of Aquaculture, USDA-NASS

Ornamental Fish Influence of capture fisheries still applies.Influence of capture fisheries still applies. As restrictions on animal collectionAs restrictions on animal collection intensify, culture of ornamental fish intensify, culture of ornamental fish (OF) will assume a larger roll. (OF) will assume a larger roll. Currently, 90% of aquarium freshwaterCurrently, 90% of aquarium freshwater fish cultured. (Reverse for marine fish—major issue!) fish cultured. (Reverse for marine fish—major issue!)

Ornamental Fish Production of OF is a global industry with global impacts (globalization = bad news?)Production of OF is a global industry with global impacts (globalization = bad news?) Has accounted for 40-60% of total exports in Singapore, Brazil, Phillipines (Tay, 1977; Chao 1997; Dowd and Tlusty 2000; Baquero).Has accounted for 40-60% of total exports in Singapore, Brazil, Phillipines (Tay, 1977; Chao 1997; Dowd and Tlusty 2000; Baquero). However, this has all been at the EXPENSE of the capture industry!However, this has all been at the EXPENSE of the capture industry!

Ornamental Fish Production of OF doubled between Production of OF doubled between In U.S., OF production is ranked fourth behind catfish, trout, and salmon; 7% of total aquacultural production (JSA, 1999).In U.S., OF production is ranked fourth behind catfish, trout, and salmon; 7% of total aquacultural production (JSA, 1999). Florida produces over 800 varieties of freshwater ornamental fish through captive breeding accounting for nearly 80% of total U.S. value (FASS 1999).Florida produces over 800 varieties of freshwater ornamental fish through captive breeding accounting for nearly 80% of total U.S. value (FASS 1999). U.S. demand accounts for ~60% of total industry!U.S. demand accounts for ~60% of total industry!

Ornamental Fish Lucrative industry (average value $35-60/lb.; marine even higher at $ /lb.)Lucrative industry (average value $35-60/lb.; marine even higher at $ /lb.) Captive breeding of marine fish accounts for much less (~13% of marine fish traded are cultured, 3% commercially feasible (Dawes 1998; Schiemer 2001).Captive breeding of marine fish accounts for much less (~13% of marine fish traded are cultured, 3% commercially feasible (Dawes 1998; Schiemer 2001).

Ornamental Fish Greed has led to habitat destruction.Greed has led to habitat destruction. - Mangrove destruction, reefs, illegal collection - Conservation groups, government influence. - Clearly another black-eye for aquaculture! How do we combat this?How do we combat this? - Limitations on collection. - Limit number of fish (Bahamian 50 fish/permited species). - Limit number/size of speices (FL restrictions on 49 spp.) - More reliance on aquaculture (HBOI 2000) - Artificial propigation (“just borrow some”)

Culture of Ornamental Fish Variety of culture methodsVariety of culture methods - Closed systems (tanks, ponds) - Florida- 0.1 acre sandy loam or coral bedrock ( Semi-intesive densitiesSemi-intesive densities - tiger barb fry (pond) = 10k/m 3 - clown fish (tanks) = /m 3

(Tlusty 2005)

Dr. Craig S. Kasper HCC Brandon