A survey to detect viral pathogens in wild-caught ornamental fish from ornamental fish wholesale facilities in the Peruvian Amazon

Aquaculture of ornamental fishes is rapidly expanding because of large demand and the much greater value of ornamentals relative to seafood fishes (per kg fish produced). Aquaculture of ornamental fishes is well suited for ecologically sustainable recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Technological innovations have made marine aquaria readily accessible for hobby aquarists, but they are still more challenging to maintain than freshwater aquaria. Thousands of different marine and freshwater ornamental fish species are being traded. Aquaculture accounts for >90% of all ornamental freshwater fishes but <10% and fewer than fifty species of all marine ornamental fishes. Several ornamental freshwater fishes have been domesticated, including betta fish, freshwater angelfish, guppies, and discus cichlids. Ornamental fish domestication is facilitated by short generation times. For marine ornamentals, research on husbandry and hatchery methods is needed to address environmentally destructive methods of capture fisheries in coral reef habitats. Advantages of ornamental fishes produced by aquaculture include species and habitat conservation, reduction of transport-related stress and mortality, improved animal welfare, elimination of pathogens and better health, known young age, being accustomed to life in aquaria and the presence of people, and being amenable to domestication for artificial selection of desirable traits. Diversification is essential for ornamental aquaculture to accommodate large fluctuations in demand for certain species. Many ornamental species have become invasive. Their management and preventative measures for avoiding future invasions of additional ornamental species are very challenging but essential for supporting the ecological sustainability of ornamental fish aquaculture.

Ornamental fish culture, also known as aquariculture, is a significant industry globally, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and employment generation. India, particularly the northeastern region, is endowed with diverse indigenous ornamental fish species. However, the ornamental fish trade in India remains relatively underdeveloped. This study aimed to document the ornamental fish diversity in Khambrenga Beel, a freshwater wetland located near Guwahati City, Assam, India.
 From December 2022 to April 2023, fish samples were collected and photographed in the study area. Local knowledge and identification literature were utilized to identify the fish species, while the IUCN Red List was referenced to determine their conservation status. A total of 48 species belonging to 30 genera, 20 families, and 10 orders of ornamental fishes were recorded in Khambrenga Beel. The Cypriniformes and Perciformes orders were the most diverse, comprising 16 species each.
 The majority of the recorded species were categorized as least concern (LRlc), indicating a relatively stable conservation status. However, three species were categorized as near threatened (NT), one species as vulnerable (VU), and one species as endangered (EN). The abundance of ornamental fishes varied across different sampling sites and seasons, reflecting the influence of habitat heterogeneity and seasonal dynamics.
 The findings highlight the importance of conserving Khambrenga Beel's unique ecosystem and its diverse ornamental fish species. Conservation measures such as habitat protection and sustainable fishing practices are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of these species. This study provides valuable information for the development of conservation strategies to protect the ornamental fish populations in Khambrenga Beel, thereby contributing to the overall conservation of indigenous ornamental fishes in India.

<p>Marine ornamental reef fish trade is a huge industry with trade value USD 200-350 million/ year. Seribu Islands, Jakarta is one of the main ornamental reef fish catch area in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to compare ornamental fishing activities with total allowable catch (TAC). Ornamental reef fish catch data were collected from fishermen annually within 2007-2009, while reef fish population data are collected using underwater visual census every two years. The results showed that the total catch of 18 marine ornamental reef fish species exceeded TAC in 2007. Then there were 22 species in 2008 and 17 species of marine ornamental fish in 2009 that their catches were more than TAC. In addition, fish that are always included in the ten highest caught fish within 3 years were Cryptocentrus cinctus, Pomacentrus alleni, Pterosynchiropus splendidus, Premnas biaculeatus, and Amphiprion ocellaris. Their catches exceeded TAC.</p><p><br /><strong>Key words:</strong> Marine ornamental fish, Seribu Islands, Total Allowable Catch (TAC)</p>

Global trade in ornamental fish from an Australian perspective: The case for revised import risk analysis and management strategies

A novel microsporidial disease was documented in two ornamental fish species, black tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi Boulenger 1895 and cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi Schultz 1956. The non-xenoma-forming microsporidium occurred diffusely in most internal organs and the gill, thus referring to the condition as tetra disseminated microsporidiosis (TDM). The occurrence of TDM in black tetra was associated with chronic mortality in a domestic farmed population, while the case in cardinal tetra occurred in moribund fish while in quarantine at a public aquarium. Histology showed that coelomic visceral organs were frequently necrotic and severely disrupted by extensive infiltrates of macrophages. Infected macrophages were presumed responsible for the dissemination of spores throughout the body. Ultrastructural characteristics of the parasite developmental cycle included uninucleate meronts directly in the host cell cytoplasm. Sporonts were bi-nucleated as a result of karyokinesis and a parasite-produced sporophorous vesicle (SPV) became apparent at this stage. Cytokinesis resulted in two spores forming within each SPV. Spores were uniform in size, measuring about 3.9 ± 0.33 long by 2.0 ± 0.2μm wide. Ultrastructure demonstrated two spore types, one with 9-12 polar filament coils and a double-layered exospore and a second type with 4-7 polar filament coils and a homogenously electron-dense exospore, with differences perhaps related to parasite transmission mechanisms. The 16S rDNA sequences showed closest identity to the genus Glugea (≈ 92%), though the developmental cycle, specifically being a non-xenoma-forming species and having two spores forming within a SPV, did not fit within the genus. Based on combined phylogenetic and ultrastructural characteristics, a new genus (Fusasporis) is proposed, with F. stethaprioni n. gen. n. sp. as the type species.

This study represents the first attempt to evaluate exotic ornamental fish species in Shops specializing in ornamental fish. This study was carried out in the province of Basrah between 2023 and 2024. The visits were made to Shops specializing in ornamental fish spread throughout Basrah province. The species present were documented and classified based on their respective families. The study recorded 46 species of ornamental fish belonging to 20 families, including five marine species, exotic fish and no local species. However, the study recognized certain species that are hazardous to the environment if infiltrated, and the study did not record species that threatened humans during the study period. However, there is a need to improve the monitoring and management of dangerous species, as some of them are among the most popular aquarium fish traded worldwide. In addition to the plans and efforts made by the government through the management of its institutions. Researchers and hobbyists should be involved, along with state institutions, because of the importance of their role in the successful monitoring and management of fish introductions. If new fish species need to be imported in the future, a risk assessment should be adopted to assist in making recommendations to guide management decisions. Exotic fish often cause harm to fish stocks, environmental damage, and sometimes a threat to humans. Therefore, the ornamental fish trade must impose trade restrictions and legislation to regulate this trade. To reduce the negative effects resulting from the entrance of non-native species.

Ornamental fish are becoming increasingly popular, but the lack of knowledge regarding their various diseases is a major challenge. Skin diseases commonly found in freshwater fish include black spot disease (BSD), which is characterized by melanin deposits around the metacercariae of some trematode species. Since BSD remains poorly understood, this study describes an outbreak of BSD in Etroplus maculatus raised in outdoor ponds at a Brazilian fish farm. Metacercariae samples were collected, examined, and subjected to molecular phylogenetic analysis. The parasites were conspecific to an unnamed species, Crassiphiala lineage 5, recently found in Brazilian birds (Megaceryle torquata). Sequences obtained for longifurcate cercariae of the planorbid snail Biomphalaria straminea from the same region were identical to our metacercariae of Crassiphiala sp. These results suggest that Biompahalaria snails are likely an intermediate host of this parasite on farms where E. maculatus was found to be infected. We provide the first molecular evidence that Crassiphiala are the causative agents of BSD in fish from Brazil. Combatting snails and preventing access of fish-eating birds to outdoor ponds are strategies to control this disease in ornamental fish farms.

Ornamental fish fauna possess attractive colouration in nature and are used primarily for aesthetic purposes in aquaria and small ponds. This investigation from March 2023 to December 2023 for three seasons focused on the diversity of indigenous ornamental fish species in Bardia District, Lumbini Province of Nepal. Twelve specific sampling sites were thoroughly surveyed for the presence of locally inhabiting ornamental fish species during the study period. A total of 32 indigenous ornamental fish species, under 20 genera, 16 families, and 6 orders, were identified. The dominant species number belongs to the order Cypriniformes, which is followed by Siluriformes and Anabantiformes. This survey indicated that all the ornamental fish species recorded are indigenous to the Bardia District. The conservation status of the reported ornamental fish, according to the IUCN, indicates that one species, Clarias magur, is classified as Endangered (EN). Additionally, two species are categorised as Near Threatened (NT), twenty-eight species are listed as Least Concern (LC), and one species has not yet been evaluated (NE). Of the available data on indigenous ornamental fish species, Danio spp., Botia spp., Chanda spp., Trichogaster spp., Esomus danrica, Nandus nandus and Xenentodon cancila are overlooked in reference to trade and conservation, despite their significant aesthetic value and aquarium trade potential. Habitat management, domestication, and promoting markets for native ornamental fish species are crucial to reduce the growing dependence on imported fish in Nepal.

Ornamental fish production is among the leading cash crops of the United States of America aquaculture economy, and retail value of the fish trade is worth approximately US$l,000 million. However, few studies exist to document this trade. Using import and export documents we report trends in total values for the U.S. trade in ornamental fish. Also, we determined the number and value of the most commonly imported ornamental fish. In 1992, approximately 201 million fish valued at $44.7 million were imported into the U.S. The port of Los Angeles handled 39% of all trade activity, Miami 22%, New York 16%, Tampa 6%, and Honolulu 6%. Freshwater fish accounted for approximately 96% of the total volume and 80% of the value of the imports. Most freshwater ornamental fish were farm‐raised and imported from Southeast Asia. Most U.S. exports of ornamental fish were cultured in the state of Florida. Although saltwater fish had a high market value (20% of the declared value of the imports), the volume of these fish was only 4%. Most imported and exported saltwater ornamental fish were collected from the wild. Of the 1,539 species declared as ornamental fish, 32 species dominated the trade. These were all of freshwater origin. The guppy Poecilia reticulala and neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi were the most popular ornamental fish kept in U.S. households. The average prices paid for imported ornamental freshwater fish were 45 cents for egg layers and 22 cents for live bearers. The results of this study document the importance of the ornamental fish industry and identifies the most valuable species in the trade for potential domestic culture and protection in the wild.

BackgroundPoorly regulated international trade in ornamental fishes poses risks to both biodiversity and economic activity via invasive alien species and exotic pathogens. Border security officials need robust tools to confirm identifications, often requiring hard-to-obtain taxonomic literature and expertise. DNA barcoding offers a potentially attractive tool for quarantine inspection, but has yet to be scrutinised for aquarium fishes. Here, we present a barcoding approach for ornamental cyprinid fishes by: (1) expanding current barcode reference libraries; (2) assessing barcode congruence with morphological identifications under numerous scenarios (e.g. inclusion of GenBank data, presence of singleton species, choice of analytical method); and (3) providing supplementary information to identify difficult species.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe sampled 172 ornamental cyprinid fish species from the international trade, and provide data for 91 species currently unrepresented in reference libraries (GenBank/Bold). DNA barcodes were found to be highly congruent with our morphological assignments, achieving success rates of 90–99%, depending on the method used (neighbour-joining monophyly, bootstrap, nearest neighbour, GMYC, percent threshold). Inclusion of data from GenBank (additional 157 spp.) resulted in a more comprehensive library, but at a cost to success rate due to the increased number of singleton species. In addition to DNA barcodes, our study also provides supporting data in the form of specimen images, morphological characters, taxonomic bibliography, preserved vouchers, and nuclear rhodopsin sequences. Using this nuclear rhodopsin data we also uncovered evidence of interspecific hybridisation, and highlighted unrecognised diversity within popular aquarium species, including the endangered Indian barb Puntius denisonii.Conclusions/SignificanceWe demonstrate that DNA barcoding provides a highly effective biosecurity tool for rapidly identifying ornamental fishes. In cases where DNA barcodes are unable to offer an identification, we improve on previous studies by consolidating supplementary information from multiple data sources, and empower biosecurity agencies to confidently identify high-risk fishes in the aquarium trade.

WITHDRAWN: Handling procedures in ornamental fishing affect the behavioural response of dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma juruensis)

Ornamental fishes are the most popular pet throughout the world and high demand for these fishes has made them an important component of the world fish trade. India contributes a very meager percentage to the world ornamental fish trade; but considering the high ichthyofaunal diversity it has the potential to compete with the world’s leading ornamental fish producers in the near future. Sundarban Biosphere Reserve has abundant waterbodies with rich fish diversity. Although some research has been carried out on ichthyofaunal resources of the Sundarban; detailed documentation on freshwater indigenous ornamental ichthyofaunal resources of this region is still not available. To fill this knowledge gap, the present study has been conducted to list the indigenous ornamental ichthyofaunal resources of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve along with their conservation status and their prospective utilization for improved livelihood of local communities. Eighty four species belonging to 11 orders, 28 families and 59 genera were collected from the study area with species representing the order Cypriniformes dominating the ichthyofauna. Nine species have been listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. Indigenous fish species of the Sundarban having great potential to support domestic as well as the international ornamental fish trade from India in near future. The ornamental fish species would also be able to generate alternate livelihood options for the impecunious communities of the Sundarban. However, serious concern must also be paid to the conservation of these fish species as some of them are under near threatened categories of IUCN Red list.

Simple SummaryThe trade in marine ornamental fishes appears to have commenced around the 1930s, and the number and diversity of species traded remain unclear. Figures currently available are based on estimates or are inferred using limited information from various formal and trade organisations. Almost all marine ornamental fishes are wild-caught from coral reefs, and mortality rates throughout the supply chain can be high. The consequences of removing these fishes from their ecosystems are poorly understood. This article collates and examines available information including scientific studies and publications from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, as well as from other formal and trade organisations, in order to create a more accurate picture of the extent of commercial activities. We demonstrate that it is an almost impossible task to analyse the trade in marine ornamental fishes due to a lack of data on commerce, as well as the fact that available data for marine species is frequently combined with that for freshwater species. This review highlights the urgent need for a global monitoring system to gather accurate and timely information on the number and species of ornamental fishes in commerce, where specimens originated, and whether they were wild-caught or captive-bred.The multi-billion dollar trade in ornamental fishes has rarely been reliably monitored. Almost all coral reef fishes are wild-caught, and few scientific analyses have attempted to elicit exact quantities and identify species involved. The consequences of the removal of millions of these fishes are poorly understood. This article collates and examines available information, including scientific studies and formal publications, in order to create a more accurate picture of this commerce. We demonstrate that it is almost impossible to analyse the trade in marine ornamental fishes due to a lack of data, and that available data for marine species is frequently combined with that for freshwater species. Figures range from 15 to 30 million coral reef fishes being traded annually, but could be as high as 150 million specimens. The global value of this trade was only estimated for 1976 and 1999 between USD 28–40 million. This review highlights the urgent need to introduce a specific harmonised system tariff code and for a global monitoring system, such as the Trade Control and Expert System already in use in Europe, in order to gather accurate and timely information on the number and species of marine ornamental fishes in commerce, where specimens originated, and whether they were wild-caught or captive-bred.

Background: Ornamental fishkeeping is a widely embraced hobby globally. In India, Kolathur, Chennai Tamil Nadu is an important ornamental fish hub involved in trading of ornamental fishes. As a lucrative industry, the ornamental fish trade faces significant challenges due to diseases caused by various pathogens, impacting market value and causing economic losses. Methods: A surveillance study was conducted in Kolathur, Chennai, from December 2022 to August 2023. Ornamental fish samples exhibiting clinical signs of bacterial diseases were collected from the farms and retail outlets. Bacterial isolation and identification techniques, including conventional and PCR detection, were employed to isolate and identify bacterial strains from infected fish samples. Result: Out of 196 fish samples, 51 (29.4%) were found infected with bacterial pathogens. The prevalent bacterial pathogens included Aeromonas veronii (47%), A.caviae (17%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%), Streptococcus sp. (11.3%), Mycobacterium fortuitum (5.6%) and Shewanella sp. (3.7%). Different fish families exhibited varying susceptibility to bacterial diseases, with cyprinids being the most affected (56.6%). The findings stress the importance of adhering to health regulations to prevent transboundary spread and suggest the development of targeted management strategies to sustain the health of ornamental fish populations.

This study investigated the parasites fauna of four freshwater ornamental fish species in aquarium shops of Macapá, Amapá State, in addition to survey the commercialized fish species and sanitary conditions of aquarium shops. Different native and non-native ornamental fish species were found in aquarium shops, mainly Poecilidae. We examined 30 specimens of Xiphophorus maculatus, 30 Danio rerio, 30 Paracheirodon axelrodi, and 30 Corydoras ephippifer for parasites. Of the 120 fish examined, 22.5% were parasitized by one or more species and a total of 438 parasites were collected and identified. Parasites such as: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Monogenea, undermined Digenea metacercariae, Acanthostomum sp. metacercariae, Camallanus spp., Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and Echinorhynchus sp. infected the hosts examined. Endoparasites in the larval stage showed the greatest diversity and Camallanus spp. was found in all hosts species examined. Paracheirodon axelrodi (43.3%) was the most parasitized host, while C. ephippifer (6.7%) was the least parasitized. Despite the low ectoparasites level, six species of endoparasites was observed, demonstrating that prophylactic and quarantine procedures were not fully adequate. Therefore, failures in prophylactic procedures on any link in the production industry of ornamental fish may cause parasite transmission to ornamental fish captured in different environments and localities.