Aquarium Market Research Articles

Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Nannostomus Pencilfish: Genome Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis.

Although the pencilfish is a globally popular economic fish in the aquarium market, its taxonomic classification could be further refined. In order to understand the taxonomy of species of the genus Nannostomus (Characiformes, Lebiasinidae) and their phylogenetic position within the order Characiformes, in this study, we characterized mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from four Nannostomus species for the first time. The four mitogenomes exhibited the typical circular structure, with overall sizes varying from 16,661 bp to 16,690 bp. They contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 1 control region (CR). Nucleotide composition analysis suggested that the mitochondrial sequences were biased toward A and T. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses based on PCGs support the family Lebiasinidae classification, described using four Nannostomus species, clustering together with Lebiasina multimaculata from the same family. The results of this study support the current taxonomic classification of the family Lebiasinidae. Phylogenetic analysis also suggested that gene rearrangement would not significantly impact the phylogenetic relationships within the order Characiformes. These results might provide new data regarding the phylogeny and classification of the order Characiformes, thus providing a theoretical basis for the economic development of aquarium fish markets.

Spawning, larval morphological ontogeny and first feeding of yellow-striped cardinalfish Ostorhinchus cyanosoma (Bleeker, 1853)

The yellow-striped cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus cyanosoma) can be found in the Indo-West Pacific region. It possesses great potential for the ornamental aquarium market due to its vibrant body coloration and tendency of group swimming. This study aims to investigate the spawning frequency and larval morphological ontogeny, and develop first feeding techniques of O. cyanosoma reared in capacity. From April 2021 to August 2022, a total of 70 spawning events were documented for the broodstock. These spawning events did not exhibit specific patterns related to seasonal or lunar cycles. The effects of four live prey treatments (mono-feeding and co-feeding of SS-type rotifer Brachionus sp. and nauplii of copepod Bestiolina coreana) on the mouth opening rate, prey ingestion rate, and prey selectivity of the 0 day-post-hatch (dph) larvae were investigated. The O. cyanosoma larvae displayed significantly higher mouth opening rate, ingestion rate and prey selectivity on the copepod nauplii over the rotifer. In the 7-d larviculture experiment, the larvae showed significant higher survival rate in the copepod feeding treatment (68%) than the rotifer feeding treatment (0%). For ontogeny, O. cyanosoma larvae appeared to be altricial (at pre-flexion stage with no gas bladder and poor-developed fins) and small-mouthed (235.94 μm) when leaving the mouthbrood. The standard length increased from 2.64 to 6.51 mm during 0 to 21dph. Ntochord flexion initiated at 12 dph, and the metamorphosis was completed by 21 dph. This study is the first attempt to document the broodstock management, first feeding protocol and larval ontogeny of O. cyanosoma. The findings could have implications for larviculture of cardinalfishes.

First feeding of a marine ornamental fish, the White‐barred Goby Amblygobius phalaena: Investigating the optimal initial live feed organisms and optimal feeding density

AbstractObjectiveThe White‐barred Goby Amblygobius phalaena is a popular ornamental fish in the marine aquarium market. To achieve successful commercial production, efficient larval rearing techniques are crucial. Previous studies have achieved successful cultivation of White‐barred Goby larvae by using a combination of three live feed organisms—the ciliate Euplotes sp., the rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis, and the copepod Apocyclops royi nauplii—during the first feeding stage. However, the specific contributions of these live feed organisms to larval survival and growth remain unclear. Moreover, the optimal feeding density for the critical initial live feed organism has not been determined experimentally. In this study, we aimed to enhance the larviculture protocol for White‐barred Goby by introducing Portuguese oyster Crassostrea angulata trochophores and by addressing these knowledge gaps.MethodsLarvae were initially cultured through individual and combined feeding with four live feed organisms: Euplotes sp., Portuguese oyster trochophores, B. rotundiformis, and A. royi nauplii. The objective was to identify the optimal initial live feed organism during the first feeding stage by assessing the survival and growth performance of larvae. Subsequently, using this optimal live feed organism, larvae were cultured at four feeding densities (2, 5, 10, and 20 individuals/mL). Through evaluating feeding incidence, feeding intensity, survival, and growth performance, the aim was to determine the optimal feeding density for the selected live prey.ResultOur experiments revealed that White‐barred Goby larvae could consume both oyster trochophores and Euplotes sp. during the first feeding stage. However, larvae exhibited superior survival and growth performance when fed oyster trochophores. The optimal feeding density of oyster trochophores was determined to be 10 individuals/mL, while a feeding density as high as 20 individuals/mL resulted in decreased larval feeding incidence.ConclusionThese findings have significant implications for enhancing larval production programs for marine ornamental gobies and promoting their sustainable commercialization.

A Reliable Architecture for IoT-based Aquatic Monitoring System of Coral Reef and Algae

The coral reef population worldwide faces degradation issues due to various human-related factors such as pollution, overfishing, collecting live corals for the aquarium market, warm climate, thermal stress and ocean acidification. These factors lead to an imbalance in the natural ecosystem where the coral reef and algae reside. Coral reefs are susceptible to the changes in their natural ecosystem. This work aims to study the optimum condition for the coral reef and algae to healthy flourish. The main factors that influence the growth and survival of coral reefs and algae are also studied. Thus, this paper presents a proposed monitoring system-based IoT to monitor the coral reef and algae ecosystem. The system also intends to introduce a regulatory mechanism which can regulate the main factors identified to maintain an optimum condition for the coral and algae to prosper. In order to support the intention, a reliable network system and communication are needed to ensure that accurate information can be obtained. The system consists of sensors, microcontrollers, and a web application for monitoring real data of three different parameters most affected the ocean water: pH, temperature and salinity.

A new species of Leporinus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Serra do Cachimbo, Pará State, Brazil

Abstract A new small-sized species of Leporinus is described from rio Braço Norte, a tributary of rio Teles Pires, in the Tapajós drainage in the Brazilian Amazon, and its phylogenetic position is proposed based on molecular data. The new species is diagnosed among Anostomidae by having three unicuspid teeth on the premaxilla and four on the dentary, 12 scale rows around the caudal peduncle, dark blotches on the trunk, and large non-midlateral dark blotches over the body, with one or two large blotches in region ventral to the lateral line between the pectoral and pelvic fins. DNA Barcode sequences suggest that the new species is closely related to Leporinus octomaculatus. In addition, samples of intermediate forms in altered areas are herein identified as putative hybrids between the new species and L. octomaculatus. The new species is popular in the international aquarium market, and its area of occurrence has been affected by anthropogenic changes in the last years.

MAINTENANCE OF THE BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon striatus (PERCIFOMES: CHAETODONTIDAE) IN A RECIRCULATION SYSTEM

The hight extractivism of marine fish to supply the demand of the aquarium market has worried the researchers and, in this context,, the aquaculture consists of an alternative to the problem. The family Chaetodontidae represents one of the main families of ornamental marine fish and has not received enough attention on their cultivation research. Considering the absence of this information about the butterflyfish Chaetodon striatus, the present work had the objective of obtaining information about the species in captivity. The fishes were kept in tanks of 100, 200, 300 and 1,000 L, with 6 fishes in each tank, with 3 repetitions for each volume, totaling 72 individuals and were observed for 30 days, being offered living small invertebrates and frozen and fresh mussels for the feeding. Also, for the attempt of reproduction in captivity, two couples, collected directly from the sea, with the entry of only two adults in the trap at a time, were used. Each couple was acclimated in a 100 L tank and we observed their behaviors for 8 hours a day. There was no mortality in tanks of 300 and 1,000 L and, for feeding, small invertebrates and fresh mussels were well accepted. Some behaviors were observed, most of which were already described for chaetodontids. This is the first report of C. striatus in captivity and this contribution may provide subsidies for a future technologi­cal package.

The evaluation of culture performance and mantle coloration of two boring giant clam (Tridacna crocea) strains

The boring giant clam (Tridacna crocea) is the smallest species of the Tridacna genus, but they strongly express mantle color polymorphism. These color morphs represent potential genetic resources for aquaculture to supply the aquarium market, and the evaluation of their genetic and production characteristics is important. Wild yellow-green clams were consistently larger than blue clams in both the Huangyan Island and Zhaoshu Island populations in the Southern China Sea. To determine the relationship between mantle color and phenotypic traits, blue, yellow-green and control strains (various colors) were constructed and cultured for 1.5 years at an experimental station in Sanya, Hainan Island Province. All three strains had a high fertilization rate, but the survival to D larvae of the blue strain was significantly lower than the other two strains. Larval survival rate was over 85 % for all three strains, but the metamorphosis rate of the control strain was significantly lower than that of the other two strains. During the grow-out stage, the survival rate of the control strain from day 120 to day 480 was highest and that of the blue strain was lowest of the three groups. After metamorphosis, growth divergence of the three strains varied until day 120. Consistent growth trends appeared from day 120 to day 180, with the yellow-green strain largest, followed by the control strain. The process of mantle coloration was divided into three stages: the non-coloring period (day 0–60), the coloring period (day 60–180), and the stable expression period (day 180 onward). The yellow-green and blue mantle colors are genetically stable. This study provides a base for analysis of mantle color heredity and the genetic breeding of giant clams, and has great potential applications in the aquaculture industry, aquarium market and the coral reef tourism.

Embryonic development of the fire-eye-tetra Moenkhausia oligolepis (Characiformes: Characidae)

SummaryThis study describes the embryonic development of Moenkhausia oligolepis in laboratory conditions. After fertilization, the embryos were collected every 10 min up to 2 h, then every 20 min up to 4 h, and afterwards every 30 min until hatching. The fertilized eggs of M. oligolepis measured approximately 0.85 ± 0.5 mm and had an adhesive surface. Embryonic development lasted 14 h at 25ºC through the zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, neurula, and segmentation phases. Hatching occurred in embryos around the 30-somites stage. The present results contribute only the second description of embryonic development to a species from the Moenkhausia genus, being also the first for this species. Such data are of paramount importance considering the current conflicting state of this genus phylogenetic classification and may help taxonomic studies. Understanding the biology of a species that is easily managed in laboratory conditions and has an ornamental appeal may assist studies in its reproduction to both supply the aquarium market and help the species conservation in nature. Moreover, these data enable the use of M. oligolepis as a model species in biotechnological applications, such as the germ cell transplantation approach.

Bleaching susceptibility of aquarium corals collected across northern Australia

There are a wide range of Scleractinian corals that are collected for the global reef aquarium market, often from non-reefal environments. The sustainability of coral harvesting is potentially threatened by increasing anthropogenic disturbances and climate change, though it is unknown to what extent many commonly harvested corals are susceptible to environmental change, or actually bleach during marine heatwaves. In this study, we experimentally tested the temperature sensitivity and bleaching susceptibility of six coral species (Homophyllia australis, Micromussa lordhowensis, Catalaphyllia jardinei, Trachyphyllia geoffroyi, Duncanopsammia axifuga, and Euphyllia glabrescens), which are important components of the aquarium coral fisheries across northern Australia, in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and/or Queensland. Interspecific differences were evident in the temperature sensitivity and bleaching susceptibility among the study species. Homophyllia australis, and M. lordhowensis were found to be particularly susceptible to elevated temperatures, whereby all corals subjected to elevated temperatures died within the course of the experimental treatment (75 d). Catalaphyllia jardinei and E. glabrescens also exhibited significant increases in mortality when exposed to elevated temperatures, though some of the corals did survive, and C. jardinei mostly died only after exposure to elevated temperatures. The other species (T. geoffroyi and D. axifuga) exhibited marked bleaching when exposed to elevated temperatures, but mortality of these corals was similar to that of conspecifics held at ambient temperatures. This study highlights the potential for environmental change to impact the sustainability and viability of Australian coral harvest fisheries. More importantly, this study highlights the need for specific and targeted in situ monitoring for important stocks of coral fishery target species, to assess their vulnerability to fishery and fishery-independent effects.

Thermal influence on the embryonic development and hatching rate of the flameback pygmy angelfish Centropyge aurantonotus eggs.

The flameback pygmy angelfish Centropyge aurantonotus, highly appreciated and valued by the aquarium market, is heavily harvested and traded. Temperature is one of the abiotic factors that has the most influence on fish development, especially in the early stages of life. For captive production, it is essential to know the appropriate environmental parameters for each species. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of temperature on the embryonic development and hatching rates of C. aurantonotus incubated at six different temperatures (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30°C). Embryonic development events were very similar in terms of morphological and chronological characteristics compared with other species of the genus Centropyge. Incubation time was inversely proportional to temperature. The treatment at 22°C required twice the time of that required by 30°C treatment for hatching to occur. The best incubation temperature range was 24-28°C. Values below 22°C and at 30°C showed lower hatching rates compared with other treatments. Based on these results, the recommended temperature at which to incubate C. aurantonotus eggs is between 24-28°C.

Artificial interspecific hybridization of two giant clams, Tridacna squamosa and Tridacna crocea, in the south China sea

Interspecific hybridization has been used as an important tool for genetic manipulation in mollusks, with the aim to produce a new species with desirable traits from both the parental species. A two by two factorial cross between sympatric giant clam species, the fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa (S) and the boring clam, Tridacan crocea (C), yielded hybrids that were fast growing (characteristic of the S) and had brightly colored mantles (characteristic of C). Reciprocal hybrids (SC and CS) were obtained by the acceptable level of fertilization and hatching rate compared to these of two parental species, and the survival rate of the hybrids was significantly higher than that of the parental species. Yearling hybrids exhibited fully developed gonads and normal gametogenesis when sexually mature. Relative to CC, CS and SC also showed significant growth advantages in shell length and wet weight. The shell morphology of the hybrids was mainly dictated by maternal effect, while mantle coloration was dictated by paternal effect for SC progeny and parental effect for CS progeny. Our results revealed that reciprocal hybrids exhibited great growth heterosis and survival advantage (compared to C), as well as better mantle colors. Thus, these hybrids have great potential for application in the aquarium market and aquaculture industries across the globe.

Neotropical piranha, Serrasalmus maculatus (Actinopterygii: Characiformes: Serrasalmidae), in the Tigris River, Baghdad, Iraq—a case of deliberate introduction by the aquarium trade

Fifteen specimens (four females and eleven males) of the speckled piranha, Serrasalmus maculatus Kner, 1858, native to South America, were captured in the Tigris River at Al-Taji, 17 km north of the City of Baghdad, Iraq. They represent the first record for this species in Iraq and were captured on 1 February 2018 by anglers, using a hook and line. We suspect that the aquarium trade is accountable for the introduction of this species into Iraq. Moreover, a new maximum size was also recorded based on the specimens examined. The gonads were dissected for a microscopic examination to determine the gender and the state of maturity. The reproductive state suggests that the population of S. maculatus has established itself in the area and is reproducing. An efficient system needs to be put in place to screen the introduction of fishes in order to identify potentially harmful species before their release to the aquarium market.

Alien Express: The threat of aquarium e-commerce introducing invasive aquatic plants in Brazil

Aquarium market is one of the main causes of exotic species dispersion, as it promotes the introduction of potential invaders on natural environments. In this scenario, e-commerce provides easy access of invasive plants from around the world. Despite the economic importance of this trade, few studies have addressed the patterns and extension of environmental problems associated with this market. Using search engines and specialized literature, we characterized the e-commerce of freshwater aquarium plants in Brazil, including its commercial flow, traded species and invasive potential of exotic species. We observed that Brazilian e-commerce provides easy access to multiple aquatic plants, which are generally sold at low cost and as vegetative parts. From the 287 species of aquatic plants for sale, distributed in 58 families, 188 were exotic species, originated from Oriental biogeographic region. The trade of exotic species is a potential problem if they (1) are recognized as highly invasive in many parts of the world, (2) belong to genera and families very distinct from native species and could occupy empty niches, and (3) may hybridize with native species, creating lineages with increased potential for invasion. Although Brazilian laws regulating the trade of exotic species are adequate, there is a widespread illegal e-commerce of aquatic plants. The invasive potential of aquarium plants species traded via e-commerce should be a major concern and become the focus of increasing inspections and law compliance.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Scleropages formosus (Osteoglossiformes: Osteoglossidae) and phylogenetic studies of Osteoglossiformes

Scleropages formosus is listed as a critically endangered species under the IUCN red list due its rapidly dwindling population as it is widely trafficked for its great value in aquarium market. In this article, we determined and described the complete mitogenome of S. formosus, which is 16,643 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, one origin of replication on the light-strand (OL) and a putative control region. All the protein-coding genes use the initiation codon ATG except COI use GTG. Most of them have TAA or TAG as the stop codon, except COI uses AGA, COII, ND4 and Cyt b use an incomplete stop codon T. In order to explore its taxonomic status, phylogenetic tree involving all the Osteoglossiformes species available was constructed, contributing to phylogenetic studies of Osteoglossiformes and further conservation strategies for this species.

Ammonia and nitrite toxicity to false clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris

False clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris, is one of the most commercialized fish species in the world, highly produced to supply the aquarium market. The high stocking densities used to maximize fish production can increase ammonia and nitrite to toxic levels. In this study, A. ocellaris juveniles (1.20 ± 0.34 g) were exposed to six concentrations of ammonia ranged from 0.23 to 1.63 mg/L NH3-N and eight concentrations of nitrite (26.3–202.2 mg/L NO2 −-N). The LC50- 24, LC50-48, LC50-72 and LC50-96 h were estimated to be 1.06, 0.83, 0.75 and 0.75 mg/L for NH3-N and 188.3, 151.01, 124.1 and 108.8 mg/L for NO2 −-N. Analysis of gill lesions caused by sublethal concentrations of these nitrogenous compounds showed that both nitrogenous compounds induced tissue lesions such as hyperplasia of epithelium cells, hypertrophy of chloride cells and lamellar lifting to all concentrations tested. However, histopathological alterations were more conspicuous accordingly the increase of ammonia or nitrite in fish exposed to 0.57 mg/L NH3-N or 100 mg/L NO2 −-N. Based on our results, we recommend to avoid concentrations higher than 0.57 mg/L of NH3-N and 25 mg/L of NO2-N in water.

The noncoding trnH-psbA spacer, as an effective DNA barcode for aquatic freshwater plants, reveals prohibited invasive species in aquarium trade in South Africa

The negative effects of invasive alien aquatic plants raise concern globally. These effects are predicted to increase in the future due to a rapid development in transport modes (air, terrestrial, and water) that facilitate connection between continents, difficulties inherent to identification of potentially problematic species, and for aquatic systems, insufficiently regulated aquarium and ornamental pond industries. In this study, we aimed to assist traditional species identification methods with genetic methods and provide ways of verifying the status of alien plants (invasive or non-invasive) sold in aquarium market in South Africa. To this end, the best DNA barcode for South Africa's freshwater plants was identified; a DNA barcode library was assembled and aquarium plants sold in Johannesburg (South Africa) were screened using this DNA barcode. We found that trnH-psbA was a reliable single DNA barcode for freshwater plant species in South Africa. We therefore assembled a trnH-psbA library on BOLD (Barcode Of Life Database) to assist in future identification of unknown or taxonomically doubtful freshwater alien plants in South Africa. Using this region to screen aquarium species, we found surprisingly that some prohibited aquatic invaders are already in circulation in the local aquarium trade, including Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, Egeria densa Planch., Myriophyllum spicatum L., and Echinodorus cordifolius (L.) Griseb. This raises concern and calls for a strict regulation of species traded in aquarium industries to be implemented, as well as a need for public environmental education on the threat posed by invasive and potentially invasive plants for South Africa's natural aquatic ecosystems.

Ornamental reef fish fisheries: New indicators of sustainability and human development at a coastal community level

Ensuring sustainable fisheries and community development requires integrating and harmonizing the environmental, social and economic issues which in turn might lead to effective management plans. This paper describes a new methodology based on the Human Development Index (HDI). We transformed the HDI to adapt it to local and specific purposes and create a new set of indicators for assessing the sustainability of ornamental fish fisheries and the human development at a community level for the inhabitants linked to this activity. We chose a women-owned and operated marine ornamental fish business located along the coast of the Gulf of California as a study case. Socio-economic data, obtained in 2011 from the women associates and the inhabitants of their coastal community, show that monthly income and living conditions were still very modest. Results indicated an intermediate development and financially unsustainable but ecologically sustainable fisheries for the aquarium market. As captures, based on authorized and managed quotas by the Mexican Government, revealed an under-exploitation, a participatory SWOT analysis of the ornamental fish cooperative was carried out in order to provide information about the cooperative's current situation which helped to produce future business strategies to optimize the company's operations in a sustainable way. Our conclusion is that the cooperative is still “young” and needs time to stabilize in order to generate enough profits that would enable its women associates to increase their standard of living while respecting the sustainability of the marine resources. We also noted that such a business activity can be a good employment opportunity in small communities, regardless of gender, and that its sustainability is closely linked to ecological, and socio-economic factors.

Growth Stimulation Effect on the Aquatic Vegetation by use of a Waterproofed LED Light Supplement

A light emitting diode (LED) is predicted as a future generation type lighting source which replaces a fluorescent lamp. The effects of LED light on aquatic vegetation using small waterproofed LED equipment (red, blue, and white) as a light supplement combined with a fluorescent lamp were examined. As a result of using this supplement on aquatic vegetation, the growth promoting effects were observed in both red, as well as a mixture of red and a blue LED light. The new LED can be used in the aquarium market by combining a waterproofed LED light source with a fluorescent lamp.

일본 관상어의 역사와 관련용품 산업의 동향

The aqua-pet industry has been growing rapidly in the world`s developed countries as well as Japan and Europe, but it was a small scale in compared with fisheries part, and political interest came mainly limited to food industry and research in Korea so that it has not been activated. Recently, a paradigm change for fisheries policy bring to have a interest in the aqua-pet industry as future growth power source. Therefore, this study shows that the advanced aqua-pet industry of Japan would be researched and analyzed in historical background, national interest and current aquarium market scale in order to predict the domestic aqua-pet industry rapidly developed in Korea.

Aquarium fish exploitation in western Amazonia: conservation issues in Peru

The Amazon basin is a key supplier of wild freshwater fishes to the multi-billion US$ global aquarium market, yet limited information exists on the organization of the regional trade, its importance to local economies or conservation impacts. Through field interviews and review of government statistics, this paper describes the state of the industry in Peru, reporting on the scale and value of the trade, the nature of the fishery and the characteristics and roles of key actors in regional supply networks. An economically important industry is revealed, with 28 firms officially exporting over nine million fishes worth US$ 2.5 million to 24 countries in 2001, and involving fish species from 36 families transported from rainforest catchments up to 1100 km distant from the export centre of Iquitos. Most fish are however collected close to the city, with 10 species representing >70% of trade volume. Some 10 000 people earn income from the trade, among them many rural poor who depend on aquarium fish collection as a primary or supplementary source of cash income. The industry is currently undergoing an important transition towards supplying new Asian and European markets, increasing exports of species biologically unsuited to heavy exploitation as a result, and highlighting the conservation need for improved knowledge and management of the trade in Amazonia.