Aquarium Stores Research Articles

Overview of the ornamental aquatic organisms market in Brazil

This study aims to analyze the ornamental aquatic organisms market and identify key consumer obstacles in aquarium farming. A questionnaire comprising 57 questions was distributed via Virtual Social Networks (RSV), using the Snowball method during June and July 2023. The survey encompassed all 26 states and the Federal District. Data analysis relied on descriptive statistics. Out of 270 respondents, 65% were female, 34% were male, 0.4% identified as trans women, and 0.4% as trans men. Predominant states in the research included Minas Gerais (35.6%) and Amapá (20.4%). Regarding pet ownership, only 13% of consumers raise fish, behind the raising of dogs (56%) and cats (22%). Among the fish, 47% are small species, such as guppy, swordfish, betta, platy, and others. Reasons for discontinuing ornamental aquatic animal ownership included lack of time, insufficient information on care, pet mortality, and disease-related losses. However, 72% expressed continued interest in restarting. While the production of ornamental aquatic organisms has been on the rise, especially nationally, lack of information remains a primary barrier to increased adoption in Brazil. Therefore, expanding publicity, particularly through specialized aquarium stores, offers a viable solution to reducing mortality rates among aquarium animals and fostering consumer interest.

Predicting the risk of invasion by broadleaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) in mainland Portugal

Broadleaf water milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) is an emerging invasive alien plant in Europe, and thus a priority for European Union (EU)-level surveillance, monitoring, and eradication. This species is native to North America and threatens aquatic ecosystems by creating dense stands that can fill an entire water body, leading to high economic costs and the loss of native biodiversity. Although its presence in Portugal is not reported, the species has already been established in several European countries, including neighboring Spain. In this study, we assessed the risk of invasion by this species in mainland Portugal by jointly considering environmentally suitable areas and the risk of human-mediated introduction. Environmental suitability was estimated using MaxEnt, which relates the known species distribution to climate, topography, and soil variables. The model achieved a mean area under the curve value of 0.96 ± 0.008 and identified the mean temperature of the warmest quarter as the most relevant variable for explaining the species distribution (67.2 %). Predictions from the model indicated that the peaks of suitability values were distributed mainly in temperate climate regions along central and northern coastal areas in Portugal. The risk of introduction was estimated by mapping and calculating the spatial density of the aquarium stores. Jointly considering environmental suitability and risk of introduction, we observed that hotspots at risk of invasion are concentrated on the Portuguese central and northern coasts and in the two main metropolitan areas, Lisbon and Porto. Several risk hotspots fall within protected areas and sites designated under the EU Habitats Directive, comprising water bodies of high significance for maintaining local vegetation and fauna. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the risk of invasion by this species, namely, surveillance and monitoring efforts confirming its absence in the national territory and preventing its future arrival.

Primeiro registro da espécie exótica, plati Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther, 1866), na área de inundação urbana de um rio neotropical brasileiro

Abstract: Aim This work reports the first occurrence of the exotic species Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther, 1866) in the Sorocaba River Basin. The introduction of non-native fish species has become common and many species have been introduced mainly through sport fishing, aquaculture and aquarium keeping. In the case of the Poeciliidae, most of the introduced species that have been recorded come aquarium keeping. The environment where the specimens were captured had a large number of macrophytes due to anthropization and is located in a strictly urbanized area of the municipality. Methods The collection was done through a rectangular dip net, with measures of 70 cm x 60 cm and a mesh of 1 mm. The specimens were anesthetized in eugenol solution, fixed in 10% formalin solution and preserved in 70% alcohol. The specimens were later deposited in a scientific collection. Results The record includes two female specimens from an urban wetland on the Sorocaba River, São Paulo State, Brazil. Conclusions In the municipality of Sorocaba, 63 species of fish have already been identified, belonging to 7 orders and 19 families and 6 are exotic, such as the Xiphophorus maculatus. Urban floodplains are poorly studied environments, thus presenting great potential for the occurrence of species that have not yet been inventoried. The monitoring and inventory of exotic species must be carried out systematically so that mitigating measures can be proposed in relation to the control of these species, and this is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. In addition, developing a program for returning unwanted fish to aquarium stores can be effective in preventing the introduction of new aquarium fish and displaying warnings informing of the negative ecological effects of releasing aquarium fish in all bags, fish plastics, and aquarium store websites.

Pengaruh Lokasi dan Kualitas Pelayanan Terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen

This study aims to determine the effect of partially and simultaneously the influence of location and service quality on customer satisfaction at Tasik Aquarium Stores. The method used in this research is descriptive research with quantitative methods. The sample issued is 100 respondents. The data collected consists of primary and secondary data. Data analysis in this study used multiple linear regression, assessment analysis, coefficient of determination analysis using SPSS version 25 software. The results showed that location and service quality simultaneously had a significant role on consumer satisfaction at Tasik Consumer Stores. Partially, the location and quality of service have a significant effect on consumer satisfaction at the Tasik Aquarium Store.

Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Akvaryum Balıkları Satış Yerleri Hakkındaki Görüş ve Tutumları

Ülkemizde akvaryum sektörü; üreticiler, ithalat ve ihracat yapan firmalar, toptancılar, perakende akvaryumcu/petshop satış yerleri ve tüketicilerden oluşmaktadır. Bu araştırmada, üniversite öğrencilerinin akvaryum balıkları perakende satış yerleri ile ilgili görüş ve tutumları tespit edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada çalışma grubu, Akdeniz Bölgesi’ndeki bir devlet üniversitesinde öğrenim görmekte olan 600 öğrenciden oluşmaktadır. Araştırma, üniversite öğrencisi ile yüz yüze yapılan görüşmelerle anket yoluyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Üniversite öğrencilerinin akvaryum balıkları satış yerleri ile ilgili görüş ve tutumlarının belirlenmesine yönelik 19 kapalı uçlu sorudan oluşan 5’li likert-tipi tutum ölçeği veri toplama aracı olarak kullanılmıştır. Anket yoluyla elde edilen verilerin analizinde betimsel istatistikler, bağımsız örneklem t testi ve tek yönlü varyans analizi kullanılmıştır. Anket çalışmasından elde edilen verilerin istatistiksel analiz sonuçları yorumlanarak öğrencilerin akvaryum balıkları satış yerleri hakkındaki görüş ve tutumları açıklanmaya çalışılmıştır. Ayrıca, araştırma sonucunda satış yerleri ile ilgili olarak gelecekteki müşteri profili, satış yerlerinin nasıl olması gerektiği ile ilgili fiziksel ortam ve diğer konularda birtakım önerilerde bulunulmuştur.

Prioritising potential incursions for contingency planning: pathways, species, and sites in Durban (eThekwini), South Africa as an example

Increased trade and travel have resulted in an increasing rate of introduction of biological organisms to new regions. Urban environments, such as cities, are hubs for human activities facilitating the introduction of alien species. Additionally, cities are susceptible to invading organisms as a result of the highly altered and transformed nature of these environments. Despite best efforts at prevention, new incursions of alien species will occur; therefore, prioritising incursion response efforts is essential. This study explores these ideas to identify priorities for strategic prevention planning in a South African city, Durban (eThekwini), by combining data from alien species watch lists, environmental criteria, and the pathways which facilitate the introduction of alien species in the city. Three species (with known adverse impacts elsewhere in the world) were identified as highly likely to be introduced and established in Durban (Alternantheraphiloxeroides,LithobatescatesbeianusandSolenopsisinvicta). These species are most likely to enter at either the Durban Harbour; pet and aquarium stores; or plant nurseries and garden centres – therefore active surveillance should target these sites as well as adjacent major river systems and infrastructure. We suggest that the integrated approach (species, pathways, and sites) demonstrated in this study will help prioritise resources to detect the most likely and damaging future incursions of alien species.

First molecular identification of Vorticella sp. from freshwater shrimps in Tainan, Taiwan.

Freshwater shrimps are the most common crustaceans kept in an aquarium. This study was a survey seeking parasites infecting cultured freshwater atyid shrimps at aquarium stores in Tainan, Taiwan. We observed that atyid shrimps were infested with Vorticella and Scutariella. Scutariella is a common shrimp parasite; thus, we focused on Vorticella infection in the atyid shrimps. Vorticella aequilata-like pop TW, a freshwater peritrich ciliate, was isolated from the atyid shrimps. The morphological characteristics were investigated using live observations. Specimens from the population showed identical arrangement of the infraciliature and identical ITS1-5.8SITS2 region sequences. The zooids are bell-shaped, 40–58 μm wide and 47–70 μm in long in vivo. The food vacuole is variable in shape and is located in the middle of the cell. ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences of Vorticella aequilata-like pop TW did not match any available sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetically, Vorticella aequilata-like pop TW clusters with the other Vorticella within the family Vorticellidae and nests with Vorticella aequilata in the subclade. Above all, the morphological characteristics and molecular analyses show that the investigated Vorticella is a Vorticella aequilata-like species. The phylogenetic analyses of ciliates based on the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences reveal that the Vorticella genus consists of Vorticella morphospecies and that taxonomic revision of the genus is needed. Morphometric criteria and molecular analysis were used to describe and identify the Vorticella specie and this study presents the first molecular identification analysis of the Vorticella species in the cultured atyid shrimps in Tainan, Taiwan.

Invertebrates associated with aquatic plants bought from aquarium stores in Canada and New Zealand

Invertebrate species carried incidentally (i.e., ‘hitchhikers’) in the aquarium trade have gained increasing attention in recent years, but factors affecting the movement of species from stores to homes are poorly understood. We aimed to determine how macrophytes bought from stores act as vectors for transport of non-indigenous invertebrate species. We tested whether incidental invertebrate faunas carried on macrophytes vary internationally by comparing the New Zealand and Canadian trades, and if macrophyte species with different morphologies carry different risks. We recorded a large variety of invertebrate species associated with Vallisneria spp., Sword plants (Echinodorus spp.) and Elodea canadensis bought from stores, including species non-indigenous to both countries. Community composition of incidental fauna differed significantly between New Zealand (primarily domestically cultivated) and Canadian (primarily imported) bought macrophytes. Differences in composition between different macrophyte species were only statistically significant between wild-collected E. canadensis and the cultured species in New Zealand. Behaviours observed in stores, such as the amount of time macrophytes were removed from water before being placed in plastic bags for transport, did not affect the abundances or richness of incidental invertebrates transported, and thus did not appear to be effective in reducing invasion risk. We therefore recommend chemical treatment for removal of invertebrates from macrophytes at or pre-border, and from tanks containing plants at culture facilities and in stores. Such management will reduce the probability of introduction of hitchhikers to home aquaria, from which risk of release to natural waters is greatest.

Genetic diversity of Geophagus brasiliensis from the South American Atlantic Rainforest

The Atlantic Rainforest is one of the global conservation hotspots, representing a seriously threatened area with high levels of endemism and species richness. The fishes from the Atlantic Rainforest are one of the most exploited vertebrate groups by the international aquarium commerce, with an annual trade volume of about U$15-25 billions, now aggravated by the Internet e-Commerce and playing a crucial role on the sales and distribution of these species. The Cichlidae is one of the most exploited groups with several species being commonly sold in several online sites and aquarium stores all around the world. In this sense, our aim is to study the genetic diversity of the native cichlid Geophagus brasiliensis from the South American Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil. We constructed a database including 75 sequences from Geophagus brasiliensis from the Ubatiba river with 540bp of the mtDNA D-loop region using primers H16498 and L15774M and conducted molecular analyses with Geneious v4.82, DnaSP v5, Arlequin v3.5 and PopART. Our results point show that although G. brasiliensis is considered as a territorialist species, which exhibits parental care and small movement rates, population genetic structure could not be observed along the sample area, suggesting the existence of considerable gene flow at least among the sampled populations.

A proibição legal da importação do lagostim-vermelho (Crustacea: Cambaridae) no Brasil tem sido eficaz?

In Brazil, the import as well as introduction, reintroduction, trade, culture and transport of live individuals of the non-native red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) was determined illegal by the Brazilian Federal Ordinance No. 5 of 2008. Surveys of the availability of P. clarkii in five Brazilian regions were carried out to investigate whether the 2008 Brazilian imposed import ban for this species was effective. In order to address this issue, 81 aquarium stores were surveyed in years before (2007-2008) and after (2009- 2011) the ban had been imposed. The results revealed that the availability of P. clarkii in aquarium stores decreased from pre-ban surveys in 2007-2008 to post-ban surveys in 2009-2011 (58.0% to 18.5%; χ2=16.52, d.f.=1, P<0.05), but still persists within the country. These findings clearly demonstrate that Brazilian Federal Ordinance No. 5 of 2008 has not been effective and that the aquarium trade continues distributing red swamp crayfishes in spite of their import ban. This survey underscores the need to enhance the number of invertebrate experts in the Brazilian Customs Agency staff to monitor the aquarium trade, the inspection by IBAMA officials and environmental police aiming at confiscating P. clarkii , and the awareness of retailers and aquarium hobbyists, as well as electronic service providers (i.e. e-commerce). Keywords: alien crayfish, prohibited species, aquarium trade.

Comércio de aquarismo como potencial dispersor de invertebrados não-nativos no Nordeste do Brasil

Aquarium trade is one of the most important pathways of biological invasion. Much attention has been given to target introduced species, but little is discussed on the associated bycatch ones. The aim of this paper is to analyze the risk of invasion by non-commercial invertebrates using aquarium stores as a model. Monthly visits to eight stores in Aracaju (Sergipe State) were performed from April to September 2011. Inspections were carried out and questionnaires were applied to owners and employees of the establishments. Two non-native species were identified, Melanoides tuberculatus (Gastropoda: Thiaridae) and Lernaea cyprinacea (Crustacea, Copepoda). Sixty-two specimens of M. tuberculatus were found among the aquatic plants in one of the stores, while L. cyprinacea was collected in four establishments parasitizing Carassius auratus, Hypostomus sp., Poecilia latipinna, Poecilia sphenops, Poecilia reticulata and Xiphophorus hellerii. The interviews that have been done with owners and employees revealed that none of the stores has submitted fishes and plants to quarantine, and the disposal of wastewater is directly into the sewer system. It is necessary to adopt preventive measures such as a quarantine period for fishes and the creation of a warning about the dangers of biological invasions or aquarium dumping for aquarium hobbyists to mitigate the risk of invasion.Keywords: bioinvasion, Lernaea cyprinacea, Melanoides tuberculatus.

Presence of prohibited fishes in the Brazilian aquarium trade: effectiveness of laws, management options and future prospects

Regulations applied to the importation of ornamental nonnative fishes vary from country to country. In the U.S., it is possible to import many species of aquaria fish with the exception of the snakehead Channa and Parachanna spp. (Courtenay and Williams, 2004). In Brazil, at the end of the 1990s, the National Environmental Crimes Act No. 9605 of 1998 was passed to regulate the management of non-native species. This act emphasizes the trade regulation of nonnative aquatic species through vectors such as fish importation and the aquarium industry (Sampaio and Ostrensky, 2013). To reduce the likelihood of future invasions in Brazil, certain specific aquarium species were placed on the Federal Normative Instructions No. 202 and No. 203 of 2008 for saltwater and freshwater fish species, respectively (Table 1). These laws were passed by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), which determined the import of these non-native fishes into the Brazilian aquarium trade as illegal due to: (i) irrelevance to the hobby (Lutjanus sebae, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Channa argus, Channa striata, Clarias batrachus, Osphronemus gourami, Trichopodus pectoralis); (ii) aggressive behavior (C. argus, Channa lucius, Channa micropeltes, C. striata, C. batrachus); and (iii) history of invasions in other countries (Centropyge flavissima, T. pectoralis, O. gourami, C. micropeltes, C. striata, C. batrachus) (Brasil, 2008a,b). Despite the Brazilian government ruling the importation of the above nonnative species as illegal, the efficacy of the regulatory policies has never been evaluated. This paper examines the ban effectiveness on the importation of ten non-native fish species by aquarium stores in Brazil for the first time.

Ornamental fish in pet stores in Greece: a threat to biodiversity?

The aquarium trade has been recognized as an important pathway for the introduction of invasive species around the world. This study investigates the availability of ornamental fish species in ten large-size, centrally positioned aquarium stores that control a large share of imports and the Hellenic market chain, and aims to provide a provisional checklist on the aquarium fish trade in Greece. For each recorded species, additional data concerning various aspects (e.g. natural environment, native range, established as aliens, conservation status and threats to humans) were collected from Fishbase, IUCN red list and the scientific literature. Overall, 326 fish species belonging to 64 families were reported according to the store labels. The majority of the species recorded were freshwater (66%), originating mainly from South America and Asia, while most of the marine species (26%) had primarily an Indo-Pacific native distribution. Among the freshwater fishes, Cichlidae and Cyprinidae were the dominant families with 64 and 27 species, respectively, while the family Acanthuridae dominated within the marine fishes with ten species. The vast majority of both freshwater and marine species (&gt;90%) were tropical. Concerning the presence of alien species, 62 ornamental species have been established outside their natural range, with 22 of them positively confirmed as aliens in the European waters. Moreover, 25 species were listed in the critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU) categories of the IUCN red list. Even more surprisingly, for 192 species recorded, data were missing to assign their conservation status or had not been assessed at all. Finally, the majority of the species (84%) were harmless to humans. However, 35 species (11%) were recognised as potentially harmful (i.e. venomous, ciguatera poisoning, traumatogenic) and two were found to be poisonous if consumed. In conclusion, the aquarium fish sector in Greece is practically uncontrolled given the presence of: a) threatened species, b) species potentially harmful to humans and c) species capable of establishing non-indigenous populations, if released into the wild.

Palytoxin found in Palythoa sp. zoanthids (Anthozoa, Hexacorallia) sold in the home aquarium trade.

Zoanthids (Anthozoa, Hexacorallia) are colonial anemones that contain one of the deadliest toxins ever discovered, palytoxin (LD50 in mice 300 ng/kg), but it is generally believed that highly toxic species are not sold in the home aquarium trade. We previously showed that an unintentionally introduced zoanthid in a home aquarium contained high concentrations of palytoxin and was likely responsible for a severe respiratory reaction when an individual attempted to eliminate the contaminant colonies using boiling water. To assess the availability and potential exposure of palytoxin to marine aquarium hobbyists, we analyzed zoanthid samples collected from local aquarium stores for palytoxin using liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry and attempted to identify the specimens through genetic analysis of 16S and cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) markers. We found four specimens of the same apparent species of zoanthid, that we described previously to be responsible for a severe respiratory reaction in a home aquarium, to be available in three aquarium stores in the Washington D.C. area. We found all of these specimens (n = 4) to be highly toxic with palytoxin or palytoxin-like compounds (range 0.5–3.5 mg crude toxin/g zoanthid). One of the most potent non-protein compounds ever discovered is present in dangerous quantities in a select species of zoanthid commonly sold in the home aquarium trade.

Tackling aquatic invasions: risks and opportunities for the aquarium fish industry

The aquarium trade is an important and rapidly growing vector for introduced species in the United States. We examined this vector by surveying pet stores in the San Francisco Bay-Delta region to compile a list of aquarium fish species commonly stocked. We identified which of these species might be able to survive in the Bay-Delta, and investigated store representatives' knowledge and attitudes about bio- logical invasions. A restrictive analysis using conservative estimates of fish temperature tolerances and environmental conditions found that the local aquarium trade includes 5 fish species that can survive in a temperate system such as the Bay-Delta. Under more inclusive parameters, up to 27 fish species met the criteria for survival in the Bay-Delta. We further explored these results by comparing potential invader incidence between different types of stores. In the more restrictive analysis, three national retail chains stocked significantly more potentially invasive species than independent aquarium stores, but there was no differ- ence in the more inclusive analysis. A significantly higher percentage of fish taxa were easily identifiable and well-labeled in chain stores than in independent stores. Most aquarium store representatives indicated willingness to take action to reduce the threat of trade- related introductions, although chain store employees were more willing to assign responsibility for reducing this threat to the aquarium industry than were inde- pendent store employees. Management efforts for this vector should focus on (a) improving labeling and identification of fish species in stores, (b) expanding the often spotty data on fish physiological tolerances, especially for saltwater species, (c) educating custom- ers and store employees about the risks posed by pet release, and (d) providing better options for responsible disposal of unwanted fish.

Comparative distribution and invasion risk of snakehead (Channidae) and Asian carp (Cyprinidae) species in North America

As nonindigenous species are a major threat to global biodiversity, cost-effective management requires identification of areas at high risk of establishment. Here we predict suitable environments of 14 high-profile species of nonindigenous snakehead (Channidae) and Asian carp (Cyprinidae) species in North America based upon ecological niche modelling and compare the driving environmental variables for the two fish groups. Snakeheads distributions were correlated with thermal factors, whereas those of Asian carps were related mainly to precipitation. Predicted suitable ranges for these nonindigenous species can be divided into three main areas: Mexico and the southern United States (five species); Mexico and the United States up to ~35 °N (three species); and most of Mexico, continuous United States, and southern Canada (six species). For the province of Ontario, we combined the number and location of aquarium stores and live fish markets with predicted areas of suitable environments to identify areas at risk of introduction and establishment. We identified several watersheds draining into northwestern Lake Ontario as having the highest risk, highlighting the increased predictive value of this approach.

First New Zealand records of three non‐indigenous Zooplankton species: Skistodiaptomus pallidus, Sinodiaptomus valkanovi, and Daphnia dentifera

We present the first records from New Zealand of three non‐indigenous freshwater Zooplankton species: the Japanese Sinodiaptomus valkanovi, North American Skistodiaptomus pallidus (Copepoda), and Daphnia dentifera (Anomopoda). Owing to their geographic origins, introduction to New Zealand by natural passive dispersal is highly unlikely. Skistodiaptomus pallidus was found in Auckland ponds at two localities, and also among live fish food sold in an aquarium store. As such the aquarium trade is an active vector. Skistodiaptomus pallidus and S. valkanovi are currently restricted in distribution to constructed ponds and, although they have the potential to spread, eradication may still be possible. However, D. dentifera is widespread and eradication is not feasible. Prevention of further Zooplankton invasions will rely on examination of potential introduction vectors, and adoption of effective management strategies for each vector (e.g., the prevention of the sale of live food containing non‐indigenous species from aquarium stores).

A FORENSIC AND PHYLOGENETIC SURVEY OF CAULERPA SPECIES (CAULERPALES, CHLOROPHYTA) FROM THE FLORIDA COAST, LOCAL AQUARIUM SHOPS, AND E‐COMMERCE: ESTABLISHING A PROACTIVE BASELINE FOR EARLY DETECTION1

Baseline genotypes were established for 256 individuals of Caulerpa collected from 27 field locations in Florida (including the Keys), the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, and Honduras, nearly doubling the number of available GenBank sequences. On the basis of sequences from the nuclear rDNA‐ITS 1+2 and the chloroplast tufA regions, the phylogeny of Caulerpa was reassessed and the presence of invasive strains was determined. Surveys in central Florida and southern California of &gt;100 saltwater aquarium shops and 90 internet sites revealed that &gt;50% sold Caulerpa. Of the 14 Caulerpa species encountered, Caulerpa racemosa was the most common, followed by Caulerpa sertularioides, Caulerpa prolifera, Caulerpa mexicana, and Caulerpa serrulata. None of the &gt;180 field‐collected individuals (representing 13 species) was the invasive strain of Caulerpa taxifolia or C. racemosa. With one exception (a sample of C. racemosa from a shop in southern California belonged to the invasive Clade III strain), no invasive strains were found in saltwater aquarium stores in Florida or on any of the internet sites. Although these results are encouraging, we recommend a ban on the sale of all Caulerpa species (including “live rock”) because: morphological identification of Caulerpa species is unreliable (&gt;12% misidentification rate) and invasive strains can only be identified by their aligned DNA sequences, and because the potential capacity for invasive behavior in other Caulerpa species is far from clear. The addition of the Florida region to the genetic data base for Caulerpa provides a valuable proactive resource for invasion biologists as well as researchers interested in the evolution and speciation of Caulerpa.

Invasion risks posed by the aquarium trade and live fish markets on the Laurentian Great Lakes

International trade is an important mechanism for global non-indigenous species introductions, which have had profound impacts on the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems including the Laurentian Great Lakes. The best-documented vector by which non-indigenous species have entered the Great Lakes is ballast water discharged by transoceanic ships. A variety of potential alternative vectors exist, including the intentional release of aquarium or food organisms. To assess whether these vectors pose a significant invasion risk for the Great Lakes, we surveyed fish sold live in markets and fish, mollusks and macrophytes sold in pet and aquarium stores within the Great Lakes watershed. We evaluated invasion risk using information on species’ thermal tolerance, history of invasion elsewhere, and potential propagule loads as indicated by frequency of occurrence in shops. Our research suggests that both the aquarium industry and live fish markets represent potential sources of future invaders to the Great Lakes, including several aquarium fishes and macrophytes, as well as Asian carp species sold in fish markets. Currently, few regulatory mechanisms exist to control these potential vectors.

The Diversity and Availability of Caulerpa Species Found in Retail Aquarium Outlets in Southern California, USA

AbstractBiological invasions are recognized as a serious threat to marine biodiversity. Within the last 2 years, invasive populations of Caulerpa taxifolia were found in southern California's coastal waters as well as in New South Wales, Australia. In addition, two other seaweeds (Undaria pinnatifida and Caulacanthus ustulatus) also appear to have recently invaded southern California's warm temperate waters. The introduction of C. taxifolia has attracted much attention because this exotic seaweed is thought to have significantly altered the structure of Mediterranean marine ecosystems following its 1984 invasion. The southern California inoculation of C. taxifolia is believed to have resulted from the release of aquarium specimens. Besides C. taxifolia, other species of Caulerpa being sold for aquarium use also may have the potential to invade temperate waters. As a first step towards making this determination, the availability (% frequency) of Caulerpa species being sold in southern California for aquarium use was ascertained. Fifty retail saltwater aquarium stores were visited in three southern California counties between November 2000 and August 2001. Sixteen Caulerpa taxa were identified from the retail aquarium outlets. Caulerpa species were sold in 52% of these stores. C. taxifolia, ‘Mediterranean form’, was offered for sale in 10% of the visited stores; C. serrulata var. hummii (18%), C. racemosa (14%), and C. racemosa var. lamourouxii (14%) were the most commonly sold species. These data indicate that the aquarium industry is bringing into the region other species of Caulerpa besides C. taxifolia. Some of these species may also have the potential to invade temperate waters.