Fish Shops Research Articles

Impact of Prophylactic Antibiotic Use in Ornamental Fish Tanks on Microbial Communities and Pathogen Selection in Carriage Water in Hong Kong Retail Shops.

Antibiotics are routinely added to ornamental fish tanks for treating bacterial infection or as a prophylactic measure. However, the overuse or subtherapeutical application of antibiotics could potentially facilitate the selection of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, yet no studies have investigated antibiotic use in the retail ornamental fish sector and its impact on microbial communities. The present study analyzed the concentrations of twenty antibiotics in the carriage water (which also originates from fish tanks in retail shops) collected monthly from ten local ornamental fish shops over a duration of three months. The antibiotic concentrations were correlated with the sequenced microbial community composition, and the risk of resistance selection in bacteria was assessed. Results revealed that the detected concentrations of tetracyclines were the highest among samples, followed by fluoroquinolones and macrolides. The concentrations of oxytetracycline (44.3 to 2,262,064.2 ng L-1) detected across three months demonstrated a high risk for resistance selection at most of the sampled shops. Zoonotic pathogens (species of Rhodococcus, Legionella, and Citrobacter) were positively correlated with the concentrations of oxytetracycline, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, and enrofloxacin. This suggests that antibiotic use in retail shops may increase the likelihood of selecting for zoonotic pathogens. These findings shed light on the potential for ornamental fish retail shops to create a favorable environment for the selection of pathogens with antibiotics, thereby highlighting the urgent need for enhanced antibiotic stewardship within the industry.

A survey of nematodes in the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) intended for human consumption.

Ensuring the safety of fish for human consumption is paramount in safeguarding public health, particularly in relation to parasitic infections. The European hake (Merluccius merluccius Linnaeus, 1758) may harbor various parasitic nematodes, some of which have zoonotic potential. This cross-sectional survey analyzed a random sample of European hake collected from two fish shops in Batna city (NE Algeria). After 24h in cold storage, the samples were transported to the laboratory for further examination. Fish autopsies revealed a staggering 70% parasitization rate. Microscopic examination of isolated nematodes, treated with glycerine, identified two genera within the Anisakidae family: Anisakis sp. (62%) and Pseudoterranova sp. (31.25%). Unidentified nematodes accounted for 6.75%. The detection of Anisakidae family nematodes in fish intended for human consumption underscores the urgency of rigorous veterinary control. This imperative measure aims to preserve public health, mitigate economic losses, and curtail the environmental consequences associated with the proliferation of such parasites.

Fish markets facilitate nutrition security in coastal Kenya: Empirical evidence for policy leveraging

Fish markets are key to supporting the availability and accessibility of nutritious food but are often overlooked in food and nutrition research and policy. This study investigated fish markets in coastal Kenya, using data from 223 semi-structured interviews collected through market surveys, and analyzed their potential to meet recommendations for consumption and alleviate malnutrition in a vulnerable coastal population (children under five years). Findings reveal that women small-scale traders dealt in lower quantities of fish per trader than the other traders, yet sold more nutritious fish. Fish shop traders sold enough fish to meet 129% of the recommended intake of fish (10.4 kg cap−1 yr−1) for all people within the assessed towns, whereas women small-scale traders sold enough to meet 84% of the intake. All market traders were key to making nutrient-dense fish available, with a 100 g portion of fish providing at least 25% of required intakes, across five nutrients, and women small-scale traders providing over 25% of required intakes across six nutrients for a child under five years. The average cost of a nutritious portion of fish was KES 31 (USD 0.22), ranging from KES 12 (USD 0.08) to 49 (USD (0.34), which provide 33.3% of the required nutrients (averaged across six nutrients), with nutrient-dense fish being notably cheaper. This study contributes empirical evidence on how territorial fish markets support nutrition, which is important for food policy interventions that promote nutritional literacy, address nutrient gaps, and improve postharvest practices and infrastructure for fish quality and safety in Kenya.

Species diversity and conservation status of ornamental fish traded in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Abstract. Usman Z, Hariyadi DR, Serihollo LGG. 2024. Species diversity and conservation status of ornamental fish traded in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1116-1126. The high demand for ornamental fish native to Indonesia has the potential to be used as a source of foreign exchange income. In addition to increasing the national income, the ornamental fish trade must also be considered to preserve the population of the fish species being sold. The study aimed to determine ornamental fish diversity and conservation status in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara. This research was conducted in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from August to September 2023. The research was conducted using survey (non-experiment) and observation methods. The survey method was carried out using a form to conduct interviews with sellers in 11 ornamental fish shops. At the same time, the observation method was used to identify the types of fish being traded. The study's results recorded 18 families, 39 genera, and 46 fish species (Include 1 species is hybrid fish). The highest species diversity came from the Cichlidae family with 9 species (1 species (Amphilophus citrinellus x Cichlasoma trimaculatum) is hybrid fish), followed by Cyprinidae with 7 species, whereas each species of the Characidae and Poecilidae families were 5 species. Conservation status shows 4 status groupings, namely Least Concern (LC), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), and Not Evaluated (NE). Based on these groupings, there were 32 species in the Least Concern (LC) category, 3 species in the Endangered (EN) category, 2 species in the Vulnerable (VU) category, and 8 species in the Not Evaluated (NE) and 1 unclassified category. There is only 1 species that is included in the Appendix I category, namely Scleropages formosus, and other species are Not evaluated. This is the first study conducted in Kupang City to reveal the types of ornamental fish species sold and their conservation status. The study will be useful information to the government, researchers, and other stakeholders on the potential extinction risk of each type of fish being traded.

Detection of Freshness of Fish using Machine Learning Techniques on Vyas Municipality, Nepal

The historical narrative of the fish trade is well-document in various sources. However, the concerning prevalence of fish traders vending spoiled fish poses a significant threat to human health, prompting specific research inquiries. The study aimed to address key questions: What quality of healthy fish do traders sell? How effective are their fish storage methods? What's the duration between fish purchase and consumer access? The study objectives were devised to uncover a actual condition of the fish on sale, assess storage practices, and determine the selling timeline. To achieve these aims, the study employed the EfficientNetB1 machine learning model, chosen for its simplicity and high accuracy. Five fish shops and traders from wards 1,2,3 and 4 in Damauli, the primary city of Vyas Municipality in Nepal, were selected for investigation. Results from five main city shops in Damauli revealed that only 26% of the fish were deemed healthy, while a concerning 74% were identified as rotten. Similarly, within the sample, 44% of the fish were healthy, while 56% were spoiled. This study unveiled that fish were being sold even up to 15 days post-purchase, employing ice packs, refrigeration, and potentially chemicals for storage. These findings highlight the urgent need for ongoing monitoring by relevant stakeholders and local government entities to address this issue effectively.

Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from House Flies and Compared with Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Children with Diarrhea

House flies carry many disease-causing bacteria. Through this study, we will find the relationship between house flies and bacteria that cause diarrhea in children. A total of three hundred and fifty flies were collected from (butchers, chicken and fish shops, markets, house and hospitals) and 200 samples were collected from children with diarrhea from each of Shatrah and Nasiriyah Governorate during the research period from July 2022 to January 2023 in Thi-Qar Governorate. The current study showed that 126 (36.0 %) of the flies carried bacteria, while 224 (64.0 %) of them did not contain bacteria. The current study showed that the percentage of high isolated bacteria was from the internal content of flies (8.71%), followed by(5.57%), on the external surface of flies. the present study showed the high isolated bacteria were from butcher (4.29%), following in hospital (4.0%),while the lowest isolated bacteria from flies collected from houses( 2.86%), The current study showed that the most isolated bacteria is E. coli with a percentage of( 24.3%), followed by S. aureus (17.0%), followed by Klebsiella. spp (13.15%), while the least isolated bacteria is Micrococcus (3.94%).When comparing the bacteria present in flies with the bacteria isolated from pediatric patients with diarrhea, these bacteria, the current study showed that the predominant bacteria was Escherichia coli from diarrhea with a percentage of (44.63%), and Escherichia coli was (36.27%) in the dominant flies. Staphylococcus aureus in flies followed (25.49%)

PENJADWALAN DAN PEMBERIAN PAKAN IKAN OTOMATIS BERBASIS INTERNET OF THING MENGGUNAKAN NODEMCU ESP8266 DAN APLIKASI BLYNK STUDI KASUS : TOKO FISH FRIENDLY

The utilization of the Internet of Things (IOT) in everyday life has penetrated into various fields, including in the field of animal husbandry. In this study, the authors raised a problem found in the Fish Friendly fish shop as a research site. The main problem found in this study is that farmers have difficulty in feeding which is carried out regularly and on a schedule. Sometimes in certain conditions, farmers cannot feed fish according to their schedule, this can cause a decrease in the quality of fish health so that it has a negative impact on the selling price of fish. This factor can be very important considering that fish feed must be maintained in quality and quantity. Based on the existing problems, a solution was created to design and make a tool by utilizing an automation system using IoT (Internet of things). To get the complete data needed, the author uses interview and field observation methods, besides that this research uses NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller devices and Servo Motors to design automatic feeders, as well as the use of the Blynk application as a remote control via a smartphone. The result of this study is that the tool made can provide feed to fish according to a predetermined schedule so that feeding can work periodically and effectively. In addition, remote control carried out through the blynk application runs smoothly, so the tool can work without manual control anymore.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mingled Diet upon Growth, Reproduction and Spawning Performance of Guppy Fish

Naturally breeding fish cannot meet the demand of humans. So induced breeding is essential to fulfill this demand. Induced breeding ensures a timely supply of fish seeds having desired characteristics and different techniques can be used for this purpose. In this perspective synthetic hormones, extracts of pituitary hormones, Gonadotropin-releasing hormones, and sometimes Human chronic gonadotropin are used as a spawning inducer for fishes. Plant extracts can also be used as it is a new technique which could be used in aquaculture. The basic aim of our study was to enhance the growth as well as to check the effect of the traditional herb Foeniculum vulgare on the reproductive performance of Poecilia reticulata.
 Methodology: Samples were collected from a local fish shop in Sargodha. Ethanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare seeds was prepared and mixed with different commercial feed. This feed was given to fish for 90 days to test the effect of Foeniculum vulgare seed extract on growth and reproduction performance. Water quality parameters were also maintained and recorded daily. Fecundity and Gonad somatic index were measured after dissection by removing the ovaries. Fecundity was calculated by counting the number of larvae and eggs seen with the naked eye. The hatching rate was measured by counting the number of hatching in each spawning.
 Results: According to the growth results, different levels of fennel seed extract has a significant effect on weight gain, length gain and survival rates of the fish in different groups. Statistical analysis cleared that T2 showed the highest weight and length gain. The feed Conversion Ratio decreased significantly. Results of reproduction parameters showed that the highest absolute fecundity (9.4 ± 0.19), GSI (8.69 ± 0.2) and spawning have increased in T2 followed by T1, T3, and control respectively. The observation of present research shows that Foeniculum vulgare seed extract can act as an estrogenic compound and growth promoter in commercial aquaculture.

Fish preference at different value chain levels and implications for management of mariculture

In this paper we assess the perceptions on fish consumption behaviour at different value chains using survey data from 3 coastal counties (Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale) in Kenya. Study profiled the different sectors; fishers, fish traders, fish shops, fish mongers, fish farmers and consumers. Qualitative and quantitative data was captured to evaluate availability of target species, market trends, pricing and fish consumption. A 1–5 Likert scale was adopted to analyse consumption behaviour. The Likert scale data was subjected to ANOVA analysis in SPSS to assess significance. Rabbit fish showed a higher preference compared to milkfish, Nile tilapia grown in sea water “marine tilapia” and silver pompano. High value fish attracted higher prices per kg in all seasons. The market prices of milkfish and Nile tilapia grown in sea water were 25 − 35 % lower than rabbit fish and silver pompano. There were variations in landings during North East Moonson and South East Moonson and more fish landings from open water as compared to near shore areas. Species preference was influenced by palatability, price, demand and quality meat where more than 30 % of the fisher’s preferred rabbit fish based on the attributes. Farming skills, seed availability and management informed species farmed. The study demonstrated significance of demographic characteristics: family, age, culture, gender and education on fish preference. The paper reveals a need for high returns and value for money in the preference of fish species thus guiding mariculture management. Findings recommend rabbitfish as a suitable species for mariculture based on reference from both high income level and low income level consumers.

Accidental discovery of a Tetraodontidae (<i>Sphoeroides marmoratus</i>) within a cuttlefish (<i>Sepia officinalis</i>) bought in a fish shop in Italy: risk assessment associated with the presence of Tetrodotoxin

The discovery of a pufferfish specimen (Tetraodontidae) inside a frozen cuttlefish, purchased by a fishmonger, and caught in the central-east Atlantic (FAO 34) is reported. The consumer, who reported this case to FishLab (Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa) for investigation, was a student of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pisa. He recognized the Tetraodontidae because he attended practical lessons on fish morphological identification during the course of food inspection and was aware of the risks to human health linked to the Tetrodotoxin (TTX). In this study, the pufferfish was identified morphologically, using the FAO morphological keys, and molecularly, analyzing two markers, the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and the cytochrome b genes, by DNA barcoding. The pufferfish was identified morphologically as Sphoeroides spp., and molecularly as Sphoeroides marmoratus using the COI gene (99-100% identity values). Literature reports that S. marmoratus from the eastern Atlantic contains high concentrations of TTX in the gonads and the digestive tract. However, the possible passage of TTX from fish to other organisms linked to contact or ingestion has never been reported. This represents the first case of a potentially toxic pufferfish entering the market inside another organism. The fact that a student observed this occurrence highlights the key role of citizen science in the management of emerging risks.

Exploring consumer preferences for local food: The case of traditional coastal fishmongers in Costa Brava (Catalonia, Spain)

Fishing is an important source of income on the Costa Brava and it is a meaningful historical and social identity marker that represents an extremely valuable tangible and intangible heritage. The aim of this paper is to determine the profile of consumers who purchase fish in traditional fishmongers in municipalities on the Costa Brava (Catalonia). Between March and May 2021, 420 surveys were conducted on customers of traditional fish shops in fourteen towns in the Costa Brava (Catalonia), in the north-eastern area of the Iberian Peninsula. While a significant bulk of research is based on consumers' purchasing intentions, this research uses information on consumers' ‘actual purchasing behaviour’, generally recommended as a better predictor of behaviour. Moreover, we rely on geographic location of the fishmongers and type of fish purchased, less used variables, to assess purchasing patterns. Drawing on univariate and multivariate analyses, results also show that fish consumers' purchasing profiles depend on age, gender, motivations, and price. Although the characteristics of the dataset are limiting the generalization of the results, this research contributes to expanding the understanding of local foods consumers. Theoretical and practical implications, and opportunities for future research are described in order to improve the marketing of local food production and consumption.

Uses of Antibiotics in Ornamental Fish in Hong Kong and the Antibiotic Resistance in the Associated Zoonotic Pathogens.

The use of antibiotics in ornamental fish is not regulated, as they are not intended for human consumption. Although antibiotic resistant bacteria have been detected in ornamental fish worldwide, there have been no studies to look at the situation in Hong Kong. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the use of antibiotics in ornamental fish. Ornamental fish were purchased from five local pet fish shops and the antibiotics in carriage water were quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Moreover, Aeromonas and Pseudomonas spp. present in carriage water were isolated and their minimum inhibitory concentrations against selected antibiotics were determined. Results indicated that among the twenty antibiotics screened, doxycycline (0.0155-0.0836 µg L-1), oxytetracycline (0.0102-29.0 µg L-1), tetracycline (0.0350-0.244 µg L-1), enrofloxacin (0.00107-0.247 µg L-1), and oxalinic acid (n.d.-0.514 µg L-1) were detected in all sampled shops. Additionally, MIC results revealed that some of the Aeromonas and Pseudomonas spp. isolates were highly resistant to all antibiotics selected. Our findings confirmed that multiple antibiotics are being used in ornamental fish and the associated bacteria are resistant to selected antibiotics, suggesting that this could be a significant transmission route of antibiotic resistant bacteria to household indoor environments.

Effect of Arthrospira Platensis (Spirulina) and Azolla Pinnata on Growth Performance and Hematology of the Freshwater Fish Oreochromis Mossambicus (Tilapia)

Aquaculture is identified as the viable alternative source, for increasing fish production to meet out ever growing demand for fish consumption. Due to their high nutritive value, toxic-free, environment friendly and high productivity Azolla and Spirulina were considered as promising feed. The knowledge of hematological and growth characteristics is an important tool that can be used as a sensitive and effective index to monitor pathological and physiological changes in fish. Consumption of Azolla and Spirulina by fish can have direct or indirect effects on human health. In the present study, a survey was conducted in humans to analyze the effect of Azolla, Spirulina through fish tilapia consumption and also to analyze the hematological and growth changes the fish Oreochromis mossambicus were exposed to different concentrations of spirulina and Azolla with commercial fish feed. Fishes were selected for the weight of (21gram) and length of (11cm) for the present experiment. In the control group, 6 fishes were exposed to 20 grams of commercial fish feed. In the first group T1 (experiment 1) 6 fishes were exposed to 8 grams of Azolla with 12 grams of commercial fish feed, in the second group T2 (experiment 2) 6 fishes were exposed 8 grams of Spirulina with 12 gram of commercial fish feed and in the third group T3 (experiment3) 6 fishes were exposed 4 grams of Azolla and 4 grams of Spirulina with 12 gram of commercial fish feed for 60 days. In the present investigation, growth level was increased when fish Oreochromis mossambicus was exposed to different concentrations of Spirulina and Azolla with commercial fish feed, and also significant differences were observed in the blood parameters like white blood cells (WBC), Red blood cells (RBC), Hemoglobin (HB), MCV and MCH. A questionnaire-based dietary survey of tilapia consumers were collected in detail through face-to-face interviews at fish shops located nearby KRP Dam, Krishnagiri district. Statistical data were analyzed using SPSS software and all tests were considered significant at p<0:05. Main objective of the present study is to analyze the growth and hematological effect of Azolla, Spirulina in fish tilapia and also to identify the fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) consuming people through questionnaire-based survey. It is concluded that more people consumed fish tilapia as a common food and fish fed with azola and spirulina showed rich nutritive value. So, the present study recommended that, if the fish tilapia is fed with azolla and spirulina, this may increase the nutritive states of human populations via fish Tilapia.

Analysis of small-scale fisheries value chain: An interview-based approach in Italian marine protected areas

Small-scale fisheries in Italy account for around 70% of the total fishing fleet, as well as nearly 30% and 55% of capture-fisheries revenues and employment, respectively. Yet, the sector is experiencing a deep crisis, mostly due to reduced catches and to the consequent decrease in revenues. At the same time, a lack of socio-economic data is hampering an effective resource management and the identification of adequate market solutions to improve fishers’ livelihoods. To address the issue, a survey has been carried out on the value chain’s structure and functioning of small-scale fishery fleets operating inside three marine protected areas in southern Italy. The assessment was performed following an interview-based approach through questionnaires administered to different categories of stakeholders. Results show that small-scale fishers receive the least economic benefits from their catches, while wholesalers and fish shops achieve the highest sale price thanks to their stronger bargaining power. Particularly, the highest mark-ups occur for those product shops that have little or no interest invested in them (i.e., those for which the fishers are paid less). Finally, this paper discusses a few potential market solutions to address the major threats to fisher livelihoods, such as direct sale or transformation of the catch. The latter option should especially be targeted to low value fish, which is often disregarded by shops, but which could generate higher incomes for fishers through the adoption of appropriate marketing strategies.

Assessment of airborne fungi from animal establishments in and around Kolkata, West Bengal

Background: Airborne transmission of pathogenic Fungi to humans from the environment, animals, or other humans are very common and cause various disease like Aspergillosis, aspergilloma (fungus ball), allergic sinusitis, and allergic bronchopulmonary disease, Flu-like illness, chronic lung disease etc. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted to analyze fungi present in around the environment of local meat market, fish market and farms. This was determined through air quality sampling using the ‘Settle plate technique’ using SDA agar plate and were analyzed at 37°C and 25°C after incubation using Lactophenol cotton blue mount. Results: The highest number of fungi were isolated from farms (37%) followed by chicken shop (24%) , Mutton shop(23%) and fish shops(16%). Aspergillus flavus(21%) was prominent in chicken shop while AspergIllus fumigatus(19%) was prominent in Mutton shop. Fusarium (19%) and Rhizopus spp.(18%) were prominent in farm air. Conclusion: The study is significant from One health point of view and stresses the importance of proper ventilation , sanitation and importance of sunlight in order to minimize load of fungi in air.

Ornamental aquarium organisms trade in Bangladesh

The study was conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and was carried out for twelve (12) months from March 2018 to February 2019 with a view to represent the trading diagram of ornamental fish in Bangladesh. During the current study 270 varieties (230 freshwater, 36 marine, and 4 brackish water) belong to 149 species (109 freshwater 73%, 36 marines 24%, and 4 brackish water 3%) of 38 families under 10 orders and 6 crossbreeds’ varieties were recorded. Considering the number of species maximum 83 (55.70%) was found under the order Perciformes followed by Cypriniformes 24 (16.10%), Characiformes 18 (12.08%), Siluriformes 11 (7.38%), Osteoglossiformes 05 (3.35%), Atheriniformes 03 (2.01%), Lepisosteiformes 02 (1.34%), Polypteriformes 01 (0.6%), Myliobatiformes 01 (0.67%) and Cyprinodontiformes 01 (0.67%). The top five popular species were guppy (13.16%) followed by goldfish (12.39%), molly (8.54%), angelfish (6.23%), platy (5.93%). Most of the ornamental fish species were imported by importers from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Japan on the basis of demand. Then the imported shipment of aquarium fish and fish products was distributed among Dhaka Katabon fish shops, wholesalers, and retailers, according to their given order. After that, these were again distributed locally, to aquarium shops, breeders, ornamental fish farms all over the country. General customers and hobbyists purchase ornamental fish and aquarium products from local aquarium shops and businesses. The increasing tendency of the number of fish species was 5.96 times in the last 15 years and 3.31 times in the last 10 years. Local farms and aquarists’ breeders bred 76 varieties under 23 species due to its high demand and profitability. Pricing varied on varieties, species, size, and breeding status (local or abroad), availability and ranged from BDT 40.00-80,000.00 per pair. Considering the findings, aquarium fisheries is highly profitable at present and it will be a potential sector in Bangladesh.

Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis Incidentally Detected at Colonoscopy

A 79-year-old woman presented to our hospital with abdominal discomfort. She had no history of traveling abroad but had developed a habit of eating raw fish while working at a fish shop. Colonoscopy revealed a tapeworm whose horizontally long sections were depicted as firmly attached to the transverse colon (Figure A). In distal view, it was also shown to be moving uninterrupted toward/entering the ileocecal valve (Figures B, C). She was treated with a single dose of praziquantel, and had the tapeworm including its scolex removed.

Public perceptions and factors affecting domestic marine fish consumption in Namibia, southwestern Africa

Using a web-based survey conducted among 2,481 Namibian, aged 18 years or older, the factors and motivations driving individuals’ decisions on marine fish consumption, spatial fish consumption, and possible strategies to promote domestic marine fish consumption were explored. Most participants (97.9%) were aware of the importance of fish in the human diet, with many preferring hake (Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus) (31.5%) and Cape horse mackerel (Trachurus capensis) (21.7%). Most respondents (64.1%) were poor fish consumers, consuming fish once a week or once a month. Participants claimed that they mostly purchased marine fish from retail fish shops (50.7%), wholesale fish companies (18.8%), and the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (17.4%). Factors affecting marine fish affordability in Namibia were explained with a Logit Model, with age, education, gender, monthly income, and region of residence as the explanatory variables. Responses regarding fish affordability were principally driven by age, education, and monthly income (p < 0.05). The Khomas region purchased the most marine fish (60,764.8 weighted kg) in 2019. There was a consensus across all participants that regular fish consumption is beneficial to human health; however, participants listed affordability and accessibility of marine fish as critical constraints. Results indicate that Namibian marine fish consumption is poor and needs to be promoted. Results suggest ways to stimulate marine fish consumption locally and elsewhere to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 to end hunger and alleviate malnutrition.

DNA barcoding reveals fraud in commercial common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) products in Santa Marta, Colombia

The common snook Centropomus undecimalis is one of the main commercial fish species in the Caribbean region, including Colombia, where its populations have drastically decreased due to overfishing and environmental degradation. Thus, there is a market imbalance between the availability of snook products and their demand by consumers, which creates an opening for fraudulent actions such as species substitutions. Legislation in Colombia (and most Caribbean countries) lacks effective tools for the easy and rapid detection of frauds. Furthermore, there are very few studies published in scientific journals addressing this issue, of which none include C. undecimalis as the target species. Therefore, in order to investigate the existence of mislabeling in common snook products in Santa Marta, the present study analysed 44 frozen snook fillets from the five commercial brands available in the city. Moreover, 15 fresh snook fillets from six of the main fish markets were also analysed. To discover the frequency of possible frauds in labeling, samplings were carried out in July, September and November of 2019. Sample analyses involved the identification of each fillet at species level through molecular barcodes (16S-rRNA and COI), whose sequences were verified using BLAST and BOLD, and corroborated by a phylogenetic analysis. As a result, an astonishing 98% of the supermarkets fillets were found to be fraudulent, contrasting with a single case registered in the fish shop samples. The species used to substitute snook include the Pacific bearded brotula Brotula clarkae (38 samples), the Nile perch Lates niloticus (4 samples) and the acoupa weakfish Cynoscion acoupa (1 sample). Based on these results, there is a high rate of fraudulent labeling in the marketing of common snook in the city of Santa Marta, which calls for urgent actions to be taken by the corresponding authorities.

WEBSITE MAKING ONLINE KOI FISH SHOP

During the COVID-19 pandemic, this triggers the use of technology that is carried out online. Currently, the Koi fish shop is still using the conventional sales system, where customers come directly to the shop so that they can be served as well as the buying and selling process, where buyers come directly to see the fish they want to buy or their accessories. Customers who are interested in the accessories and fish offered at the Koi Shop, the transaction process directly occurs at the store. Based on these needs, a koi fish online shop website was created. The koi fish shop website uses the PHP programming language and MySQL as the database. Making this web refers to the SDLC (System Development Life Cycle) stage, including the planning, analysis, design, implementation and testing phases. Customers can register an account in advance to be able to place orders and make payments. Product orders can be accessed on various platforms, namely computers and smartphones. With the existence of this website, it is hoped that the koi fish shop can grow more in terms of sales and attract customers. Sourced from the browser and device test table, the application runs well and the display corresponds to the original on the Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers, while Microsoft Edge takes time to display properly and the application runs well, neatly and in accordance with the original on the smartphone device installed on the device test.