Ornamental Fish Trade Research Articles

Current disease treatments for the ornamental pet fish trade and their associated problems

AbstractThe trade in live ornamental fishes to be held as companion animals or displayed in public aquaria has an estimated global annual value of US$15–20 billion. Supply chains for ornamental pet fishes often involve many more parties than for fish farmed as food fishes, and at each stage, fishes are exposed to stressors including handling, confinement, crowding, mechanical disturbance, and poor water quality. If chronic, these stressors can compromise their immune system, making fishes more susceptible to pathogens. Mortality and morbidity from infectious disease can result in considerable welfare impacts and massive economic losses for the industry, and the range of infective agents seen in ornamental species is well documented. However, treating these diseases is not straightforward with practices varying greatly across the trade and with several approaches having unintended consequences, such as the emergence of resistant strains of pathogens. While disease treatments for a handful of fish species (e.g., koi, goldfish) have received focused research attention, for the home aquarium owner, there is an increasing reliance on products based on natural compounds which have received far less scientific attention. This review aims to highlight the gaps in our knowledge surrounding the range of disease treatments used across the ornamental pet fish trade, with a particular focus on freshwater tropical species destined for home aquaria. Consideration is given to the potential problems arising from these treatments, including microbial resistance and effects of treatments themselves on fish health and welfare.

Prevalence of Bacterial Diseases in Ornamental Fish Rearing Units of Kolathur, Tamil Nadu, India

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

Effect of Terminalia Catappa Linn. Leaves Extract on Water Quality, Survival and Blood Profile of Betta sp.

Betta sp., also known as Siamese fighting fish, is renowned in the ornamental fish trade for its captivating colours and unique shapes, particularly among male specimens. Despite extensive research, challenges persist in meeting market demand for this species due to high mortality rates during production. Therefore, this study focused on determining the water quality properties (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature), survival rates and blood profile of the Betta sp. by applying different concentrations of Terminalia catappa leaves (TCL) extracts: 0 (Control treatment), 480 (Treatment 1), 960 (Treatment 2), 1440 (Treatment 3) and 1920 (Treatment 4) ppm on three months old Betta splendens for 30 days. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications for each treatment. Results indicated that temperature and dissolved oxygen remained unaffected by varying concentrations of TCL, while pH exhibited a significant decrease with increasing concentration, ranging from 7.07 to 5.88. Notably, treatment 2 (pH 6.73) demonstrated a significant improvement in survival rate, achieving 100 % survival compared to the control (pH 7.07) with 46.67 % survival. Moreover, treatment 2 exhibited a significantly higher specific growth rate (0.85 % per day) compared to the control (0.04 % per day). Red blood cell (RBC) content also exhibited significant differences, with the highest RBC content (1.269 x 10^6 µL) observed at the highest TCL concentration (treatment 4, 1920 ppm). Therefore, the study concludes that the most optimal concentration of TCL, as determined from the research, was 960 ppm with a pH of 6.73. This concentration yielded the highest survival rate and growth performance for 3-month-old Betta splendens.

Evolution and Prospects of Freshwater Fish Species and Aquaculture in Colombia: A Historical Perspective

Since the 1970s Colombia has been aware of the importance of aquaculture and inland fisheries in the future of its economy due to the constant increase of a population that is increasingly in need of protein of animal origin. In 1972, a joint project between the Government of Colombia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was approved and aimed at studying inland fishing and developing aquaculture in the country. The work of the project is described, as are the fish culture and fisheries research activities starting with the situation in the 1970s but comparing it with recent findings. A list of the main capture and culture fish species is given. Colombian fishing production has had great variations, but first inland water fishing was more important than marine. For instance, in 1972 total fish catch was 104,390 tons and 79% of that originated from inland waters. After the continental fisheries went down, the marine fisheries accounted in 2019 already 78 per cent of the total catch of the country. Mean standing fish crop estimates in 1975‒76 from the bay, open water and vegetation habitats in four floodplain lakes were 118, 12 and 251 kg/ha indicating clearly that the fish productivity on the Magdalena floodplain was relatively low. The aquaculture sector has been growing rapidly, reflecting global trends, and producing more than capture fisheries. Aquaculture produced 88,000 tons in 2013, which was a three-fold increase from the mid-1990s. Again twofold increase took place before 2020 when the production was almost 180,000 tons. Future development prospects of inland fisheries and aquaculture are discussed and a mention is made of the present situation of ornamental fish cultivation and trade in Colombia.

Culture protocols of the Metallic Shiner for ornamental aquaculture

AbstractObjectiveWhile North American fishes are often overlooked by the ornamental fish industry, there is growing interest in fishes native to the southeastern USA, a hot spot for fish diversity. The Metallic Shiner Pteronotropis metallicus, a small‐bodied leuciscid native to Florida and Georgia, is sometimes available in the ornamental fish trade through wild collection and limited captive production. This species exhibits a distinctive color pattern straddling the lateral line: a dorsal pink to red line, fading to a black to blue stripe. This group of minnows is largely unknown to ornamental aquaculture and lacks defined culture protocols. Our objective was to develop culture protocols for the Metallic Shiner.MethodsFollowing collection of wild broodstock, we used routine culture methods to experimentally determine substrate preference, egg incubation, egg disinfection, larval feeding, and larval development.ResultMetallic Shiner spawning was more successful on yarn mops compared with other media, with average output of >50 embryos per tank per day. Hatching success was similar for static incubators (24%) and upwelling incubators (20%) and was also similar among egg disinfection treatments (iodine, hydrogen peroxide, and formalin). Larval feeding regimes altered survival, with Otohime A1 exhibiting higher survival (44%) over 14 days posthatch (dph) and better growth than other feeding regimes. During the developmental trial with water temperature at a relatively constant 25°C, length increased from 5 mm notochord length (4 dph) to 8.7 mm standard length (45 dph), with significant milestones occurring at 4 dph (swim bladder inflation), 16 dph (flexion), and 23 dph (hypural plate formation).ConclusionThese data provide basic culture information for the Metallic Shiner while also providing a place of reference to begin investigating culture protocols for related species, including species of conservation concern.

An Updated Review of the Marine Ornamental Fish Trade in the European Union

Wild-caught fish from coral reefs, one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet, continue to supply the marine aquarium trade. Despite customs and veterinary checks during imports, comprehensive data on this global industry remain scarce. This study provides consolidated data on the largest import market by value, the European Union (EU): a 24-million-euro annual trade value, detailing the main exporting and importing countries, as well as the species and families of the 26 million specimens imported between 2014 and 2021. A watchlist alert system based on the number of specimens traded, import trends, and vulnerability index according to FishBase and the IUCN Red List conservation status is presented, providing key information on which species should require closer scrutiny by authorities. While the European TRAde Control and Expert System (TRACES) electronically monitors the movement of live animals to respond quickly to biosecurity risks, one-third of marine ornamental fish imported lack species-level information. With minor adjustments, TRACES holds the potential to significantly enhance data granularity and the monitoring of wildlife trade, with marine ornamental fish being an interesting case study to validate this approach.

Decoding the molecular phylogenetics of ornamental catfishes (siluriformes) of North East India using DNA barcoding approach.

Catfishes (order Siluriformes) are among the most diverse and widely distributed fish groups in the world. They are not only used for human consumption but are also a major part of the ornamental fish trade. Being a Biodiversity Hotspot, the North Eastern Region of India is home to a diverse population of ornamental fishes. Catfishes contain a humongous number of species; in this study, the authors have tried to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship of some important ornamental catfishes found in North East India using DNA barcodes. In this study, we have tried to explore the phylogenetic history of 13 species (41 specimens) of ornamental catfishes spanning 12 genera and 9 families of Siluriformes using DNA barcoding. Pairwise genetic distances using Kimura 2-Parameter (K2P) were calculated at intra-specific and inter-specific levels. A Neighbor-Joining tree was constructed to understand the phylogenetic relationship among the nine different catfish families. All the specimens under this study clustered with their respective species under the same family and formed three sub-clades. However, Olyra longicaudata, belonging to the Bagridae family, did not cluster with other species from the same family. In this study, the authors have suggested a revision of the classification of O. longicaudata back to its original family, Olyridae. In this study, the maximum intraspecific genetic distance of 0.03 and the minimum interspecific genetic distance of 0.14 were observed among the species. Therefore, it is evident that there is a barcoding gap among the species, which helped in the correct identification of the species. Thus, DNA barcoding helped complement the phenetic approach and also revealed a different phylogenetic relationship among the catfishes belonging to the Bagridae family.

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.

A global analysis of the introduction pathways and characteristics associated with non-native fish species introduction, establishment, and impacts

BackgroundThe invasion success of introduced freshwater fishes is influenced by many factors, including ecological, species, and socioeconomic characteristics. Most studies that document the importance of these characteristics are conducted at local scales and/or focus on a single step of the invasion process. In this study, we aim to determine the species characteristics, ecological characteristics, and socioeconomic characteristics of non-native freshwater fish invasions. Our assessment was done at the global scale and considers all three steps of the invasion (i.e., introduction, establishment, and impact). For this purpose, we applied generalized linear models to 20 variables collected for 307 non-native species and modeled them as a function of ecological characteristics (i.e., environmental features), species traits (i.e., functional and morphological), and socioeconomic characteristics (i.e., human use and introduction pathways). We considered the number of countries in which each species was introduced, established, or had ecological impacts as a proxy of invasion step success. We also explored the specifics of species introduced through the aquaculture and the ornamental fish trade pathways.ResultsWe found that non-native freshwater fishes with broad diets, high parental care, and multiple introduction pathways are the most widely introduced and established worldwide. The number of countries with impacts reported was best explained by the type of introduction pathway (i.e., aquaculture or fisheries). Moreover, among non-native species introduced through aquaculture, those belonging to Cypriniformes and having broad diets were the most widely introduced and established species. In contrast, the species introduced through the ornamental fish trade pathway belonged to various taxonomic orders but were mainly native to tropical regions.ConclusionsConsidering several types of factors is important when analyzing the invasion success of freshwater fish and disentangling the different invasion steps. These findings have strong implications for anticipating the profile of species with a high potential to invade many countries.

Species Composition and Conservation Status of Ornamental Fishes in Khambrenga Wetland, Kamrup District, Assam, India

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

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

Ornamental fish species are often subjected to netting stress and subsequent air exposure during harvesting and often returned to the water as non-targeted fish species with an assumption that the entire process poses no threat to the behaviour and welfare of these fish species. However, despite the increasing number of scientific research on the welfare of fish species, the ornamental species have been understudied. Here we examined the behavioural response of Apistogramma juruensis (n=40, 0.556±0.23g) to acute handling stress under laboratory conditions. The fish species were exposed to a control group (T1), 10 secs netting (T2), 10 secs netting plus 30 secs air exposure (T3), 10 secs netting plus 60 secs air exposure (T4) to simulate durations of handling stress as obtainable in the ornamental fish trade sector. Video recordings of the behavioural traits of the fish species were done. A. juruensis were randomly assessed for behavioural (swimming (active swimming (AS) and inactive swimming (IS), feeding (latency to feed (LF) and feed intake (FI), aggression (AG), opercula beat rate (OBR) and shelter use (SU) traits. Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed-effect models in the R Statistical tool (v 4.2.1). The interaction between treatment and weight influenced (p<0.05) the swimming pattern of the fish. AS was significantly (p<0.01) different between treatments and IS was similar (p=0.427) in T1 and T2. LF was highest in T4 and weight (LME, Weight: df = 34.00, t= -1.731, p=0.09, mR2 = 0.929, cR2 = 0.944) did not affect the LF of A. juruensis. In addition, the weight (LME, Weight, p=0.831) of the A. juruensis did not affect the FI. A. juruensis was most aggressive in T2 with significant (LME: Treatment; t = 2.49, df = 133.09, p <0.01, mR2 = 0.415, cR2 = 0.529) differences between treatments. Handling stressors affected (p<0.01) the OBR and this increased with treatment. Fish in T4 spent 66.9% of their time close to the shelter compared to T1 and the effect of weight indicated that larger-sized fish had a higher duration of SU (LME: Weight: t =10.53, df =59.38 p = 0.05, mR2 =0.86, CR2 = 0.95). However, the treatments applied did not result in mortality during the study. In conclusion, our study provides insight into the behavioural implication of netting stress and air exposure during ornamental fish handling and highlights how this could alter the welfare of A. juruensis.

Observations on the courtship behaviour of Deocata Pipefish Microphis deocata (Hamilton, 1822) (Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) in an aquarium

The Deocata Pipefish Microphis deocata, is the sole freshwater syngnathid found in the Himalayan range. This species is categorised as ‘Near Threatened’ by the IUCN Red List and is also listed as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This species is highly sought after in the ornamental fish trade due to its attractive colouration and uniqueness. The courtship behaviour of M. deocata consists of three distinct phases (initial courtship, spawning, and swaying) characterized by substantial behavioural alterations. M. deocata is a species where the action of females is more visible for commencing courting and strengthening at later phases. The females exhibit skin fold ornamentation to signal their readiness to spawn mature eggs. The first courtship phase is characterised by female quivering along with head pointing by both sexes and often tail entangling. As a sign of embracing the male often overlies upon the female. In the second phase, the female transfers her eggs onto the male incubating ventral surface with an upside-down body posture. During the final phase, the male forms his body into a contracting wave and lastly settles down in the bottom of the tank.

New record of monogenean parasite Mymarothecium viatorum (Monogenea; Dactylogyridae) in red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) in Indonesia

Red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) is a popular exotic fish cultured globally for ornamental and human consumption purposes. In Indonesia, this fish is mainly cultured in Java, including to supply seed to other regions for the ornamental fish trade or aquaculture. Although this exotic fish in widely cultured, information on parasitic infections is negligible. Red-bellied pacus were purchased from a fish farmer and examined for monogenean parasite infection. Monogenean parasites were identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Histopathological examinations were performed on gills from heavily infected fish. DNA was extracted from an individual monogenean; 18S rRNA PCR product was sequenced and a phylogenetic tree constructed. Morphological and molecular traits identified the monogenean as Mymarothecium viatorum, the first report of the neotropical M. viatorum in this region. The parasite was most likely introduced to Indonesia through the importation of ornamental fish. This parasite had a prevalence of 79% and a mean intensity of 7.1. There was no significant correlation between the parasite abundance and the condition factor of the fish. M. viatorum was more abundant on smaller fish than on larger fish. Gill histopathology showed oedema, severe haemorrhage, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The occurrence of these parasites could pose a serious threat to the development of red-bellied pacu culture.

Capture and discard practises associated with an ornamental fishery affect the metabolic rate and aerobic capacity of three-striped dwarf cichlids Apistogramma trifasciata.

Fishing causes direct removal of individuals from wild populations but can also cause a physiological disturbance in fish that are released or discarded after capture. While sublethal physiological effects of fish capture have been well studied in commercial and recreational fisheries, this issue has been overlooked for the ornamental fish trade, where it is common to capture fish from the wild and discard non-target species. We examined metabolic responses to capture and discard procedures in the three-striped dwarf cichlid Apistogramma trifasciata, a popular Amazonian aquarium species that nonetheless may be discarded when not a target species. Individuals (n= 34) were tagged and exposed to each of four treatments designed to simulate procedures during the capture and discard process: 1) a non-handling control; 2) netting; 3) netting +30seconds of air exposure; and 4) netting +60seconds of air exposure. Metabolic rates were estimated using intermittent-flow respirometry, immediately following each treatment then throughout recovery overnight. Increasing amounts of netting and air exposure caused an acute increase in oxygen uptake and decrease in available aerobic scope. In general, recovery occurred quickly, with rapid decreases in oxygen uptake within the first 30minutes post-handling. Notably, however, male fish exposed to netting +60seconds of air exposure showed a delayed response whereby available aerobic scope was constrained <75% of maximum until ~4-6hours post-stress. Larger fish showed a greater initial increase in oxygen uptake post-stress and slower rates of recovery. The results suggest that in the period following discard, this species may experience a reduced aerobic capacity for additional behavioural/physiological responses including feeding, territory defence and predator avoidance. These results are among the first to examine impacts of discard practises in the ornamental fishery and suggest ecophysiological research can provide valuable insight towards increasing sustainable practises in this global trade.

Local trade, spatial occurrence and conservation of hypostomus soniae (siluriformes, loricariidae), an ornamental fish endemic to the tapajos river, Brazil.

Hypostomus soniae is a small sized armored catfish endemic to the Tapajos River basin and ranked as one of the most exploited ornamental fish in the Santarem export marketplace. This study aims to evaluate distributional patterns of Hypostomus soniae and contribute to the species conservation in the face of development of the ornamental fish trade in the Amazon region. We compiled data associated with geographic coordinates in public repositories, supplemented with original field records. We compared our data to published records in the literature and museum collections to check for accuracy. To investigate the fishery and commercialization of H. soniae, we conducted interviews with ornamental fish stakeholders from the local trade. We also made direct observations in the fishing sites and export facilities in Santarem. A cluster analysis of the geolocation data was carried out to explore the spatial distribution patterns. The volume of captures and exportation of H. soniae decreased during the period 2020-2023. The occurrence of H. soniae was associated with annual rainfall ranging from 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm and concentrated in two municipalities of the State of Mato Grosso and two of the Para State. The species distribution area has been threatened, unfortunately, by fishermen who do not respect the laws that support artisanal fishing in the Amazon.

Different color varieties of Asian arowana are unlikely distinct species: Molecular and reproductive evidence

The Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus) has gained immense popularity in the ornamental fish trade due to its striking color variations. However, ongoing debates persist regarding the taxonomic classification of these distinct color varieties as separate species. This paper aims to address this issue by employing mtDNA sequencing, microsatellite genotyping, and crossing experiments. Phylogenic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear markers across green, golden, and red varieties showed that individuals from these tree color varieties were mixed in several clusters. Crossing between different varieties generated fertile offspring. These data indicates that three color morphs of the Asian arowana should not be classified as distinct species. Acknowledging the aesthetic significance of these varieties, a holistic understanding of their taxonomic status is crucial for informed conservation strategies and sustainable management of this species.

Susceptibility of the cultured Amazonian fish, Colossoma macropomum, to experimental infection with Aeromonas species from ornamental fish

The global ornamental fish trade carries important risk factors for spreading pathogens between different countries and regions, not only for ornamental fish but also for cultured fish and even other animal species. In the current study, we reported the capacity of Aeromonas veronii and A. hydrophila isolated from ornamental fish to experimentally infect the reared Amazonian fish Colossoma macropomum. For this, those bacteria were identified, and a primary characterization was performed. Fish were inoculated with 0.1 mL of increasing concentrations of A. hydrophila or A. veronii (C1 = 1 × 102; C2 = 1.8 × 104; C3 = 2.1 × 106; C4 = 2.4 × 108 bacterial cells per mL) in the coelomic cavity. In the control group, fish received the same volume of sterile saline solution (0.9 %). Fish presented petechiae, skin suffusions, and mortality rates up to 100 % according to the inoculum concentration. Histopathologically, fish presented necrosis with karyolysis, loss of the cytoplasmic delimitation of cells of the renal tubules and hepatocytes, hemorrhage, cellular edema, and the presence of bacterial cells. The LD50–96h of A. veronii on C. macropomum was estimated at 2.4 × 106 CFU mL−1 and of A. hydrophila at 1.408 × 105 CFU mL−1. The results demonstrated that it is possible that Aeromonas species isolated from ornamental fish affect C. macropomum, causing similar clinical signs and lesions. This shows the importance of promoting risk control measures worldwide regarding the trade of ornamental fish.

Range expansion of Red devil cichlid Amphylopus labiatus, (Günther, 1864) (Actinopterygii: Cichlidae) in Bangka Island, Indonesia

Red devil cichlid Amphylopus labiatus is the most successful invasive species in worldwide including Indonesia. This species is originally to Lake Managua, Nicaragua Central America. In Indonesia, The Red devil cichlid was widely introduced by the ornamental fish trade around 1990. Now, the population of The Red Devil on the mainland has extremely increased, and is known as an Invasive fish. An invasive species literally have a negative impact on aquatic communities disturbing the native and dominating the ecosystem because an invasive species has great adaptability and is able to reproduce quickly to make a giant population in an ecosystem. In this research, we present the range expansion of an invasive Red devil cichlid A. labiatus to Bangka Island, Indonesia. Through this research, we will provide knowledge about the extent of the Red devil cichlid invasion and its impact on local species.

Insights on the connectivity, genetic diversity, and population structure of Arctodiaptomus dorsalis (Marsh, 1907) (Copepoda: Calanoida: Diaptomidae) in the Philippines

Abstract The freshwater calanoid copepod Arctodiaptomus dorsalis (Marsh, 1907) was first recorded from the Philippines in 2001 in Laguna de BayThe copepod gained the status of “invasive species” in 2021 due to its presence in 23 of 32 surveyed Philippine lakes and rivers. Genomic DNA was extracted from 107 individuals of A. dorsalis, representing seven populations on the island of Luzon to gather information on the population structure, genetic connectivity, and range expansion of the species.. A 720-bp fragment of the nuclear ITS1 and ITS2 spacers was used to analyze the genetic structure of the populations. High haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.7951), low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0024), and low genetic distance between populations indicate high levels of gene flow and low levels of isolation. Six of the 12 haplotypes were unique to particular sites, but the three shared haplotypes suggest panmixia among populations. Tajima’s D (D = 0.4945) and Fu’s F (F = -2.8950) suggest a recent increase in population size following a bottleneck. This may have occurred as the result of the copepod’s suspected initial introduction into the Philippines after 1905 via the trade in ornamental aquarium fish, eventually followed by its expansion into nearby inland waters through one or more aquaculture-mediated introduction events. Laguna de Bay’s role since 1972 as the main source of tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)) for release into various Philippine lakes provides circumstantial support for this scenario.

Effects of carotenoid supplementation on colour, growth and physiological function of the endemic dwarf chameleon fish (Badis badis).

The global ornamental fish trade is expanding in response to increased demand for indigenous fish on the global market, while exogenous carotenoids can improve colouration. The 60-day trial investigated the effect of carotenoid supplementation, via Artemia, on colouration, growth and immunophysiology of Badis badis (dwarf chameleon fish). Carotenoid was enriched at 40 ppm (T1), 80 ppm (T2) and 120 ppm (T3) and compared with controls, C1 (unenriched) and C2 (oil-enriched). Fish larvae (average weight 0.12 g) were fed enriched-unenriched Artemia in triplicates (5 × 3) in aquarium tanks (15 L). C1 and T2 had better skin colour (lightness and whiteness) in the posterolateral and caudal fins respectively. The value of redness (a*) in the anterolateral region was higher in T2 and T3 (p < 0.05). The anterolateral red index was higher (p < 0.05) in T2 and T3, whereas in the posterolateral and caudal fins, T1 and T2 were higher (p < 0.05). Compared to C1 and C2, the hue angle in carotenoid groups was found to be low (p < 0.05). No significant change in the growth performance was noticed (p > 0.05). Immune scores such as lysozyme and alkaline protease were highest in T3 (p < 0.05), whereas protease activity was highest in T2 (80 ppm). Stress biomarkers, viz., superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde were low in groups fed enriched Artemia (p < 0.05). The integrated biomarker response means and star plot area were lower in the enriched groups (T1-T3), while T2 was the lowest. Overall findings reveal that dietary carotenoid improves the colouration and immune status, but fail to promote growth. Furthermore, 80 ppm enrichment dose improves the overall performance. The findings can help fish keepers improve fish colour and health status through carotenoid supplementation.