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Between 1.5 and 2 million people worldwide are believed to keep marine aquaria. The trade which supplies this hobby with live marine animals is a global multi-million dollar industry, worth an estimated US$200-330 million annually, and operating throughout the tropics. Ornamental marine species (corals, other invertebrates and fish) are collected a...
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The fish order Syngnathiformes has been referred to as a collection of misfit fishes, comprising commercially important fish such as red mullets as well as the highly diverse seahorses, pipefishes, and seadragons—the well-known family Syngnathidae, with their unique adaptations including male pregnancy. Another ornate member of this order is the sp...
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... Although it is a relatively small part of the global fish trade, the culture of ornamental fish has become an essential component of aquaculture and is considered one of the most lucrative industries in several countries (De Silva and Turchini, 2008;Monticini, 2010;Rahmati-Holasoo, Ghalyanchilangeroudi, et al. 2023;. The marine ornamental fish trade originated in the 1930s and has had substantial growth in recent decades (Wabnitz et al. 2003;Leal et al. 2016). The fourlined terapon (Pelates quadrilineatus Bloch 1790) is a marine perciform ornamental fish that has been classified into the family Terapontidae (Nelson, Grande, and Wilson 2016). ...
Thyroid disorders can manifest in several forms, including follicular cell hyperplasia (goitre), follicular cell adenoma and follicular cell carcinoma. Following the detection of large and gradually increasing tumour‐like masses in the gular region of wild fourlined terapons ( Pelates quadrilineatus ) housed in various tanks in a public aquarium in June 2022, September 2022 and October 2023, several fish displaying clinical signs were transported to the Ornamental Fish Clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. Upon clinical inspection, the fish had prominent tumour‐like masses in the gular area, located beneath the operculum. Upon histological examination of the first series, the masses revealed thyroid well‐differentiated hyperplastic follicles that contained colloid and were lined by cuboidal epithelial cells. There were no signs of cellular atypia or mitotic figures. The study of the second series also revealed the existence of cellular atypia, but still no mitotic figures. In the examination of the third series, apart from the earlier lesions, there was evidence of neoplastic cell invasion into adjacent structures such as the adipose tissue and subepithelial layer. In addition, there was moderate cellular pleomorphism and a limited number of mitotic figures. Although the termination of water ozonation and the addition of potassium iodide to the feed were effective in treating thyroid hyperplasia, the treatment for thyroid neoplasia was not successful. The present study provides the evidence of clinical and histopathological findings of follicular cell hyperplasia, adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland in fourlined terapon.
... The family Pomacanthidae contains some of the most iconic and recognisable reef fish species. Their striking colour patterns and dramatic change in coloration while transitioning from juvenile to adult stage made them among the most valued specimens in the ornamental fish trade today (Wabnitz, 2003). There are 90 valid nominal species and seven genera of marine angelfishes (Fricke et al., 2023). ...
The targeted capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) has substantially increased the amount of genetic data available for phylogenomic reconstructions. These capture datasets frequently contain mitochondrial DNA as a by‐product, often in the form of complete mitogenomes. These can be efficiently harvested to expand existing datasets without additional costs. Here, we present new mitochondrial genomes for six marine angelfish species (F: Pomacanthidae), assembled and annotated from off‐target UCE reads. We provide the first comparative analysis of all mitochondrial genomes available for the Pomacanthidae. Results showed that the average length of pomacanthid mitogenomes is 16.8 kbp. Total GC and AT content varied between 44.5% and 46.3%, and 53.7% and 55.5%, respectively. The architecture of angelfish mitogenomes was comparable to that seen in other fish species with 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and the control region. All 13 PCGs evolved under purifying selection, highlighting a high level of selection pressure and gene expression to preserve genetic integrity. The ND6 and ATP8 genes had the highest ratio of non‐synonymous (dN) to synonymous (dS) substitutions, indicating a relaxation of purifying selection constraints. Finally, these newly assembled mitogenomes will allow further investigations of the population genetics, systematics and evolutionary biology of one of the most prominent reef fish family in the aquarium trade.
... Natural populations of anemonefishes and their symbiotic sea anemones tend to reduce everywhere. It is caused by large-scale fishing for the marine aquarium trade targets (Edwards and Shepherd, 1992;Wabnitz et al., 2003;Shuman et al., 2005;Scott and Baird, 2015) and anemone bleaching and partly dying because of continuing anomaly rising water temperatures (Hattori, 2002;Saenz-Agudelo et al., 2011;Hill and Scott, 2012;Hobbs et al., 2013;Scott and Hoey, 2017). The effects of upwelling characterize hydrological regime of Nha Trang Bay. ...
The fauna of the anemonefishes (Pomacentridae, Amphiprioninae) and their host sea anemones ,
inhabiting the detached coral reef of the Hon Rom Island, has been first described. Changes in faunas of these
groups over 2003–2018 were traced. The species (qualitative) composition of these groups did not change
over the period indicated above. It includes four anemonefish species: Amphiprion clarkii, A. frenatus, A. perideraion, and A. sandaracinos and six sea anemone species symbiotic with them: Entacmaea quadricolor, Stichodactyla mertensii, Heteractis aurora, H. crispa, H. magnifica, and H. malu. Four of these host sea anemone
species (S. mertensii, H. magnifica, E. quadricolor, and H. crispa) belong to the principal host sea anemones
of the reef anemonefishes, i.e. ensure the long-term existence of spawning pairs of symbiont fishes . However,
quantitative changes in the faunas of the study groups have occurred. Two host sea anemone species (S. mertensii and H. magnifica) and mature anemonefishes inhabiting them were recorded each year in the observation period. The number of the sea anemones S. mertensii reduced by two thirds to 2018, compared to that in
2003–2005, and 100% of adult A. sandaracinos disappeared, while the number of adult A. clarkii within the
study sea anemone species reduced by one third. The number of sea anemones H. magnifica reduced by 20%
until 2018, compared to that in 2003–2010; 40% of adult A. perideraion disappeared. At least a threefold
decrease in the pairs number of the anemonefish A. frenatus within the sea anemones E. quadricolor was
observed; pairs of the anemonefish A. clarkii replaced them. It has been shown that there is no displacement
of spawning pairs of A. sandaracinos, A. perideraion, and A. frenatus, respectively, from their host sea anemones S. mertensii, H. magnifica, and E. quadricolor, but there is replacement of these anemonefish species in
the fish-free sea anemones by another anemonefish species—A. clarkii.
... In addition, these fish Pallewatta et al. (2003) species are collected in the wild with traditional and generally mortality escalating techniques, which eventually affect the prices (Ng and Tan 1997). In the present study, the majority of fish species were of tropical origin as a result of increased biodiversity and endemism in the tropics, the peculiarity of body forms of these fishes and their living modes, as well as impressive colour patterns (Wabnitz et al. 2003;Papavlasopoulou et al. 2014). The dominance of marine fish species of tropical origin could be attributed to the attractiveness of the reef-associated species as well as to the historic fishing tradition of capturing ornamental fish in communities along the Indian Ocean (Wood 2001;Bruckner 2005). ...
The aquarium pet trade is one of the leading pathways for the introduction of invasive species into natural ecosystems. In 2018, we surveyed pet shops across South Africa to obtain a checklist of ornamental fish species in the aquarium pet shop trade and to assess their invasion potential using sourced data (e.g., natural environment, native range, introduction status, impact status and climatic zone). We evaluated selected common aquarium fish species with high invasion potential according to previous invasion history. We highlighted the need for the development of a management strategy for the aquarium pet trade in South Africa. We identified 312 fish species belonging to 77 families and 182 genera. Most pet shops were in Gauteng Province (n = 38), with few in Limpopo Province (n = 3). Gauteng had the highest number of fish species (n = 271), while North West Province had the lowest number (n = 95). Pet shops were dominated by freshwater species (68%), followed by marine species (22%), while the origin of 30 species (10%) was transitional aquatic ecosystems. Most freshwater taxa were native to South America and Asia, while most marine species were from the Pacific and Indo-Pacific Oceans. Most (88%) species were tropical, 10% subtropical, and 1% temperate. Several (n = 28) species had more than 50% frequency of occurrence, representing the most popular ornamental fishes. Several (n = 13) species are invasive in South Africa and other parts of the world. The system of importation of ornamental fish in South Africa is not clear. Although there is a recommendation that these importations must be regulated according to the whitelist and blacklist in South Africa, it is not clear how this is implemented in practice. We demonstrated a high risk of alien fish species introduction in South Africa through the aquarium pet shop trade.
... Today, it is a global multi-million-dollar industry (US$200-330 million annually), with around 20 and 24 million individuals sold (Wabnitz et al., 2003). With around 2,300 species in the trade, almost half are Damselfish (Pomacentridae). ...
... With around 2,300 species in the trade, almost half are Damselfish (Pomacentridae). Families such as Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), wrasses (Labridae), gobies (Gobiidae), and butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) account for around 25-30 percent (Wabnitz et al., 2003). ...
... Unlike other products imported to Germany, ornamental fish run through a complex and highly dynamic supply chain (Wabnitz et al., 2003). (Wabnitz et al., 2003) are involved ( Figure 3). ...
As a major global importer of marine ornamental fish, Germany lacks extensive trade studies. While the aquarium hobby holds economic and social value, it also raises conservation and sustainability concerns. Despite these concerns, both the collection and trade have continued over the past few years, mostly unmonitored and understudied. We collected import data from German wholesalers, the German Government (BfS), the IUCN Red List, and the CITES Database. Furthermore, we evaluated German aquarium hobbyists' demographics, preferences, and motivations via an online survey. We estimate the German aquarium trade value was 7.8 million dollars in 2022. 852 species and 69 families, with only 8.7% being captive-bred and 91.2% wild-caught were identified and most species were imported from Indonesia (477 spp., 55.8%) and the Philippines (444 spp., 52%). Additionally, our study found that threatened species are traded. The typical German hobbyist is male, aged 3040, has completed a 3-year vocational training, and earns over 4000 euros monthly. Many hobbyists expressed concern for conservation and sustainability, preferring captive-bred species and supporting a sustainability certification for the industry.
As a comprehensive understanding of the aquarium trade is necessary for effective policy and management, we emphasize the need for thorough monitoring and research into the marine ornamental fish trade, consumer awareness, and the implementation of specific management plans. This comprehensive approach is crucial to achieving sustainable international trade.
... In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the trade for seahorse species belonging to genus Hippocampus (Foster, 2016). Although most of these organisms are traded dried to satisfy the demand for traditional medicine in China, and to a lesser extent for the curios market (Lourie et al., 2004), live organisms are purchased by aquarists worldwide, mainly in the United States and Europe (Lourie et al., 2004;Wabnitz et al., 2003). ...
The culture of seahorses Hippocampus erectus in captivity represents a window of opportunity for the diversification of the aquaculture activity in the ornamental industry. In this study, we have constructed a bioeconomic model to evaluate the optimal harvest time (OHT) over a culture period of 562 days. The bioeconomic model was integrated with three submodels: biological, technological, and economic. Three different mortality rates were used for different periods in culture, registering a higher survival in the period from 0 to 60 days with a rate of 53.4%. The sensitivity analysis showed that the mortality rate in this period was the parameter with the greatest influence on the benefits. The Von Bertalanffy growth model was indicated to describe the growth of H. erectus given its statistical significance using Theil's inequality coefficient, registering parameters of (L∞ = 141.62 mm) and (k = 0.0049 month‐1). The bioeconomic model determined the OHT in the 4th month of culture, the time when the maximum profit is recorded. It is concluded that the culture presents challenges to be addressed although the bioeconomic model allows for demonstrating the OHT.
... Nijman et al. (2015) menyatakan lebih dari 2.000 cangkang kerang kima diperdagangkan secara illegal dengan nilai USD 45.000 dalam 5 tahun terakhir di Indonesia. Cangkangnya dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan baku industri keramik dan kerajinan tangan (Heslinga 1996;Wabnitz et al. 2003). Selain itu, anakan kima hidup merupakan komoditas penting untuk industri akuarium air laut (Wabnitz et al. 2003;Mies et al. 2017). ...
... Cangkangnya dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan baku industri keramik dan kerajinan tangan (Heslinga 1996;Wabnitz et al. 2003). Selain itu, anakan kima hidup merupakan komoditas penting untuk industri akuarium air laut (Wabnitz et al. 2003;Mies et al. 2017). ...
Kima, yang merupakan organisme laut yang penting dalam ekosistem terumbu karang, menghadapi tekanan dari aktivitas manusia di sebagian besar wilayah Indonesia. Oleh karena itu, penting untuk mempelajari struktur populasi dan keragaman genetik kima untuk mendukung upaya konservasi sumber daya kima. Buku ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan struktur populasi kima, keragaman genetik dari spesies kima Tridacna crocea, dan implikasinya terhadap upaya konservasi kima, terutama di wilayah Kepulauan Kei, Maluku.
... Giant clams (Bivalvia: Tridacnidae) inhabit the shallow coral reefs scattered across the Indo-Pacific region [1,2]. Historically esteemed as prized fishery specimens, these creatures have vibrant mantles and have found their place in the wildlife ornament market [3]. Their adductor muscle and mantle serve culinary and ornamental purposes, respectively. ...
... LG 3 The SR was 100% for all experimental groups (Table 6). No significant between-group difference in SR (p > 0.05) was observed. ...
The habitats of giant clams are undergoing environmental changes, and giant clam populations are declining. The present study was conducted to facilitate clam conservation. We conducted three 18-week trials to investigate the effects of nutrient, temperature, and salinity on the growth performance and survival rates (SRs) of juvenile Tridacna noae, adult Tridacna crocea, and subadult Tridacna derasa, respectively. Regarding nutrient sources, no significant differences were observed in shell length gain, specific growth rate, or SR between clams fed with Chaetoceros muelleri or commercial feed (hw nanotip) and those in a control group (juvenile phototrophs). Regarding temperature, clams cultivated at 27 °C exhibited significantly better growth performance and SR than did those cultivated at 19 °C or 31 °C (p < 0.05). By week 6, all clams in the 19 °C and 31 °C groups had died, indicating that suboptimal growth temperatures have severe adverse effects. Regarding salinity, clams cultivated at 34‰ exhibited significantly higher length gains and specific growth rates than did those cultivated at 20‰ or 25‰ (p < 0.05). SR was not significantly affected by salinity. Understanding how environmental factors affect giant clam populations may help researchers devise effective clam conservation strategies.
... Its main objectives are to identify trends over time regarding the main target species and the main exporting and importing countries, looking at the exploitation of wild populations as well as aquaculture stock. An earlier study that used CITES data (Wabnitz et al., 2003) showed a general increase in the international trade of live Tridacninae from 1993 to 2001 and predicted a continuation of this trend. The expectation of a continuing trade increase is not supported by Rhyne and Tlusty (2012), who observed fluctuations in the international aquarium trade, eventually resulting in a declining trade, which they ascribed to changes in the global economy and to technological developments concerning cultivation in importing countries. ...
... Vietnam was a major importer of wild-soured clams in 2010-2012 and 2019 but did not import cultivated animals (Figs. 6, 7). Initially, its imports were mostly intended for re-export (Wabnitz et al., 2003). This is obvious when Cambodia's export data (Fig. 4A) are compared with Vietnam's import data (Fig. 6A). ...
... Some data can be erroneous due to wrong species identifications (Huelsken et al., 2013;Su et al., 2024;Liu et al., 2020b) and when trade numbers are taken from trade permits instead of actual transactions (Mies et al., 2017). Finally, as not all countries that export giant clams are parties of CITES it is difficult to enforce and implement the regulations of CITES (Wabnitz et al., 2003;Mies et al., 2017;Pavitt et al. 2021). ...
... Catching fish from tropical coral reefs around the globe 6,10-12 , small-scale fishers have been the primary procurers of marine aquarium, or ornamental, species 6,13 , this is especially true in the Indo-Western Pacific 4,13,14 . These individuals who participate in the sourcing side of the trade, are an oft-overlooked part of a larger global population working in small-scale fisheries, which employ over 100 million people 15 -more than the other largest ocean sectors combined [16][17][18] . ...
... Catching fish from tropical coral reefs around the globe 6,10-12 , small-scale fishers have been the primary procurers of marine aquarium, or ornamental, species 6,13 , this is especially true in the Indo-Western Pacific 4,13,14 . These individuals who participate in the sourcing side of the trade, are an oft-overlooked part of a larger global population working in small-scale fisheries, which employ over 100 million people 15 -more than the other largest ocean sectors combined [16][17][18] . ...
The global marine aquarium trade has created new local markets across the planet, including in Indonesia, now the second-largest exporting country of marine aquarium fish in the world. Participating in the global aquarium trade has been touted as a potentially sustainable addition to fisher livelihoods, but scant data exist showing the numbers of fish coming off the reef and how those fish contribute to income. To determine how participants in the trade incorporate aquarium species in their livelihoods, we examine source-level aquarium fish collecting and trading data in the Banggai Archipelago, a region in Central Sulawesi that has become a significant source for popular aquarium, also known as ornamental, fish species. Using a sustainable livelihoods lens, we examine this data to understand how participants in the aquarium trade both contribute to as well as benefit from the trade and consider how their participation relates to emerging Blue Justice principles. From one year of buying and selling data at the fisher, intermediary buyer, and regional trader levels, we show that catching and selling fish for the aquarium trade represents an average of nearly 20% of their gross annual income and provides added diversity and flexibility to fisher and trader livelihoods in the region, especially during seasons of rough weather. We suggest that managers of an impending marine protected area in the region would do well to consider how to sustain these livelihood benefits.
