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The ornamental fish trade involves multiple phases, from acquisition—whether through wild capture or aquaculture—to the final destination, often including long transport routes. Throughout this trade, fish encounter several stressors like handling, improper maintenance methods, high or inadequate stocking densities, poor water quality, and mechanical disturbances during transport. The varying levels of care provided by aquarists also influence the long-term welfare of these animals, with many fish being treated more as ornaments rather than sentient beings. Worsening these issues, there is a lack of scientifically grounded guidance for hobbyists and caregivers, important gaps in legislation concerning fish welfare, and limited oversight in the ornamental trade. Nevertheless, some international organizations and grassroots projects have been working to promote responsible practices and disseminate educational resources. However, the need for efficient welfare standards, legislation, and comprehensive information for all stakeholders involved in this sector remains critical. Here, we synthesize the problems in the ornamental fish trade and suggest some solutions to reduce the impacts of management practices on the welfare of these fish.

Invasive species represent one of the greatest biological threats to Australian ecosystems this century. Facilitated by global interdependence, increased connectivity, and established trade routes, the dissemination of non-native ornamental species has led to substantial establishments in Australian waterways. Despite this, recent and ongoing research into the trade and invasive potential of non-native ornamental fish species in Australia is lacking and well behind the global standard. Hampered by a shortage of adequate funding and an inability to make rapid policy-based decisions due to industry influence, restrictions on trade have been slow or non-existent in recent years. Further, the development and maintenance of accurate species trade lists as well as dedicated funding and a coordinated approach to compliance is currently inadequate across all Australian jurisdictions. Here we aimed to identify if existing ornamental freshwater fish records from scientific literature in Australia, including veterinary reports and zoonoses studies, were an appropriate alternative to direct industry monitoring necessary in producing comprehensive trade lists. To test this alternative approach, we identified and collated scientific literature that had recorded captive freshwater fish in the Australian ornamental industry. Our review identified a still inchoate scientific body of literature that is a poor substitute for direct survey approaches, with minimal reporting evident in Australia on the freshwater ornamental fish in trade. Assessment of available species records indicated unassessed, greylisted freshwater fish form a substantial part of the Australian ornamental industry. Nomenclature issues and potential exploitation by the ornamental fish industry were also identified. Given the paucity of contemporary literature on the presence and abundance of traded species within Australia, initiatives including pet store surveys and e-commerce monitoring are vital to collate a complete list of traded species necessary for management of this non-native community. We highlight key research priorities and provide recommendations on the future management needs of the Australian freshwater ornamental fish industry.

Parlor Ponds: The Cultural Work of the American Home Aquarium, 1850-1970examines the myriad cultural meanings of the American home aquarium during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and argues that the home aquarium provided its enthusiasts with a potent tool for managing the challenges of historical change, from urbanization to globalization. The tank could be a window to an alien world, a theater for domestic melodrama, or a vehicle in a fantastical undersea journey. Its residents were seen as inscrutable and wholly disposable \"its,\" as deeply loved and charismatic individuals, and as alter egos by aquarists themselves.Parlor Pondsfills a gap in the growing field of animal studies by showing that the tank is an emblematic product of modernity, one using elements of exploration, technology, science, and a commitment to rigorous observation to contain anxieties spawned by industrialization, urbanization, changing gender roles, and imperial entanglements. Judith Hamera engages advertisements, images, memoirs, public aquarium programs, and enthusiast publications to show how the history of the aquarium illuminates complex cultural attitudes toward nature and domestication, science and religion, gender and alterity, and national conquest and environmental stewardship with an emphasis on the ways it illuminates American public discourse on colonial and postcolonial expansion.

The global trade of aquatic organisms for home and public aquariums, along with associated equipment and accessories, has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Aquaculture of marine ornamental species, still in its infancy, is recognized as a viable alternative to wild collection as it can supplement or replace the supply of wild caught specimens and potentially help recover natural populations through restocking. This book collects into a single work the most up-to-date information currently available on the aquaculture of marine ornamental species. It includes the contributions of more than 50 leading scientists and experts on different topics relevant for the aquaculture of the most emblematic groups of organisms traded for reef aquariums. From clownfish, to angelfish, tangs and seahorses, as well as corals, anemones, shrimps, giant clams and several other reef organisms, all issues related with the husbandry, breeding, and trade are addressed, with explanatory schemes and illustrations being used to help in understanding the most complex topics addressed. Marine Ornamental Species Aquaculture is a key reference for scientists and academics in research institutes and universities, public and private aquaria, as well as for hobbyists. Entrepreneurs will also find this book an important resource, as the culture of marine ornamental species is analyzed from a business oriented perspective, highlighting the risks and opportunities of commercial scale aquaculture of marine ornamentals.

Narrated by Hollywood legend Michael Douglas, Ocean Vet follows the exploits of veterinarian Dr. Neil Burnie and his Ocean Vet team. Together they set out to save, protect, and learn more about Bermuda’s incredible marine life. Neil and the team are on an emergency call out to capture and release a sick Galapagos shark from the Bermuda aquarium. Follow the team as they risk their lives to transport the shark 10 miles off shore for release in a protected marine reserve. Watch Neil and the team swim with larger wild Galapagos sharks, studying their behaviour to see if there’s any truth behind their reputation as wild man eaters. The team also embark on the challenging task of capturing one of these predators to bring aboard the ocean vet boat and attach a satellite tag. This marks the start of a scientific study that will eventually help protect the declining population of this species.

The Physiology of Tropical Fishes is the 21st volume of the well-known Fish Physiology series and consists of 12 chapters. The purpose of the book is to consolidate and integrate what is known about tropical fishes (marine and freshwater species). The twelve chapters focus on the physiological adaptations acquired during the evolutionary process to cope with warm and shallow hypoxic waters from tropical and neotropical hydrographic basins as well as with the intertidal and coral reef habitats which occur in abundance in tropical seas. The special characteristics of tropical fish fauna will be issued in order to explain the tropical fish radiation, which gave rise to such extreme fish diversity. This present volume, is a voyage through the tropical region reviewing the fish diversity of the main tropical freshwater sheds, including the major tropical rivers and lakes, the major dams, and marine environments. * State-of-the-art information on tropical fish physiology* Written by specialists working in the Tropics* Offers a diverse depiction of the various tropical fishes and the environment where they inhabit* 12 innovative chapters covering a concise view of growth rate, biological rhythms, feeding plasticity, cardio-respiratory design and function, diversity of structure, and much more

\"Everyone knows that fish swim in water. But what do you call a fish whose eyes bulge from the top of its head and that can also skip across mudflats, climb on top of rocks and even scale the trunk of a mangrove tree? The incredible animal that can do all of this is called the mudskipper.\" (Wee Ones) Learn about the physical characteristics that allow this unusual fish to live on land for short periods of time. Some facts about mudskippers are presented. Pet care tips are also mentioned.

one photo of a mudskipper in water by Richard Mleczko

one photo of a mudskipper on land by Richard Mleczko

one photo of a mudskipper on a finger by Richard Mleczko