what are the reasons for ornamental fish production?

Question

why do we have this?
why do people want to produce ornamental fish?

Answer 1

I can think of a few reasons why it's done.

1) As others here have already indicated, even if fish aren't commercially produced, it won't stop people from keeping fish. Heck, just look at any family that has kids and a pond or stream by their house - the kids come home with jars of minnows, crayfish, snails, whatever!

2) Yes, if people are going to do it anyway, someone will find a way to make money from it and market them - not the nobelist of intentions, but a fact.

But, if fish are commercially produced in a responsible manner consider these.....

3) Fish produced in captive environments creates LESS dependance on the continued removal of wild stock.

4) Fish produced in captive environments have a greater chance of surviving in a tank because they aren't subjected to the stress of being removed from their native area and shipped long distances for sale.

5) Fish produced in captive environments become acclimated to a wider range of captive conditions and are more likely to survive in far different water chemistries than fish taken from the wild.

6) Fish produced in captive environments are less likely to harbor parasites and bacterial/fungal than wild stock (a big bonus for those who insist on NOT using quarantine proceedures for new fish).

7) Fish produced in captive environments protects wild fish AND their environments. Yeah, some countries have laws about collecting procedures, but lots don't! What are the losses (in number of fish, other wildlife, and environmental quality) for every fish that's captured using large nets or TNT and cyanide to stun them?

8) Fish produced in captive environments may someday be able to be used to reintroduce native species to areas where pollution or over collecting/overfishing have reduced or eliminated native species. This would need to be done with great care, and some fish that have been bred for specific traits (albinism, brighter coloration, odd body shapes,or long/fancy fins), genetically modified fish, or hybrids should not be used.

Are there downsides to commercial production? Sure! Too many species are inbred and carry poor traits. Too many people are in it for the wrong reasons - just following the latest trends, such as dyeing or tattooing fish to make pretty (read "marketable") designs or selling fish in unsuitable containers like betta vases.

What to do?

Get to know your fish/pet stores and know their policies. Many stores try to get as much of their stock from reputable dealers as possible. Some also support local hobbyists that breed their own fish.

Know the vocabulary. Captive bred or tank raised have different meanings. Captive bred are fish where the parents produced eggs or live fry in an aquarium or breeder's pond. They've never been "wild" fish. Tank raised, on the other hand, are fish where the fry or larval stage, or adults were taken from the wild and kept in a tank for at least one year (so you know they're eating, at least). The terms sound like they would be the same, but in reality, different meanings altogether!

Hope this gives you the info you're looking for.

Answer 2

All ornamental fish do is look nice in a pond or aquarium. Those that have the time and wealth keep these fish do it to make their home nicer. It is similar to having a fancy antique on your shelf. People also take care of them as a hobby. Saltwater aquariums are notoriously difficult to keep and take lots of hours. These people that have this hobby are called aquarists.

Answer 3

it's an addictive hobby thats been going on for centurys. goldfish (but not the types we see today) were kept as companions dating back to something like 800AD, it's not a new thing to selectively breed fish.

Answer 4

They are produced because people buy them. As long as there is a market people will produce anything.

Answer 5

Profit... that's the bottom line. Peoepl enjoy keeping fish as pets and other people enjoy making money providing them with those fish.

MM