The Ornamental Fish Industry is global and extremely diverse. Participants in this industry include:

• collectors
• breeders/farmers
• exporters
• importers
• transhippers
• wholesalers
• retailers
• aquarium and pond maintenance professionals
• and, of course, the end users — ornamental fish hobbyists.

The number of fish and invertebrate species collected and cultured for this industry exceeds 3000 species, with the ornamental trade touching every continent except Antarctica.

While the diversity and scope is tremendous, there is one common factor: the importance of quality animal health management. Increased knowledge of health management principles can have dramatic impacts on the industry. These include:

• reduced pressure on ecosystems
• reduced stress and disease among our aquatic charges
• increased profits
• and an increased understanding of the animal needs and husbandry requirements throughout each aspect of this large industry.

This blog is my attempt to shed some light on what I consider to be important issues of aquatic animal health management within the industry, discuss ways we all may be able to work together to address these emerging issues, and inform readers about upcoming events and educational opportunities in order to increase our awareness and proficiency as it relates to aquatic animal health management.