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.
Good luck on this new blog! .. Hope to see more emphasis on fresh water fish.
Bob Krampetz
What the hell is an “ornamental fish hobbyists?” Is that one that collects ornamental fish(es)? I have one of those, it is sitting atop my computer monitor. All I have to do is dust it once in a while. I am an aquarium hobbyist (as well as an aquarium professional) but I certainly am not “ornamental.”
==JFK==
Dr. Morgan
What a great blog. As always, you are full of info. I also like your kowledgeable & fair opinion. This has always been one of your best characteristics.
Appreciated.
Please keep it up!
Mark W Davis
Santa Barbara Koi
Best blog on this subject I’ve read.I’ve been telling my smoking friends not to subject their fish to that for years now.I’m so glad you also mentioned that fact along with everything else…thanks
Dear Dr. Morgan, I loved reading about the Koi. I myself have been raising Koi for 10 yrs. Just recently I lost every one of them to some kind of disease. White crusting look. Big Boy was the hardest one to loose he was about 20 inches and would eat right out of my hand when called. When we move up to Oregon Next year I hope to have a large Koi pond on our property and will probably need advice to keeping them healthy hope to hook up with you for advice.
Thanks for the hard work you do ..
John eversoll
holy guacumole i am shocked. we should have a blogging competition. your readers vs mine 😉
Being from Florida I have some familiarity with the ornamental fish industry. We have encountered numerous problems for the release of ornamental and exotic fishes into the environment. The latest disaster is the scourge of Lion Fish that is hurting reef fish throughout the Caribbean.
Care must be taken when fish are imported into areas where if they get loose they have no natural predators.
With your expertise, how is this issue addressed?
I never really considered the width and depth of the ornamental fish industry. There must be a lot of implications with regard to conservation of species and the pressure on reefs and natural environments. Good food for thought. Like the post and it got me thinking.