Marine Ornamental Fish Culture – Package of Practices

Abstract

In recent years, the trade of marine ornamentals has been expanding and it is estimated that 1.5 – 2.0 million people worldwide keep marine aquaria and the value of annual marine ornamental trade is estimated to range between US$ 200 – 330 million. Almost the entire trade is contributed by collections from coral reef habitats which raises doubts regarding its sustainability. The damaging techniques such as use of sodium cyanide are non selective methods used to capture fish and they adversely affect the health of the fish and kill the non target organisms. The over harvesting of target organisms is another aspect of concern. In addition there are high levels of mortality associated with insensitive shipping and poor husbandry practices