That Fish Blog – Aquarium Advice and Information
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Two articles addressing fresh water and marine fish conservation issues were published this week:
Oriental Weatherfishes in Spain
According to an article in Biological Invasions, the Oriental Weatherfish (native to eastern Russia, south and Southeast Asia) is now well established throughout Spain’s Ebro River delta, and has a foothold in the Onyar River as well. This is of particular concern because over 80% of the Iberian Peninsula’s freshwater fishes are already considered to be threatened, with introduced species outnumbering natives in most rivers.
Last year, studies of the eel fishery in the Ebro River revealed that 8.2 tons of non-target fish, representing 17 species, are captured along with each ton of eels (elvers) harvested. Approximately 40% of these fish perish before they can be released.
Fishes of the Coral Triangle
Reef fishes are becoming increasingly popular on restaurant menus throughout Southeast Asia and mainland China. Particularly hard hit are species native to the waters bordered by Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, East Timor and the Solomon Islands. Known as the “Coral Triangle”, this region is home to 75% of all known species of coral.
According to a recent Conservation Biology article, spawning aggregations of local species have declined by 79% in recent years, largely due to over-fishing. Groupers, 26 species of which are endangered, have suffered the most. Conservation efforts are complicated by the large number of countries having interests in these waters.
Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
For further information on the natural history and captive care of weatherfishes, please see: