It seems that the Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition with the National Marine Fisheries Service to place orange clownfish on the list of endangered species. Not sure which species of clownfish they are requesting the protection for, it just listed orange clownfish.
Its hard to believe with the quantities that are being captive bred that fishing pressure is having much impact on "orange" clownfish at this point.
Yeah I found it odd that the fish being requested to be added to the endangered list are all popular aquarium fish but the main reason listed was acidification of the oceans. I'm wondering if the main reason is acidification and that even low wild collection rates are further harming wild stocks of the fish in question.
"Another danger, as Nemo came to know, is the aquarium trade. Orange clownfish and several species of damselfish are immensely popular aquarium pets, and the United States is the largest importer of ornamental marine fish."
clown fish may be one of the most popular fish in the hobby, but its pretty hard to find a wild caught clown in this hobby. i would expect most divers to even turn their head to these fish in the wild, knowing they aren't likely to get much for it since the trade has been absolutely flooding with captive bred clowns. it would prolly be a nice article had they left that out, ill finish reading it later, im at work now.
The big push and reason for it right now is because of the upcoming finding nemo 3d, I'd suspect. Many expect it to create a surge in demand, much like and possibly even higher then the original version..... Even still many times I am at an LFS I will see people walk in and ask how much "Nemo" is.
It definitely created a bunch of ignorant tank owners, but some places don't care about educating and will gladly make what they can.
And that's exactly why I cringe whenever I here a clownfish called a Nemo fish. I would really hate to hear how many clownfish have died because of that movie. Too many parents wanting to appease their little kids with no clue how to properly house a saltwater tank.
Yeah many think oh ok cool I can go get a bowl or small little tank throw it on their night stand and have it all set up for like $10 like a freshwater fish................wrong!!! When I worked at the LFS I actually turned down a couple sales because they didnt care and were going to do just that.. but I'm sure they bought them from petco anyway.
Reminds me of when Preuss turned down a goldfish sale because the person was gonna put it into a small bowl lol.
Request to add Clownfish to the Endangered Species List
Originally Posted by jimsflies
CR Member
Reply With Quote
There's nothing like being a Reefer!
