19.5.12
It is little wonder that keeping and breeding aquarium fish is such a popular hobby today.No one knows exactly when fish were first bred in captivity but it is fairly certain that breeding ornamental fish began in China over a thousand years ago. Fishkeepers began to breed goldfish selectively for their colors. Later Japan refined the art further and by the 1700's this practice had spread to Europe.
In North America some species of catfish were bred in aquariums and by 1860 the paradise fish was one of the first tropical species to be bred. In the 1930's better filtration and temperature control methods together with improved knowledge of water chemistry meant that many more people became involved in aquarium fish breeding.
Today there are many reasons why breeding fish continues to intrigue and captivate us. For example, once an aquarium has been successfully setup there is little more to do apart from a few minutes maintenance each week. Breeding gives the aquarist a whole new dimension to their hobby and an opportunity to observe a new and exciting aspect of fish behavior.
Hobbyists enjoy the challenge of testing their skills as aquarists. It can be extremely satisfying to know that you have actually created a little eco-system that is so close to nature that your fish have been encouraged to spawn. Also once hobbyists get the hang of breeding, perhaps with some of the easier spawning species, then it is natural to want to progress to a another species with different breeding requirements. There are many levels of skills that can be developed.
It is a rather amazing statistic but there are over 185 million freshwater fish in home aquariums in the USA. The majority of these are bred in fish farms in the United states especially Florida as well as in Africa and Asia. However, some very popular species including Clown Loaches and Harlequin Rasboras area being wild caught and then sold to supply the aquarium industry. This is unfortunately depleting the native population. So by breeding fish in captivity aquarists can assist in preserving species which may be at risk of extinction.
Breeding fish can also be a group activity. There are local aquarium clubs in every major city where hobbyists can participate in breeding contests and programs. Points and awards are given for breeding particular species and members can progress through the "ranks" of being a novice through to a master breeder. A great way to meet similar minded people, make friends and gain more knowledge about a fascinating hobby.
In North America some species of catfish were bred in aquariums and by 1860 the paradise fish was one of the first tropical species to be bred. In the 1930's better filtration and temperature control methods together with improved knowledge of water chemistry meant that many more people became involved in aquarium fish breeding.
Today there are many reasons why breeding fish continues to intrigue and captivate us. For example, once an aquarium has been successfully setup there is little more to do apart from a few minutes maintenance each week. Breeding gives the aquarist a whole new dimension to their hobby and an opportunity to observe a new and exciting aspect of fish behavior.
Hobbyists enjoy the challenge of testing their skills as aquarists. It can be extremely satisfying to know that you have actually created a little eco-system that is so close to nature that your fish have been encouraged to spawn. Also once hobbyists get the hang of breeding, perhaps with some of the easier spawning species, then it is natural to want to progress to a another species with different breeding requirements. There are many levels of skills that can be developed.
It is a rather amazing statistic but there are over 185 million freshwater fish in home aquariums in the USA. The majority of these are bred in fish farms in the United states especially Florida as well as in Africa and Asia. However, some very popular species including Clown Loaches and Harlequin Rasboras area being wild caught and then sold to supply the aquarium industry. This is unfortunately depleting the native population. So by breeding fish in captivity aquarists can assist in preserving species which may be at risk of extinction.
Breeding fish can also be a group activity. There are local aquarium clubs in every major city where hobbyists can participate in breeding contests and programs. Points and awards are given for breeding particular species and members can progress through the "ranks" of being a novice through to a master breeder. A great way to meet similar minded people, make friends and gain more knowledge about a fascinating hobby.
