A short clip of Corydoras habitat.

[NannaLou]

Yes, no doubt they were wild caught, but there are now species that are established aquarium fish which have been breed for the aquarium trade for decades. They are the fish I try to keep. I don't believe that we need to be going to the rainforests and catching new fish for the aquarium trade. There are enough species in the trade already. In fact, I would go as far as to say, if the fish isn't tank raised, we shouldn't be purchasing it.

But if the fish hadn’t been wild caught years ago, we wouldn’t have the range we do now. Why shouldn’t the newer generations of fish keepers have something new to become ‘experts’ on..?
I’m certainly out of my depth for any form of discussion based on fact or research, but with an opinion that there are far more risks to fish extinction than being caught for the aquarium, surely controlled catching and breeding programs should be considered?
Also, you comment on the fish only having a number and not a name, some Endlers are sold as N67 (that might not be a real number ); but again, I don’t know how any of the numbering/naming conventions work ..More reading….

 

[itiwhetu]

But if the fish hadn’t been wild caught years ago, we wouldn’t have the range we do now. Why shouldn’t the newer generations of fish keepers have something new to become ‘experts’ on..?
I’m certainly out of my depth for any form of discussion based on fact or research, but with an opinion that there are far more risks to fish extinction than being caught for the aquarium, surely controlled catching and breeding programs should be considered?
Also, you comment on the fish only having a number and not a name, some Endlers are sold as N67 (that might not be a real number ); but again, I don’t know how any of the numbering/naming conventions work ..More reading….

We have enough fish being breed in aquariums to keep everyone happy. I get really annoyed when CW111 is seen as a good thing. Leave the little fish where it is. Don't put it in a bag, kill half its brothers and sisters and then say this is saving the species. It is rubbish. Just say this is an attractive fish that is going to make me thousands of dollars, and if it doesn't exist in the wild I couldn't care less because I'm making money.

 

[itiwhetu]

Very few of the members of this forum have any idea of how many fish die in transit, only about 20% of the fish that are caught in the wild reach their destination. That means that for every wild fish in your tank five have died.

 

[Byron]

The fact still remains that purchasing wild caught fish is a significantly better option for the wild populations. This was clearly laid out in the videos someone posted a month or two back, on Project Piaba in Brazil. Several members watched the video and the message was very clear, that supporting the local ornamental fish collection in these areas protects the fish and perhaps even more importantly protects the habitat. The indigenous people make a decent living, they do not tear down the forests to attempt farming which would be their only other option, and the collecting laws protect the species from extinction.

And please do not argue this with me, it is not my opinion but it is fact that each member can accept or deny. Track down the videos and see it for yourselves.

 

[DoubleDutch]

The fact still remains that purchasing wild caught fish is a significantly better option for the wild populations. This was clearly laid out in the videos someone posted a month or two back, on Project Piaba in Brazil. Several members watched the video and the message was very clear, that supporting the local ornamental fish collection in these areas protects the fish and perhaps even more importantly protects the habitat. The indigenous people make a decent living, they do not tear down the forests to attempt farming which would be their only other option, and the collecting laws protect the species from extinction.

And please do not argue this with me, it is not my opinion but it is fact that each member can accept or deny. Track down the videos and see it for yourselves.

Accepted @Byron. The story has several different sides and the conclusions / assumptions made might partly be correct in some cases but definitely not in all.

Think the president of Brasil is a bigger risk for the environment and with that for habitats around the place
Wood-, Palmoil-, Meat-, Gold-industry (legal and illegal) etc.... and builing dams for energy or watersupply is by far a bigger issue.
Last week I heared cows are fed Palmoil/fat to increase the fat percentage in their milk. Short : We all add to the palmoilindustry.

BTW there are several protected places allready and I think / assume that for fishcollection trips expensive permits are needed. A lot of Corydoras from Surinam are super rare in the trade cause they live an Indian Reserve and collection isn't allowed. C.julii comes from a place were collection hardly takes place (that's why they are so rare)

Catching fish also gives the opportunity to breed them. Like these F1 CW111

BTW : The CW numbering has a complete other source / use than to easy catalogue them.

 

[Byron]

Accepted @Byron. The story has several different sides and the conclusions / assumptions made might partly be correct in some cases but definitely not in all.

Think the president of Brasil is a bigger risk for the environment and with that for habitats around the place
Wood-, Palmoil-, Meat-, Gold-industry (legal and illegal) etc.... and builing dams for energy or watersupply is by far a bigger issue.
Last week I heared cows are fed Palmoil/fat to increase the fat percentage in their milk. Short : We all add to the palmoilindustry.

BTW there are several protected places allready and I think / assume that for fishcollection trips expensive permits are needed. A lot of Corydoras from Surinam are super rare in the trade cause they live an Indian Reserve and collection isn't allowed. C.julii comes from a place were collection hardly takes place (that's why they are so rare)

Catching fish also gives the opportunity to breed them. Like these F1 CW111

BTW : The CW numbering has a complete other source / use than to easy catalogue them.

I agree, but we were discussing the collection of fish, and that was all I was addressing. I concur on the other issues, I have written letters and signed petitions against the President's actions (which are frankly deplorable and dumbfounding) and the palm oil industry destroying habitat for profit.