What endangered species for 42 gallon

[ChefAlex]

Hi, I just got a 42 gallon tank. I am wanting to have one of the less common types that are endangered. It really ticks me off that conservationists, scientists and governments dont to anything. It is really up to hobbyists to keep the species alive.
I am considering betta persephone, but would love other suggestions


@Retired Viking @Fishmanic @Byron @Deanasue @Colin_T

There are many species still being collected, illegally or not, that are threatened in the wild.

I would be careful of purposely looking to keep a threatened species however good the intent may be. The reasoning for this is A) If it’s a wild
caught specimen your purchase is just exacerbating this issue and B) If the specimen was bred on fish farm it’s availability within the hobby (and potential for scientific study) is already safe.

There are some aquarists keeping livebearing species that are extinct in the wild but the difference is that generations of these species had been in aquaria long before their wild demise.

 

[Crispii]

Ouch! $300 a pair!

A very typical price for macrostoma. Wild Bettas can be expensive.

 

[JuiceBox52]

There are many species still being collected, illegally or not, that are threatened in the wild.

I would be careful of purposely looking to keep a threatened species however good the intent may be. The reasoning for this is A) If it’s a wild
caught specimen your purchase is just exacerbating this issue and B) If the specimen was bred on fish farm it’s availability within the hobby (and potential for scientific study) is already safe.

There are some aquarists keeping livebearing species that are extinct in the wild but the difference is that generations of these species had been in aquaria long before their wild demise.

I am looking for non wild, privately bred specimens. So ones that are not commercially bred or widely spread. Definitely wont be getting wild caught

 

[Crispii]

Finding tank bred endangered specimens can be tricky and not to mention expensive.

 

[ChefAlex]

I am looking for non wild, privately bred specimens. So ones that are not commercially bred or widely spread. Definitely wont be getting wild caught

If you were able to find privately bred specimens to begin with wouldn’t their survivability already be safe though?

 

[JuiceBox52]

Not necessarily, say if only a few people are breeding them they would likely eventually die out, so many people are trying to spread out. It will no doubt be tricky but I think I can find something

If you were able to find privately bred specimens to begin with wouldn’t their survivability already be safe though?

 

[JuiceBox52]

Also, I would be looking for not quite endangered, say population declining, fish

 

[ChefAlex]

I suppose it’s possible. I do think it’s unlikey though given that if a person on a hobbyist level is able to source such a species chances are there are many other hobbyists, commercial breeders and scientific institutions that would have the same access as well.

 

[JuiceBox52]

I suppose it’s possible. I do think it’s unlikey though given that if a person on a hobbyist level is able to source such a species chances are there are many other hobbyists, commercial breeders and scientific institutions that would have the same access as well.

I agree, although the scientists dont seem to care so probably wouldn't even try to gain access at his point in time

 

[ChefAlex]

Maybe try some rare seasonal killifish or Mexican livebearers? Zebra plecos also come to mind with them now being on the CITES list and people having a tough time getting them to spawn.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Maybe try some rare seasonal killifish or Mexican livebearers? Zebra plecos also come to mind with them now being on the CITES list and people having a tough time getting them to spawn.

Do you think a pair of zebra plecos in a 42g long?

 

[Crispii]

Do you think a pair of zebra plecos in a 42g long?

Yes. Keep in mind that they are extremely expensive. Like a couple of hundred dollars. Not only that, but sexing them is difficult, which is why people buy them as a group and hope that they get a breeding pair.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Yes. Keep in mind that they are extremely expensive. Like a couple of hundred dollars.

Yup just trying to get a good variety of ideas

 

[ChefAlex]

A 42g would be fine for zebras. The price of L46’s is pretty high, many sell at $300/$400 each. They’re also very hard sex to the naked eye as juveniles. You would need a small group to ensure you would have male and female specimens. And spawning is extremely difficult, no one has been able to do it consistently hence the price tag.

 

[Colin_T]

What are the tank dimensions (length x width x height)?

What is the GH (general hardness), KH (carbonate hardness) and pH of your water supply?