Wild Caught Fish in the Freshwater Aquarium

A Costly Mistake for Inexperienced Fishkeepers

Aug 25, 2008

Koi Breeding and Growing Facility in Israel, Hazorea Aquatics

Wild caught fish are very desirable due to their brilliant colors but they also have a high price tag. It is a big risk for people who are new to the aquarium hobby.

In today’s aquarium hobby, almost every freshwater tropical fish has been bred in captivity. Many countries have set up fish farms, also known as aquaculture facilities, in order to avoid depleting fish from their native habitat. It is more cost effective for fish stores to buy livestock from fish farms.

Why Wild Caught Fish are Popular

Wild caught fish usually have brighter colors than farmed fish; therefore, they show very well in an aquarium.
Many aquarists are in search of exotic fish because it’s considered a status symbol among their peers.
Wild caught fish have a high re-sell value. For example, a rare Red Arrowana can sell for up to $5,000.
Breeding wild caught fish can be a money-maker for aquarists.
It is perceived as a conservation effort by saving the fish from predators and other hazards in their habitat.

Requirements for Raising Wild Caught Fish

Research and learn all that there is to know about the species. For example:

Water temperature and water conditions such as the pH and hardness
Diseases which are common to the species and the prescribed treatment
Dietary requirements for regular feeding and supplementary meals
Compatibility with other fish, if placed in a community tank
Tank requirements such as hiding places or type of substrate

The Downside of Raising Wild Caught Fish

Fish are being removed from their natural habitat; therefore, the potential for breeding and maintaining the fish population is lessened.
An inexperienced aquarist may not be able to keep the fish alive so the loss of life can also be a financial loss.
Some fish naturally have a short life span and others are longer so it’s best to research the species.
Wild caught fish can harbor more parasites and are not as hardy as farmed fish.

If you choose to buy wild caught fish, be sure the seller has the correct paper work and the species of fish is allowed to be sold in your country. There are unscrupulous dealers who are smuggling fish. If you are in possession of illegal fish, you are subject to a fine and the seizure of your fish.

Wild caught fish are attractive because of their vibrant colors but their rarity and the related shipping costs make them pricey. They are much more difficult to keep in captivity and any losses are very costly.

Only an experienced aquarist should raise wild caught fish. In addition, the impact of removing fish from their natural habitat is something that needs to be considered.

National Geographic Megafishes Project

Youth Involvement in Fish Farming

The copyright of the article Wild Caught Fish in the Freshwater Aquarium in Aquariums is owned by Douglas DuHamel. Permission to republish Wild Caught Fish in the Freshwater Aquarium in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.