Eco-Friendly Fishkeeping

As a hobby, fishkeeping commands respect for the natural world. When I first began keeping fish ten years ago, I didn't anticipate how profoundly the hobby would impact my desire to protect the natural world. When we see harmonious ecosystems flourishing in our own homes, they act as a gentle reminder of our fragile planet's endless beauty. Given this, it isn't surprising that most aquarists are conscientious of our hobby's impact on the natural world. Without conservation, the Great Barrier Reef, the Amazon River, and Lake Victoria-- some of the sources of the world's most beautiful plants and animals-- may vanish from the planet forever.

Fortunately, the fishkeeping hobby doesn't have to exploit the wild, natural world-- in fact, careful aquarists can actually use their hobby to advance conservation efforts. Setting up a eco-friendly aquarium is no simple task, but it can be a rewarding experience. With a sustainable microcosm in your own living room, you can enjoy ornamental fish without abusing their natural habitats.

The Freshwater Choice

Many environmentalists cringe when they consider the environmental impact of the saltwater aquarium industry. While it is possible to create a conscientious reef setup, the task is daunting. Unlike freshwater ornamental fish, which are usually captive-bred, saltwater fish are usually wild-caught using unsustainable fishing techniques. In many parts of the world, ornamental fish are captured using cyanide, which seriously damages reef ecosystems and kills many of the captive fish.

Reefers are entitled to their own choices, but there is no doubt that the wild-sourced saltwater fish industry wreaks havoc on the environment. In general, freshwater fish are hardier and easier to breed in captivity, so green-thinking aquarists often choose to forgo the ecological complications associated with saltwater. For the sake of simplicity, the remainder of this article deals primarily with the environmental implications of freshwater aquaria.

Dwindling Populations

To select truly sustainable specimens, aquarists may have to forgo some of their favorite species-- or pay top-dollar for captive-bred fish. Some of the most common ornamental species are finicky about breeding in captivity, so wild populations have dwindled. One sad example of this is the dwarf loach (Y. sidthimunki) is critically endangered due to overfishing for the aquarium trade. Because remaining specimens are so severely inbred, this two-inch cyprinid will almost certainly become extinct in the immediate future.

The dwarf loach isn't the only freshwater fish that may soon disappear. The beautiful White Cloud Mountain minnow (T. albonubes) is also critically endangered. Breeding efforts have slowed the decline of this fish's wild population, but it still faces the serious and imminent threat of extinction. Another tiny gem, the celestial pearl danio (C. margaritatus) was nearly eradicated only a few years after its discovery, but has also been rescued through the efforts of dedicated breeders.

Other endangered, threatened, and conservation-dependent freshwater aquarium fish include favorites like the dwarf pufferfish, twosaddle corydoras, cherry barb, Endler's livebearer, zebra pleco, Asian arowana, and dozens of species of African and South American cichlid. These beauties are haunted not only by overzealous fishing for the aquarium trade, but also by habitat destruction and invasive species. Responsible aquarists may choose to support businesses that sell only captive-bred specimens of these beautiful creatures.

The Good News

While the fishkeeping hobby has left a negative mark on some fish populations, it has also been a helpful aspect of conservation. Lake Victoria has lost many of its endemic cichlids due to population pressures, pollution, and invasive species, and cichlid enthusiasts have been especially active in fund-raising and education to save the lake. Additionally, many saltwater fishkeepers are actively involved in efforts to halt the destruction of coral reefs. By spreading interest in ornamental fish, hobbyists call attention to the plight of wild aquatic ecosystems.

In some cases, even wild-caught fish may actually help the environment. The cardinal tetra (P. axelrodi) has an abundant wild population and breeds prolifically in its natural South American environment. Natives of the Orinoco and Negro river areas harvest these beautiful fish for use in the aquarium trade-- an opportunity that allows them to earn income without resorting to deforestation. The cardinal tetra has been touted as a "Fair Trade" aquarium resident: it provides employment for indigenous populations and, in doing so, helps save the rainforest.

Aquarists can help save wild ecosystems by supporting local stores that carry captive-bred and sustainably caught fish. Dedicated breeders may also choose to spawn, raise, and sell species that are endangered or threatened with endangerment. In doing so, they help to preserve wild populations and encourage respect for the natural world. Conscientious fishkeeping is the first step toward protecting the creatures we love.

The Carbon Fin-Print

Fish tanks themselves can have a significant impact on the planet. Light fixtures, heaters, and filtration systems all require a constant input of electricity-- and, for most of us, our electricity is sourced in fossil-fuels. High energy needs threaten local and global ecosystems, some aquarists choose tank set-ups that will require the least amount of electricity. Over time, energy-efficient tanks can save both carbon and money.

Most ornamental fish are endemic to tropical regions, so a heater is usually viewed as a necessity for keeping a viable, healthy aquarium. However, several ornamental fish species are capable of thriving in colder waters, and some even prefer them. To conserve energy, conscientious aquarists may choose a cold-water tank stocked with hardy, cold-tolerant species like zebra danios, pearl danios, golden barbs, Buenos Aires tetras, and bloodfin tetras. Many cyprinids, including goldfish and rosy barbs, actually prefer cooler temperatures.

Lighting fixtures can also increase an aquarium's carbon requirements. Fortunately, inefficient incandescent bulbs are only rarely used in home aquaria. Most aquarists instead choose fluorescent, compact-fluorescent, metal halide, and LED fixtures. These are far more energy-efficient and provide a more complete spectrum for growing benthic plants. Still, to minimize the amount of energy needed, some fishkeepers choose to leave lights on for the minimum amount of time required by the plants in the tank.

Other Considerations

We often fail to consider the ecological implications of "minor" choices in aquascaping-- like what kind of driftwood to buy or which form of substrate we should use. Unfortunately, aquarium decorations are responsible for a large portion of the hobby's ecological impact. While there are no across-the-board rules for choosing sustainable aquarium decorations, it is generally best to select natural, minimally processed, and minimally packaged options.

While plastic aquarium ornaments can be good choices for beginning aquarists, they are not always the most ecologically sound option. These decorations are highly processed and require massive amounts of fossil fuels. However, driftwood, live plants, and natural rock can be very sustainable options-- and they're less likely to contain synthetic contaminants and dyes. The rustic appearance of a natural aquarium pays homage to nature, while also helping to protect the environment.

Fishkeeping is a magical hobby: no other interest can provide millions of people the opportunity to peek into the hidden windows of the natural world. Aquaria are tiny dioramas--glimpses of a world that few land-bound creatures have an opportunity to observe. If we choose to keep ornamental fish in our homes, we should also choose to protect the world we share with them.