Stephen M. Miller Mark A.

Mitchell

C H A P T E R

ORNAMENTAL FISH
FRESHWATER
It would be impossible and impractical to categorize every species of freshwater sh in a single book chapter, so we will present information about the two major groups of sh that are commonly kept in the captivity (freshwater temperate and tropical species) and refer to them as a general classication of bony shes known as Actinopterygii. In addition, we will also provide more detailed information regarding three of the important groups of captive freshwater shes: catsh, cichlids, and cyprinids.

Ornamental sh present an unusual paradox in that they are both well known and unknown to veterinarians. These animals are well known because they can be seen every day in the home aquarium, ornamental pond, pet store, and public aquarium,1 while at the same time they are unknown because knowledge regarding their health care is limited (e.g., in the areas of antibiotic residuals, antibiotic resistance, emerging diseases, antiquated or undocumented diagnostic and surgical techniques, and pain management issues). The purpose of this chapter is to address some of the current and former issues related to the health and well-being of ornamental sh.

Freshwater Temperate Fish

COMMON SPECIES KEPT IN CAPTIVITY

Fish represent the largest class of vertebrates, with more than 20,000 different species. This group also represents the largest number of species kept in captivity. While there may be tens or even hundreds of different species from another class of vertebrates kept in captivity, there are likely more than 1000 different species of sh that have been maintained in captivity. A visit to a local pet store will often reveal 50 to 100 different species of sh available for sale at any given time. There are three major groups of sh kept in captivity: freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater. The fundamental difference among the three groups is the relative density of the water in which they live. Some sh can move between freshwater to brackish water or saltwater to brackish water, but relatively few sh can live in the two extremes (freshwater and saltwater). The various physiologic and anatomic characteristics among freshwater and saltwater sh will be addressed in the following sections.

Most of the major taxonomic groups are represented by the freshwater temperate species.2 For many, this group represents the species commonly considered as sport sh in the United States. The most common genera of freshwater temperate shes maintained in captivity include the sturgeon (Acipenser spp.) (Figure 4-1), paddlesh (Polyodon spathula), eels (Anguilla spp.), pike (Esox spp.), bass (Micropterus spp.), sunsh (Lepomis spp.), walleye (Sander vitreus), mullet (Mugil spp.), spotted sea trout (Cynoscion spp.), salmonids, and cyprinids. Although many of these sh are raised by hobbyists, the majority of these species require much larger systems as might be represented in a public aquarium display. Consult an introductory ichthyology text for a more detailed description of the major taxonomic groups of freshwater temperate sh.

Freshwater Tropical Fish

Freshwater tropical sh represent the largest numbers of animals typically found in home aquaria. Generally, this group of shes is readily available for a small to moderate investment

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