There is a higher calling to fish-keeping that many aquarists take pride in – the preservation of threatened, endangered and even extinct (in the wild) fish species in their home aquariums.

Maintaining these fish in captivity ensures that they will be available for reintroduction, albeit a remote possibility. Perhaps most importantly, we can use their captive existence to create awareness and educate children, adults and industries.  I also enjoy showing them off to guests and taking the opportunity to tell them all about the project.

We have maintained several threatened fish species over the years, with a focus on Mexican Goodeid species.  Goodeids are a livebearing fish that have suffered greatly from irresponsible development and poor waste management in their native waters.  Currently we maintain two Goodeid species thought to be extinct in the wild, Skiffia multipunctata and Skiffia francesae.

Other fish species may be threatened by irresponsible collection practices for the aquarium trade.  In these cases, it’s important to establish captive breeding to eliminate the demand for wild specimens.  Our Betta simplex is a species that falls into this category.

Some online research will soon bring you to fish-keeping communities and clubs that work to promote conservation endeavors for a wide variety of species groups.  These may include Livebearers, Killifish, Cichlids, Bettas, Catfish, Rainbowfish,  marine fish species, and more.

The purpose of the C.A.R.E.S. Preservation Program is to encourage hobbyists worldwide to devote fish tank space to one or more species at risk, while forming an information network between aquarists, scientists, and conservationists.  The C.A.R.E.S. Preservation Program maintains a very impressive Conservation Priority Species at Risk List, designed specifically for fish-keepers who would like to maintain populations of threatened fish in their aquariums.

Claudia Dickinson, C.A.R.E.S. Program Coordinator, provided us with additional information about their priority list.

“The CARES Conservation Priority Species at Risk List is a continual work in progress and, unfortunately, growing. Special note must be paid to the word “priority.” Each species that appears on the CARES List goes through a careful screening process and must pass the final approval of renowned ichthyologist and celebrated conservation champion, Dr. Paul Loiselle, for which the American Cichlid Association’s Paul V. Loiselle Conservation Fund is named after.

It is important to understand that virtually *all* species of fish are “at-risk.” As Dr. Loiselle will tell you, in reality, unless either their habitat is under particular anthropogenic pressure or they are either being over-exploited for the aquarium trade or are the victims of accidental by-catch, they are not listed. Any species classified as either Low Risk or Globally Extinct do not appear on the List, as our resources are limited to be expending them on those in the first category, and there is, unfortunately, nothing that we can do for those that are extinct. The list is long, and depressing enough without adding unnecessarily to it!

It is very important to also note that species which are not available to hobbyists for regulatory reasons, and are unlikely to become so any time in the foreseeable future, are not included on the list. The CARES Preservation Program recognizes only those fishes that are within the bounds of all laws, both foreign and domestic. Those fishes that are not suitable for the home aquarium are also not included on the list. Again, there is little point in making the list any longer than is practically necessary.

Having been in the jungles of South America several times myself, and observing these fishes in their native habitats, I can tell you that, yes, we do need to feel concern. However, almost all of the species of Madagascar, Lake Victoria, the crater lakes of western Africa, and many of the fishes of Central America are in dire need of our immediate attentions.”

You do not have to be an advanced fish-keeper to maintain many of these species.  You should be knowledgeable about fish-keeping in general, which is as easy as going to the library and searching the Internet. Then you will have to learn as much as you can about the species you choose to keep, including:

• What size of aquarium they require
• Their environmental & habitat requirements
• Their optimum diet
• Breeding information

Breeding may be very easy or require more knowledge and effort, depending on the species.  Once you have an established population, you can sell or give away the offspring, or trade for more species.

It isn’t always easy to find threatened fish for the home aquarium, but it’s certainly possible if you know where to look.  Local fish clubs can open doors to fish that need our help.

??? Have you ever kept threatened fish?  What would it take to make you try it?

Maintaining threatened fish populations in home aquariums will be a series of sorts here on the All Natural Pet Care blog, including specific species information.  We hope that this inspires more people to participate in species maintenance, and wish for a future in which it will no longer be necessary.

✔ You may also be interested in reading:
Natural Prevention and Treatment of Aquarium Fish Parasites
Natural Prevention and Treatment of Constipation / Bloat in Freshwater Fish
The Natural Diet of Omni-Insectivorous Aquarium Fish
Benefits of Montmorillonite Clay for Pond and Aquarium Fish

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