WHAT IS FISH WELFARE? It is a concept that mean different things to different people.
They may be categorised into 3 main ideas:
1. Feelings-based definition :- where good welfare requires fish to feel good experiences and be free from negative experiences such as pain or fear.
2. Function-based definition :- where good welfare requires fish to be in good health, meaning growing well, free from disease, breeds and eats.
3. Nature-based definition :- where good welfare requires fish to be able to lead a natural life and express the full repertoire of behaviour they show in the wild.
What ever your definition, you would agree with me that the following provisions makes reasonable sense.
Freedom from THIRST, HUNGER, MALNUTRITION - fish should be kept in water of the appropriate biotype and given food in sufficient quantity and of suitable composition (e.g. protein, ballast, etc). and presentation (food size, speed of sinking, etc.).
Freedom from THERMAL and PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT - fish should be kept in water suitable to their preference range (e.g. ponds in shady areas, heaters or chillers used for aquaria).
Freedom from INJURY and DISEASE - fish suffering from ill-health should be given prompt medical attention.
Freedom to display most normal patterns of BEHAVIOUR - fish should be provided with sufficient space and hides depending on the species and suitable tank mates.
Freedom from FEAR and DISTRESS - fish homes should be positioned in a suitable part of the building/garden, avoiding excessive noise and protected from predatory animals.
Fish should be given adequate space to be able to exercise and display their natural behaviours. As a rule of thumb, the optimal stocking densities in mature tanks would be in:
Freshwater tropical: 1cm of fish per litre;
Marine tropical and freshwater coldwater: 1cm of fish per 2 litres;
Territorial cichlids: 10-12x body length in diameter of floor space.
*Please note that these are only rules of thumb. The ratios will vary depending on filtration type and efficiency and also the species of fish and the mixes involved (Central American and non-Amazonian cichlids exhibit more intense territorial behaviour since they come from permanent waters as compared to the Amazonians where seasonal flooding occurs).
Guidelines for fish euthanasia.
American Veterinary Medical Association.
Aquatic Animal Welfare Guidelines
National Aquaculture Council
For species specific fact sheets, click on the left frame link: "Why bring a HEALTHY fish to TheFishVet?"