Understanding behaviour to improve the welfare of an ornamental fish
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2021 |
Authors: |
Manuela Lombardi Brandão, Felipe Dorigão‐Guimarães, Marcela Cesar Bolognesi, Ana Carolina dos Santos Gauy, André Vitor Salinas Pereira, Lethicia Vian, Thais Billalba Carvalho, Eliane Gonçalves‐de‐Freitas |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Fish Biology |
Keywords: |
Angelfish, cognitive ability, environmental enrichment, feeding, reproduction, social interaction |
ISBN: |
0022-1112 |
Abstract:
Some common practices in aquaculture, ornamental trade, and fish facilities may disturb the behavioural repertoire of fish and its natural adaptive value, reducing welfare and unsettling fish production. Hence, it is necessary to understand individuals’ behaviour, as well as the factors affecting it, in order to improve their quality of life. Here, we reviewed the behaviour of the angelfish Pterophyllum scalare, an Amazonian cichlid used worldwide both as an ornamental fish and as a fish model in scientific research. We characterized social, reproductive, feeding behaviour, as wells as the amazing cognitive ability of the angelfish. In addition, we reviewed the effects of environmental enrichment and suggested some important variables that need to be considered for rearing P. scalare. In this review, we showed for the first time a synthesis on behaviour and a best practice overview to improve the welfare of angelfish. Nonetheless, most topics reviewed fit a broader set of fish species, particularly ornamental ones. This synthesis can, therefore, open a path for further behavioural research applied to the welfare of angelfish and bring insights to other fish species.