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Understanding behaviour to improve the welfare of an ornamental fish
Author(s) -
Brandão Manuela Lombardi,
DorigãoGuimarães Felipe,
Bolognesi Marcela Cesar,
Gauy Ana Carolina Dos Santos,
Pereira André Vitor Salinas,
Vian Lethicia,
Carvalho Thais Billalba,
GonçalvesdeFreitas Eliane
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/jfb.14802
Subject(s) - biology , cichlid , ornamental plant , fish <actinopterygii> , aquaculture , fishery , fish farming , ecology , zoology
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 impairing fish production. Hence, it is necessary to understand fish behaviour, as well as the factors affecting it, to improve the quality of fish's life under artificial environment. 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 and feeding behaviour, as well 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 show for the first time a synthesis on behaviour and a best practice overview to improve the welfare of angelfish as a target species. 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.