Aquariofilia no Brasil: identificação dos aquariofilistas e as principais características da atividade em água doce

Abstract

The fishkeeping has been gaining popularity in the world, where in the last four years was moved almost 1.4 billion dollars in exports and about 1.2 billion dollars in imports of ornamental aquatic organisms.The fishes are being announced as the favorite pet among Brazilians, ahead of cats and only behind the dogs. Used as hobby for recreational, and decorative purposes, the aquarium can be used in scientific research, and teaching tool, corroborating directly with conservation efforts of natural resources and endangered species, in addition to a huge economic potential. Despite its great potential, little is known about the fishkeeping in Brazil and the profile of its practitioners. Thus, this study aimed to identify the main features of the fishkeeping, and the socioeconomic profile of its practitioners through questionnaires via social media applications. The results showed a predominance of males, public aged between 20-40 years living in the capitals and, with dominance by individuals whose family income is between 2-10 minimum wage. Most aquarists began practice through family having Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) as the first fish. Half the brazilians has only one aquarium at home, where Plecos (LORICARIIDAE) are the most common fish in aquariums Brazilian and invertebrates appear in greater numbers. Discus (Symphysodon spp.) had emphasis as favorite fish and the Arowanas (OSTEOGLOSSIDAE) are the most wanted fish by brazlians fishkeepers. Among the obstacles that hinder the practice of the fishkeeping highlights were the high cost of equipment and products, and high values in the energy cost. Keeping of some prohibited species, hybrids and release of fishes in natural environment was observed. We conclude that research aimed contextualize the main features of fishkeeping and the profile of its practitioners are of paramount importance for the full development of the activity.