Husbandry of a Lake Victoria cichlid, the Pitch‐black fulu Haplochromis piceatus, in public aquariums: a 20 year retrospective

Abstract

The Lake Victoria haplochromine cichlids comprise a unique 'species flock' of over 500 historic species, of which perhaps only half still exist because of the introduction of invasive species and eutrophication of the Lake. Dr Les Kaufman supervised the establishment of captive populations of those cichlids he was able to acquire from Africa and Europe by developing the first North American regional studbook. Long-term propagation of these fish was then undertaken by public aquariums in Europe and North America. One species, the Pitch-black fulu Haplochromis piceatus, stands out as it has thrived at public aquariums and within the organizational structure of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plans. These cooperative breeding programmes focus on the conservation of select species of threatened animals. Captive populations of H. piceatus at public aquariums in the United States show a relatively slow loss of genetic diversity. Additionally, fish in at least two breeding programmes show a higher than expected heterozygosity, indicating that these programmes are successfully keeping their fish from inbreeding. The husbandry and genetic management of this population of fish is outlined, hopefully providing useful information for nascent breeding programmes of other aquatic species at zoos and aquariums around the world.

Status and prospects of the ornamental fish industry in Kenya

“…For freshwater fish, ex situ conservation may be necessary in certain situations where maintaining a population in their natural habitat keeps them from going extinct and acts as a ‘insurance policy’ while the main risks are being managed (Reid et al., 2013). One example of how research can directly benefit conservation is the Lake Victoria Cichlid Fishes Species Survival Plan (LVSSP) issued by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 2012 (Hemdal, 2012). Established in 1994, the LVSSP of the AZA Freshwater Fish Taxon Advisory Group aims to preserve the native fishes and habitats of Lake Victoria‐Kyoga (Reid et al., 2013).…”

Psychological and social well‐being of bony fishes in zoos and aquariums

“…Articles were limited to topics such as disease (Routh, 2013) and general husbandry (Hemdal & McMullin, 2013).…”

“…In the special issue of International Zoo Yearbook dedicated to freshwater fishes and their conservation (McGregor Reid, 2013), out of 11 articles not 1 of them addressed psychological and social well‐being. Articles were limited to topics such as disease (Routh, 2013) and general husbandry (Hemdal & McMullin, 2013).…”

Introduction to Freshwater Fishes and Their Conservation

“…This has operated a Lake Victoria Cichlids Species Survival Plan (LVSSP, East Africa) since 1994, initially in collaboration with the IUCN‐SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group. The AZA LVSSP was established to help conserve the endemic ‘flock’ of 500 or more indigenous haplochromine cichlid species threatened in Lake Victoria‐Kyoga (Hemdal, ; Hemdal & McMullin, ; see also Reid, , for a similar earlier programme in Europe). Working harmoniously between the Lake and public aquariums, the LVSSP serves as an excellent example of a necessary international integration of in situ and ex situ activities.…”

“…The Pitch‐black fulu Haplochromis piceatus is one prioritized species that has been rescued from the Lake, and which has been successfully managed and bred in public aquariums for some 20 years. Hemdal & McMullin () provide a management review for this ‘model’ species and note, encouragingly, that inbreeding depression in populations has been avoided and that a natural genetic diversity has, in large measure, been maintained. Another fine example of an integrated approach is given by Maitland & Lyle () of the Fish Conservation Centre (http://www.taysidebiodiversity.co.uk).…”