Comparative analysis (1990-2014) of the ornamental fisheries in Amazonas department, Colombia

Abstract

This study describes today´s ornamental fish fishery at three localities of the Amazon Department, and compares it with information from similar studies done in the 90’s. Results indicate that 24 ornamental fish traders operate in the area marketing 93 species, while in the 90’s there were 18 ornamental fish traders that marketed 27 species. The most commercialized species haven’t changed since the 90’s, but traded volumes have doubled. The silver arawana (Osteoglosssum bicirrhosum), the blue discus (Symphysodon aequisfasciatus), the otocinclus (Otocinclus spp) and the corydoras (Corydoras spp), still remain as the most important species for the locals. Five new fishing gears where identified: the crossbow, snorkel and mask, the rapichel, the longline, and the needle hook. The arowana and discus fishing areas have changed in relation to the 90’s. The zone of Tarapacá should be a priority for future research that enable the establishment of more appropriate fishing quotas and closed seasons, as well for the development of conservation and management programs with the local communities. Given that most of the ornamental fishes merchandized by this region are coming from Brazil or Peru, it is important to develop trans-boundary strategies for their exploitation.

Keywords

• Recursos pesqueros
• Peces de acuario
• <em>Osteoglossum bicirrhosum<em>
• Cuenca amazónica