By IANS,
New Delhi : The union environment ministry Wednesday drafted new rules for breeding, selling and display of fish in aquariums in the country.
The Rules for the Housing and Breeding of aquarium fish apply to shop keepers and aquarium keepers as well as anyone who keeps fish for public display. They do not apply to fish caught and sold for food.
“Breeding and selling of aquarium fish has become big business. In this process coral reefs have been damaged and many fish brought to near extinction. There is a tendency to regard fish as non-beings therefore they are sold as commodities, kept in unsuitable ways and in unsuitable places,” the ministry stated.
Under the rules, inspectors can visit the aquariums for regular checks.
The rules will ensure that people keeping or selling fish must have knowledge and a good understanding of the species-specific requirements of the animals, the ministry said.