Psychological and social well-being of bony fishes in zoos and aquariums
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Research on the behaviour of animals in zoos has been conducted for decades, and observations have provided information that has improved the psychological and social well-being of animals. However, research on fishes in zoos and aquariums seems to be lacking. Here, we assess the current state of research on fishes in zoos and aquariums by surveying the peer-reviewed literature. Our assessment differs from previous surveys in that we examine the taxonomic classes Chondrichthyes (sharks and rays) and Osteichthyes (bony fishes) separately. Our survey finds that bony fishes have been drastically underrepresented in zoo journals, more drastically than chondrichthyans, revealing an urgent need for zoos and aquariums to conduct research on the behaviour of the bony fishes in their care to ensure a positive state of psychological and social well-being. We conclude that data-driven analyses of fish behaviour could aid in the development of evidence-based practices that enhance the well-being of bony fishes in zoos and aquariums, just as they already do for terrestrial animals.
Source: Animal Sentience
Authors: Ronald G Oldfield, Patrick Bonano
Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4403649427