The impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on export of lacustrine African cichlids and ornamental fishkeeping in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Ornamental aquaculture is an economically important sector with millions of enthusiasts over the planet. Many countries produce and export animals designated for the aquarium trade. According to the historical aspects, the Czech Republic remains one of the major producers of freshwater aquarium animals. Here we evaluate the trade impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamic of the export of captive-bred lacustrine African cichlids from the Czech Republic. Via questionnaire survey, we also addressed how the numbers of ornamental fishkeepers changed. The export volume of individual fish increased by 50% between 2018 and 2019 with most fish delivered to Thailand, South Korea and Hong Kong. Exports declined between 2019 and 2023 and number of individuals were back to 2018 levels while 33% fewer species were shipped in 2023 compared to 2018. The popularity of ornamental fishkeeping remains high with 1:11 (9%) people owning at least one indoor aquarium at home. Thus, a negative impact of the pandemic was not observed in the Czech Republic and the trade seems steady. Also, the popularity of ornamental fishkeeping remains high and has not been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Further monitoring of the aquarium trade and livestock is necessary to track how the trade may change as other global stressors occur.

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