Download Romance is in the water at ZSL London Zoo

Press Release: 18/06/15
Contact: Christina Storey [email protected] or 0207 449 6288
Romance is in the water at ZSL London Zoo
Fish make small fry of tank move thanks to Pets at Home
ZSL London Zoo’s Aquarium has become a pool of passion with two species of rare fish
making the most of brand-new pads.
Endangered Rainbow Characodon, endemic to Mexico, and tiny Critically Endangered Corfu
Killifish, found only in Greece, have taken to their brand new tanks with gusto, leading to a
bumper brood of 50 tiny fry (fish babies).
Keepers believe the breeding success is down to the fish’s new tanks spicing up the waters.
The tanks and conditioning unit, donated by Pets at Home New Malden, have provided the
fish with the perfect conditions and inspired frisky feelings amongst the tenants.
With a whopping total of more than 100 new arrivals between the two species, the colourful
fish broods will grow from their currently tiny length of less than one centimetre to about six
centimetres long in adulthood.
Both of the freshwater species face extinction in the wild as their natural habitats are
becoming increasingly threatened by pollution and drainage of waterways to accommodate
for expanding human communities. They also face threats of predation from introduced
species such as the mosquitofish.
ZSL London Zoo Aquarist Alasdair Maltby said: “We’re thrilled that these fish have settled in
to their new homes so quickly. To have over 100 fry born in such a quick period shows us
just how happy and content they are – and are a great boost for the conservation breeding.”
“These two species have a long way to go when it comes to fighting the tide of extinction; but
the tiny new arrivals ensure we are one step closer to making small fry of that battle.
“Being able to help conserve these small but significant fish is fantastic and, by collaborating
with other zoos and aquariums across the world as part of ZSL’s Fish Net project, it’s great
that we’re able to work together for wildlife offering hope to species such as the Rainbow
Characodon and Corfu Killifish.”
Visitors to ZSL London Zoo can see hundreds of fish including seahorses, piranhas,
clownfish and giant gouramis at the Zoo’s world famous Aquarium, the hub of ZSL’s
international conservation projects to protect underwater life around the world. To find out
more visit www.zsl.org
-ENDSEditors’ Notes
Media Information
For more information please contact Christina Storey.
E: [email protected]
T: 0207 449 6288
ZSL Fish Net
Fish Net is a consortium of zoos, aquaria, research centres and universities, initiated by
ZSL, that aims to save vulnerable freshwater fish species from extinction. Our key focus
areas are in Greece, Turkey and Mexico. In each location, we follow a programme of habitat
surveys, monitoring, zoo breeding, population rescues and raising awareness for the most
threatened and neglected freshwater fish species. Of the 5096 freshwater species assessed
by the IUCN, 2506 are Threatened, and 688 Endangered, Critically Endangered or Extinct in
the wild. This global problem is primarily due to water pollution, damming and drainage of
waterways, and invasive species.
Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific,
conservation and educational charity whose mission is to promote and achieve the
worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. Our mission is realised through our
ground-breaking science, our active conservation projects in more than 50 countries and our
two Zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. For more information visit www.zsl.org
Notes to Editors:
Pets at Home
Pets at Home offers great products, tips and advice to keep your pet happy and healthy.
From specialist pet food to toys and training aids, there is everything a pet owner could wish
for and more. There are more than 400 Pets at Home stores across the UK. Log onto
www.petsathome.com to find your nearest store and for further information. Pets at Home
are proud winners of The Sunday Times Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work for in 2013.