Environmental enrichment in aquarium fish

Abstract

The enhancement of an environmental enrichment program for aquarium fish involved systematic observation, meticulous planning, and the development of species-specific enrichments. The overarching objective was to optimize the fish's welfare by simulating their natural habitat and facilitating the expression of innate behaviours. The program encompassed a comprehensive observation phase to discern the specific needs of the fish, followed by strategic planning, evaluating and creating of tailored enrichments, such as dynamic feeding systems, shelter options, and opportunities for social interaction. Rigorous monitoring and finetuning were applied during the implementation to ensure the effectiveness of the program. In summary, all the enrichments were carefully tailored for each specific species, resulting in high effectiveness and excellent acceptance without any negative effects. Consequently, we can conclude that environmental enrichment should be designed and personalized for each species and, if necessary, for each individual to maximize its efficacy.