Proposed Listing Of The Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion Percula) Under The U.S. Endangered Species Act: What It Means, And What Aquarists Need To Know (Part 2)

By Chris Jury

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As discussed in Part 1 of this series, in September, 2012 the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) petitioned the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to list the Percula clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and seven other damselfish species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). The review for the Caribbean Yellowtail damselfish (Microspathadon chrysurus) has not yet been released. After review of the petition and internal scientific review, NMFS failed to find substantial evidence suggesting that listing was warranted for the six Indo-Pacific damselfish species. In contrast, NMFS recently released a 90-day finding regarding the Percula clownfish because the petition and NMFS’s internal scientific review yielded substantial information suggesting that listing A. percula under the ESA could be warranted. NMFS is now seeking public testimony which they will consider when determining whether or not A. percula merits listing under the ESA and if so, how the ESA should be applied to protect this species.

ESA listing of this species could have a profound impact on the marine aquarium hobby. Percula clownfish are extremely popular aquarium fish and one of the most commonly captive bred marine ornamental species today. At this point, the possible outcomes of the …read more

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