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.
The organisation is using a dynamic programme of captive breeding, education and outreach, research and field conservation initiatives in a number of target countries. Fish Net will provide the only option to save many critically endangered fishes that are on the brink of extinction.
Read about Fish Net
Troubled Waters
The plight of freshwater fish is extremely serious, though receives little publicity. 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.
Read about threats to freshwater fish
Our Species
Fish Net is focusing on species of killifish and livebearers that are critically endangered or extinct in the wild. They are notable for inhabiting harsh environments and are often considered important indicators for ecosystem health.
- Anatolian killifish
- Azraq killifish
- Bluetail goodea
- Butterfly goodeid
- Chapultepec splitfin
- Corfu toothcarp
- Crescent zoe
- Dead Sea killifish
- Golden skiffia
- Polka-dot splitfin
- Potosi Pupfish
- Rainbow characodon
Many of these species are being bred at the ZSL Aquarium
Captive Breeding at ZSL
As the leading organisation in Fish Net, ZSL runs breeding programmes for freshwater fish species on the brink of extinction. The Aquarium at ZSL London Zoo breeds 14 species, including the Corfu killifish, Mexican pupfish and livebearers, 5 of which are extinct in the wild. You can see this critical breeding work in action at the Zoo.
Read about breeding at ZSL Aquarium
Our Partners
ZSL works with other Fish Net organisations within Europe and target countries to carry out its multi-faceted conservation strategies:
Featured species
(image © Heiko Kaerst) The Potosi pupfish
, Cyprinodon alvarezi, has made it in to the BIAZA 'Top ten species dependent on BIAZA zoos'
for 2012. This is because this species is extinct in the wild, existing only in breeding programmes like that at ZSL London Zoo Aquarium. Find out about the Potosi pupfish
