Domestication de nouvelles espéces d'int́rêt piscicole en Amazonie

Abstract

The diversity of fish fauna in Amazonia is one of the most extensive of the planet with approximately 2,500 species listed and an estimate of more than 5,000 and even 6,000 if one considers South America, Central America and the Caribbean. In spite of this great ichthyological diversity, the pisciculture production of "introduced" or "alien" species is higher than that of autochthonous ones. The necessity of developing fish farming of local species came to light upon consideration of the stagnation of fresh water fish captures and even the regression for some of the most highly required species on the Amazonian and South American markets. For over ten years one has observed a continuous rise in the pisciculture production of Amazonian species, particularly Colossoma macropomum, Piaractus brachypomus and their hybrids, and more recently an ornamental-fish-based aquaculture. At present, a few tens of species for consumption have been identified as good candidates for fish farming and among them approximately ten are being subjected to a process of domestication even if the progress reports remain highly contrasted according to the species. The necessary and desirable development of fish farming will have to be accompanied by clear and applicable codes of conduct in order to allow sustainable development of this activity, respectful of the environment and especially hydrous and biological resources. © 2007 John Libbey Eurotext - All rights reserved.