Movie Prompting Demand for Clown Fish

by Maria A. Schulz

Finding Nemo, an animated movie about a search for a lost clown fish that recently began playing in theaters, is causing a dramatic increase in demand - especially among children - for pet clown fish.

The store in the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, which in the past sold a clown fish approximately once per month, is now selling one almost every day. In addition, the Finding Nemo tank has become the most popular attraction at the Museum.

According to National Aquarium in Baltimore aquarist Jill Forsbacka, clown fish have been popular among "home hobbyists" for some time, but haven’t commonly been kept as pets by children because the saltwater fish must be in tanks that are at least three times the size of most home aquariums.

The Marine Aquarium Council, which certifies fish made available for purchase in pet stores to help ensure that they are collected and transported safely, is urging all individuals who buy clown fish to care for them properly.

"The Council really wants us to keep fish and coral safe," said Alexander Gould, the 9-year-old boy who provided the voice for Nemo. "They are not saying it is bad to have an aquarium in your house - just that you should make sure when you buy fish for your aquarium...that they have been certified."

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.