The releases of “Finding Nemo” and “Shark Tale,” two animated movies starring fish, have helped generate a tidal wave of interest in fish-keeping among children. They’ve also helped give aquarium retailers new responsibilities for educating a whole new generation of potential aquarists.

“Children are coming into our stores, dragging their parents by the hand, to see our sharks,” said Debbie May, director of communications for Petland Inc. (Chillicothe, Ohio). “[In 2003,] everyone wanted Nemo, the cute little [clownfish]. Now they’re in here looking for Oscar, Don, Lino, Frankie and a host of other shark characters. We’re excited to see whole families interested in keeping aquarium fish, but we also have a huge obligation to educate them about proper aquatic husbandry and what to expect from the fish in their care.”

Most fish retailers know that marine shark species are not suited to home aquariums, but many children do not. Fortunately, a freshwater alternative is available.

“There are some freshwater species of fish called ‘sharks’ because of similar body shapes and fins,” said marine biologist Bill Wymard, director of business improvement for Petland’s Aquarium Adventure stores. For example, he said, iridescent sharks and tricolor sharks are easy to keep in home aquariums.

“We teach our hobbyists what species can be paired together, and some species of freshwater sharks are among them,” Wymard continued.

Regardless which fish character draws new customers into pet stores,
retailers often become the first to teach children about fish.

“It’s rewarding and it’s a learning experience for mom, dad and the kids,” May said. “It’s an interesting life-long hobby.” [January 2005 PET AGE]