Fish are an integral part of any eco system. Over 2 billon humans rely on fish as their primary source of protein. In most cases they represent the highest portion of the trophic structure in aquatic eco systems. Many other animals as well as bacteria (the majority of all life) depend on fish (or byproducts of fish) for their survival. The annual gross for fish catch globally in 2006 totaled almost 150 million tonnes, grossing over 58 billion dollars in global trade. Every year in the south Pacific (notoriously Philippine) islanders dump scores of cyanide into the ocean to stun fish and reap profitable harvests. Fortunately one fish there is less demand for are wild caught anemone fish, or "Nemos" for all you depraved idiots out there.
It isn't because the movie has become less popular, in fact the epidemic continues infecting scores of toddlers in every generation since it's debuted in late July 2003. The movie grossed over 864 million worldwide. If not for the advancement of marine aquaria in the late 80's and development of techniques to captive breed these fishes, it would not be beyond my own doubts to voyeur a near, if not complete extinction of this species (amphipheron percula/ocellaris) by this point.
By way of comparison, in the aquarium industry clown fish go for 300-400 dollars per pound, or approximately 15-20 per individual (supposing they were adult clownfish). Although these fishes are kept and cherished by thousands of marine aquarium hobbyists, professionals, breeders, and researchers, they have been poorly exploited and marketed toward children and inexperienced adults who have (albeit good intention) no idea, background, interest, or ability to care for these live stock. Millions of clown fish have perished to this tune, and such will continue I assure you.
Since we have eliminated the pressure on wild eco systems, we are complacent with the mistreatment and ignorant slaughter of these fishes. Most environmentalists, humanitarians, and marine biologists would struggle with the thought of that end.
Most people set up an aquarium with a clever disposition, supposing that they will "figure it out," those who read and educate themselves within the discipline (ie pH, kH, ORP, salinity, nitrogen cycling, etc.) continue with an understanding and appreciation of their own accomplishments. Although most, (especially those at the mercy of their children) hastily proceed with some falsely preconceived notion of aquarium essentials. Some of them even get lucky (which works much to my dismay). These novice aquarist know little about care and husbandry of anemone fishes, furthermore they insist on overstocking aquariums, something that can only be safely accomplished by diligent aquarist who perform regular checks and water changes.
The real danger of this situation is the depletion of wild fishes that are typically tank mates for "Nemo." For starters, only 2-4 small (3-5" maximum) marine fish can be easily maintained in a typical 30 gallon aquarium. The most common clown fish tank mates in descending order (by novice preference) are; dori (blue tang) 12-14", bubbles (Hawaiian yellow tang) 7-9", flo (royal gramma basslet) 2-3", and Gill (Moorish Idol) 10-12". Most of the staff in local fish stores (and especially unwitting, uneducated staffers in large petstore retail outlets) will allow people to stock a 30 gallon tank with these fishes, with the upgrade excuse. "Dori is only 3 inches now, we'll upgrade when she gets bigger." This rarely happens, furthermore tangs are some of the most delicate marine fish, serving the intermediate aquarist as a "biological indicator." Don't even get me started with the husbandry injustices done to the Moorish Idol zanclus cornutus or "Gill," a majestic fish which, due to its finicky appetite, should only be kept by expert aquarists in nothing less than a 300 gallon live reef system (even then most are doomed, as their 1 year survival rate is dismal).
The companies who market this and profit because of it are the ones to blame for this phenomenon really. Nemo's characture can be found on all sorts of products, from aquarium kits (which are not marine equipped), fish foods, and household products. Companies such as Tetramin feature Nemo's image upon 10 gallon aquarium kits (a perilous size for a novice aquarist). Although Tetramin is part of a multinational conglomerate (United Pet Group) none of its subsidiaries and few of the related companies manufacture anything more than marine fish foods.
I hope that if you are considering a marine aquarium as part of your home, you will allow this article to provide a "reality check." Note that marine aquaria is not an inexpensive endeavor, it's an investment (I have $7000 in a 180 gallon system alone). Seriously ask yourself if you have the right conviction, time, money, and ability to read and learn about marine aquaria, before making a ridiculous, costly, and inhumane mistake.
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