In a quiet corner of the city of Petrolina, lives a young enthusiast for an aquatic world that transcends his tender age. Joaquim Pereira, an 11-year-old boy with bright eyes and a contagious smile, found an unusual friend in the submerged realm of his beloved Ryukin Goldfish.
As he carefully and affectionately feeds his fish, a greater truth emerges to the surface: the global market for colored fish, like the Ryukin, is thriving, and in Brazil, a growing trend sees thousands of these exotic animals being traded through specialized websites.
The Joy of Owning a Ryukin Goldfish
Joaquim is a true enthusiast of aquatic life. He found in his fish “Lucas” and his aquarium companion “Miri,” both Ryukin Goldfish, not just pets but companions to share silent secrets with. The shimmering brilliance of the fish, with their vibrant colors and graceful movements, captured young Joaquim’s heart from the moment they met. The glass tank in his home’s living room became a portal to a fascinating underwater universe.
“I like to watch how Lucas and Miri swim and play in the water. It’s as if they understand when I’m sad and swim close to the glass to cheer me up,” Joaquim shares with a sweet smile.
The global market for colored fish
Joaquim’s love for his fish is not unique. Around the world, millions of aquatic animal lovers delight in the beauty and grace of colored fish. This has turned the ornamental fish market, such as for goldfish, into a growing global industry worth millions, with a wide range of species and variations. Fish like the Ryukin, Dourado, Hammerhead, and others, known for their lush fins and rounded bodies, attract collectors and dedicated breeders who pay a hefty price for them. To give you an idea, today in the buying and selling market, there are goldfish ranging in value from $ 25.00 to $ 3,000.00 dollars.
The trade of ornamental fish is particularly popular in parts of Asia, where the interest in aquariums and aquatic landscaping has a long tradition. The variety of colors, patterns, and forms of fish has become a form of art, with breeders striving to create increasingly stunning specimens.
The rising online fish trade in Brazil
In Brazil, the passion for ornamental fish, including goldfish, has grown exponentially in recent years. With the ease of internet access and the emergence of specialized websites, buying and selling fish has become more convenient than ever. Thousands of aquarium enthusiasts can now browse through a diverse selection of colored fish without leaving their homes.
According to Teógenes Pinheiro, an expert in online commerce and goldfish breeder, the rise of online ornamental fish trade in Brazil is enormous, especially with the convenience of live cargo delivery mechanisms.
“We’re seeing a significant increase in demand for rare and unique species like the Ryukin Goldfish, which were previously hard to find in local stores. Now, enthusiasts have access to a wide range of options through dedicated online platforms.”
Awareness and responsibility
As the ornamental fish market continues to grow, it’s important to address the issues of environmental responsibility and animal welfare. Experts emphasize the need for awareness about the specific care requirements for each species, as well as the importance of choosing reliable breeders and sellers.
“We encourage aquarium lovers to conduct in-depth research about the specific needs of each fish they wish to acquire, in order to provide a suitable environment to ensure that these magnificent animals continue to bring joy to their observers and caretakers,” advises Teógenes.
Joaquim’s bright future with his Ryukin
While the ornamental fish market flourishes in Brazil and around the world, Joaquim Pereira and his Ryukin Goldfish share a connection that transcends trends. Joaquim’s story reminds us of the deep bond that humans can form with the natural realms, regardless of their age.
As he continues to care for his beloved Ryukin and explore the magical world of aquarism, he becomes an inspiration to others. His dedication and love for aquatic life resonate as a note of hope in a world that values connection with nature.
With each bubble of joy that rises to the surface of Lucas and Miri’s tank, the aquatic world finds a voice through him, sharing the story of an unlikely friendship that has become a life lesson for many.
