Urban aquaculture of yellow neon goby (Elacatinus figaro): a vulnerable marine ornamental fish

The economic feasibility for captive breeding of marine ornamental fish in small spaces is poorly known, especially when considering threatened species. The present study analyzed the economic feasibility for producing Yellow Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro) (vulnerable) in urban aquaculture systems through different production scenarios: pessimistic, normal, and optimistic, at sales prices of US$ 5.71, US$ 7.62, and US$ 9.52/unit. The financial analysis pointed the total cost of production per animal available to marine ornamental fish trade was between US$ 3.99 and R$ 8.03, with labor and rent as the main expenses. Six of the nine observed schemes showed profitability, including under loss conditions of an entire cycle. The net present value (NPV 8%) reached US$ 83,256 (negative value, unfeasible) until US$ 230,122 (positive value, viable), with profitable conditions presenting an internal rate of return (IRR) ranging from 10.87 to 97.84% and return on capital observed from the first to the sixth year of activity. In addition to the sustainable potential for biodiversity conservation, these results expressed reinforce urban ornamental aquaculture as a profitable instrument for public policy in socioeconomic development at large urban centers and their peripheral regions.

Automated summary

The economic feasibility of breeding marine ornamental fish in small spaces, especially for threatened species, was studied. The analysis showed that producing Yellow Neon Goby in urban aquaculture systems can be profitable, with the total cost of production per animal ranging from US$3.99 to R$8.03. Six out of the nine observed scenarios were profitable, with the net present value ranging from negative (unfeasible) to positive (viable), and the internal rate of return and return on capital showing profitability from the first to the sixth year of activity.