Finding Dory in Delhi: Will she go the Nemo way?

Dory’s ‘just keep swimming’ mantra might make her seem like a go-getter, but in reality, once out of the ocean, the blue tang can’t survive for long. Anticipating the increase in demand for blue tangs following the release of 'Finding Dory,' animal welfare organisations are urging people to not buy these fish for their aquariums. 'Finding Dory' is the sequel of the 2003 film 'Finding Nemo' after which there was high demand for the clownfish which harmed the species.However, aquarium dealers in the city tell us that they have already started getting queries about ‘Dory’ and add that most people don’t even think about the survival chances of the animals they want to keep as pets.
Success of movie spikes sales
The success of 'Finding Nemo', a film about a clownfish searching for his kidnapped son, brought about a tragic irony. Instead of viewers understanding the film’s message, the demand for clownfish as pets increased, threatening its population. What happened to Nemo now seems to be happening to Dory. Aquarium dealers in NCR tell us that though it has been only been a couple of days since 'Finding Dory’s' release, people have already started asking about ‘Dory’. Deepesh Dhawan, owner of a marine species company, says, “The demand for the fish will only increase with the film’s success. And it is not just a Delhi or NCR phenomenon, it is worldwide. After 'Finding Nemo' the demand for clownfish rose by 50%. We are already getting calls enquiring about the blue tang.”
Why you shouldn’t buy ‘dory’
Unlike ‘Nemo’, the orange clownfish, that could be bred in captivity, Dory’s species (blue tang) can only breed in the wild. Research suggests that a majority of fish species caught in the wild, such as the blue tang, are exposed to cyanide poisoning. Taking care of a blue tang is expensive, and it is not for the faint-hearted as the fish can be aggressive, unlike the gentle clownfish. Also, they can grow almost a foot in just two years.

Dory great at Box office, bad at home
Blue tangs cannot live for very long in aquariums because their complex environmental needs cannot be replicated in home aquariums. Abhishek Arora, another aquarium dealer, says, “One clownfish is sold for Rs 350, but we don’t even keep those, forget blue tangs. We can order clownfish on demand, but these are either imported or supplied from Kolkata or Chennai. The issue with blue tangs is that they have wide-roaming behaviour. Their tank size has to be big enough, at least twice or thrice the size of a regular tank, else the fish won’t survive. But even after we explain this to people, they still insist on buying one.”
Adds Dhawan, “It is some kind of obsession that Delhi has. The minimum price of a blue tang is `1,500, and that too for a small one. The price can go upto Rs 3-4K, depending upon the size. And this fish can’t survive in freshwater aquariums, it needs a saltwater environment.”
Explaining the complexities involved in maintaining a saltwater aquarium, Dhawan elaborates, “The maintenance of saltwater aquariums is different from that of freshwater aquariums. The water is not changed completely during cleaning, and we also prepare the sea water with chemicals and live bacteria, which is imported from countries like Singapore. There are many techniques and equipment involved. We explain to customers the fish’s requirements and make it clear that we won’t sell them the fish unless they have a suitable saltwater aquarium for it. Otherwise, they will buy the fish today, and by tomorrow, it will be dead.”

Dilliwalon ka bas chale toh Kung Fu Panda khareed layein: Pet shops
Shopkeepers tell us that it is not unusual for an animal-centric film to spark an interest in that particular animal. Pet shop owners say that there was even a surge in owl sales after the Harry Potter films, something that had never been heard of before. In fact, after the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) the sale of turtles increased by 20-30%. The interest in turtles rose again after the release of the film’s sequel earlier this month. A seller tells us, “Importing turtles is quite expensive and people don’t even think about the fact that they can’t provide the right environment for a turtle. Turtles are usually acquired illegally and chances are that they won’t survive for long.” Another aquarium dealer says, “Dilliwalon ka bas chale toh Kung Fu Panda, penguins, sab khareed kar le aayein. Aur jo species market mein nahin milte, unke toys ki demand zyada hai. Aquariums are used as showpieces, and if people see a pretty, unique fish, they would want it without thinking about its survival.”
Don’t let Dory meet Nemo’s fate: Humane International
Finding Nemo had a bad effect on the clownfish, an an endangered species. According to an estimate by the National Geographic channel, the demand for clownfish as aquarium pets tripled after the film, and animal lovers had to start a ‘Saving Nemo’ campaign. However, blue tangs are not endangered, but they can’t be bred in captivity. The India wing of Humane Society International issued a statement after the film’s release, requesting people to not place any orders for ‘Dory’. NG Jayasimha, managing director, Humane Society International (India), was quoted as saying, “We are anticipating an increase in the demand for blue tangs as aquaria fish post the release of Finding Dory in India. We hope that Indian audiences will be sensitive to the devastating impact of pet trade on wild fish populations, and will make informed, humane consumer choices.”