A Retrospective Study for Aquascape Preference among Hobbyists in Terengganu, Malaysia. Mohamad Azri Bin Mohammad1, Siti Norisikin Abas1, Mohd Ihwan Zakariah2
1 Department of Agrotechnology and Bio Industry, Politeknik Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
2 Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
Abstract
Aquascape, decorative arts, and science that combine ornamental fish with aquatic plants in aquariums are gaining attention among hobbyists, especially in Malaysia. A study was carried out to determine the socio-economic information and hobbyist preference in Terengganu. Internet survey using Google Form was conducted for 70 hobbyists for 3 weeks in July 2021. The result indicated that aquascape in Terengganu was dominated by males (90%) and the B40 group was the majority involved in aquascape (>80%). Hobbyists preferred to have 2-3 aquariums (>70%) with sizes less than 4 feet (>50%) along with a CO2 tank (61.4%), canister filter (65.7%), and normal led light (60%). Cross-tabulation analysis showed more than 60% of newbie hobbyists faced problems in an aquascape. Pearson^s rank-order correlation indicated a low significant correlation between age, aquascape experiences, monthly income, frequent purchase, and monthly spending on aquascape. The overall results of this study indicate a promising market for aquascape in Terengganu. The results will be used as guidance to perform another study that will be covered by all other states in Malaysia.
Keywords: Aquascape, ornamental fish, aquatic plants, and fisheries industry
