Nearly 90% of marine aquarium fish are wild-caught, including threatened species, new study reveals

A groundbreaking study has exposed significant gaps in the marine aquarium fish trade, revealing that almost 90% of ornamental fish sold in the United States—the world’s largest market for aquarium pets—are captured directly from wild ocean habitats rather than bred in captivity. The research, published in Conservation Biology, analyzed U.S.-based online retailers and found that the trade includes numerous threatened species while operating with minimal regulatory oversight.

The study’s findings raise serious environmental concerns about the impact on marine ecosystems, particularly coral reef environments in Indonesia, the Philippines, and other source countries where these colorful fish are harvested. Lead researcher Bing Lin, now a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney, conducted the study during his Ph.D. at Princeton University and emphasized the urgent need for reform. “We urgently need stronger traceability and regulatory oversight to ensure that aquarium fish are sourced responsibly,” Lin stated. “Consumers have no reliable way of knowing whether the fish they buy were sustainably harvested.”

The research specifically focused on marine finfish—excluding freshwater species, sharks, invertebrates, and corals—and examined more than 1,700 marine finfish species in the trade. Unlike freshwater aquarium fish, which are predominantly captive-bred, the marine ornamental fish industry relies heavily on wild capture, creating potential pressure on already vulnerable ocean ecosystems. The study highlights the need for better tracking systems and regulatory frameworks to protect marine biodiversity while allowing sustainable trade practices.