A new study has revealed that 90% of marine aquarium fish sold by major US retailers are taken directly from the wild.
Researchers found most species come from reefs in the western Pacific and Indian oceans, with little transparency from “reef to retail.”
“The trade is opaque and murky all along the supply chain,” said Dr Bing Lin from the University of Sydney, who led the study.
The global aquarium fish industry moves about 55 million animals annually and is worth more than US$2 billion.
Among fish sold online were 45 species listed as threatened or declining, including Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish.
Many are not tracked under Cites regulations and still reach the market despite conservation concerns.
Lin called for stronger oversight, eco-certification, and clearer sourcing information for consumers.
“People should know where their fish come from and whether they’re sustainably caught,” he said.
Dr Marian Wong from the University of Wollongong warned poor management could deplete wild stocks and disrupt reef ecosystems.
“The more transparency we have, the better choices hobbyists can make,” she added.
