New research shows about 90% of marine fish sold by major US retailers come directly from the wild.
The global aquarium fish trade moves around 55 million animals each year, worth more than US$2bn.
Most fish are caught in the western Pacific and Indian oceans, often without clear tracking from “reef to retail.”
Dr Bing Lin from the University of Sydney said, “The supply chain is opaque and murky all along the way.”
Among the species sold were 45 listed as threatened, including Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish.
Many endangered fish slip through trade regulations or are not listed in global databases, researchers warned.
Lin urged stronger traceability, better-managed fisheries, and credible eco-certification to ensure sustainability.
Dr Marian Wong said hobbyists often lack information about how fish are caught or bred. “It’s an arduous journey,” she noted.
Experts agree that clearer labelling and sustainable practices are vital to protect wild populations and marine biodiversity.
