GITNUXREPORT 2026

Ornamental Fish Industry Statistics

The global ornamental fish market is steadily growing and diversifying across regions.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

75% of U.S. hobbyists prefer freshwater species like danios and mollies.

Statistic 2

Global aquarium ownership: 700 million hobbyists, 10% growth in 5 years.

Statistic 3

Millennial demand for nano aquariums drove 25% sales increase in 2023.

Statistic 4

U.S. fish ownership: 11.5% of households, 76.1 million freshwater fish.

Statistic 5

Online sales of ornamental fish rose 40% during COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistic 6

60% of European consumers prefer sustainably sourced ornamental fish.

Statistic 7

China urban households: 20 million aquariums, average 50 fish per setup.

Statistic 8

Demand for planted aquariums grew 35% with shrimp and nano fish.

Statistic 9

U.K. pet fish market: 4 million new aquariums sold yearly.

Statistic 10

45% of buyers influenced by social media influencers in fish selection.

Statistic 11

Japan: 70% hobbyists keep koi ponds, average spend JPY 100,000 yearly.

Statistic 12

Planted tank trend: 2.5 million CO2 systems sold globally in 2023.

Statistic 13

U.S. women comprise 55% of ornamental fish buyers since 2020.

Statistic 14

Eco-friendly filters demand up 50%, bioballs replaced by ceramics.

Statistic 15

India: 15 million urban hobbyists, guppies most popular entry species.

Statistic 16

Smart aquarium tech sales: 1 million units, app-controlled lighting.

Statistic 17

65% repeat purchases for fish food over live fish.

Statistic 18

Brazil: Community tanks popular, 30% hobbyists keep discus groups.

Statistic 19

Global demand for rare color morphs up 20%, albino varieties.

Statistic 20

80% beginners start with bettas, 40% upgrade to community tanks.

Statistic 21

25% of marine hobbyists switch to freshwater due to cost.

Statistic 22

Coral aquaculture demand: 500,000 frags sold to hobbyists yearly.

Statistic 23

The global ornamental fish market was valued at approximately USD 5.63 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 8.14 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%.

Statistic 24

In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 65% of the global ornamental fish market share, driven by countries like Indonesia and Singapore.

Statistic 25

The U.S. ornamental fish retail market size stood at USD 1.2 billion in 2021, with freshwater fish comprising 70% of sales.

Statistic 26

Europe's ornamental fish industry generated €2.5 billion in revenue in 2022, with Germany leading at €650 million.

Statistic 27

The online segment of the ornamental fish market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 1.8 billion.

Statistic 28

Japan's domestic ornamental fish market was worth JPY 250 billion in 2022, with koi carp contributing 40%.

Statistic 29

The live fish segment dominated the global market with 85% share in 2023 due to higher demand for aquariums.

Statistic 30

China's ornamental fish exports contributed USD 1.1 billion to its economy in 2022.

Statistic 31

The aquarium accessories market tied to ornamental fish reached USD 3.4 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 32

India's ornamental fish sector is valued at INR 12,000 crore in 2023, with 20% annual growth.

Statistic 33

The global ornamental fish market saw a 3.5% YoY growth in 2023, reaching USD 6.2 billion.

Statistic 34

Singapore's ornamental fish trade hub generated SGD 150 million in 2022.

Statistic 35

The pet fish segment in the U.S. grew to 15.2 million households owning fish in 2023.

Statistic 36

Brazil's ornamental fish market size hit BRL 2.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 37

The premium ornamental fish segment (discus, arowana) valued at USD 900 million globally in 2023.

Statistic 38

Australia's ornamental fish industry contributes AUD 250 million annually to GDP.

Statistic 39

The Middle East ornamental fish market is projected to grow at 5.8% CAGR to USD 450 million by 2028.

Statistic 40

Thailand's ornamental fish exports reached THB 4.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 41

The U.K. ornamental fish market was £450 million in 2022.

Statistic 42

Global aquarium fish food market linked to ornamental fish hit USD 2.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 43

Indonesia produced 1.2 billion ornamental fish in 2022, mainly freshwater species.

Statistic 44

Florida, USA, farms exported 12 million ornamental fish worth USD 45 million in 2023.

Statistic 45

Vietnam's ornamental fish production reached 800 million units in 2022.

Statistic 46

The Netherlands produced 150 million ornamental fish annually, focusing on coldwater species.

Statistic 47

Sri Lanka exported 45 million ornamental fish in 2023, valued at USD 12 million.

Statistic 48

Malaysia's production of marine ornamental fish hit 20 million pieces in 2022.

Statistic 49

The Czech Republic leads Europe with 250 million ornamental fish produced yearly.

Statistic 50

Colombia produced 300 million freshwater ornamental fish in 2023.

Statistic 51

Singapore farms produced 15 million high-value ornamental fish in 2022.

Statistic 52

Bangladesh's ornamental fish production grew to 150 million guppies and danios in 2023.

Statistic 53

Israel's aquaculture produced 50 million ornamental fish exports in 2022.

Statistic 54

Global production of ornamental fish totals 2.5 billion annually, 90% freshwater.

Statistic 55

Peru exported 8 million angelfish and tetras worth USD 5 million in 2023.

Statistic 56

Denmark's recirculating systems produce 80 million ornamental fish per year.

Statistic 57

Philippines wild-caught marine ornamentals: 12 million specimens in 2022.

Statistic 58

Taiwan produced 100 million goldfish varieties in 2023.

Statistic 59

Global trade volume of ornamental fish reached 1 billion specimens in 2022.

Statistic 60

Kenya's lake-based production: 25 million cichlids annually.

Statistic 61

Global ornamental fish trade value: USD 3-5 billion yearly.

Statistic 62

U.S. imports 200 million ornamental fish annually, 75% from Asia.

Statistic 63

Over 1,500 species traded in ornamental fish market globally.

Statistic 64

Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) comprise 30% of freshwater ornamental trade volume.

Statistic 65

Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) top imported species with 100 million annually.

Statistic 66

Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) market features 1,000+ varieties worldwide.

Statistic 67

Marine angelfish (Pomacanthidae family) represent 15% of saltwater trade.

Statistic 68

Discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) valued at USD 50-500 per specimen in trade.

Statistic 69

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) has over 200 ornamental breeds globally.

Statistic 70

Clownfish (Amphiprioninae) surged 300% post-Finding Nemo, 5 million traded yearly.

Statistic 71

Arowana (Osteoglossum spp.) banned in 20 countries, still USD 100 million trade.

Statistic 72

Bettas (Betta splendens) production exceeds 50 million halfmoon varieties annually.

Statistic 73

Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) 20 species in trade, 1 million collected yearly.

Statistic 74

Flowerhorns (hybrid cichlids) popular with 10 million sold in Asia yearly.

Statistic 75

Rasboras (Trigonostigma spp.) 50 million tiger barbs traded globally.

Statistic 76

Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) captive-bred 500,000 annually.

Statistic 77

Plecostomus (Hypostomus plecostomus) 30 million imported to U.S. per year.

Statistic 78

Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) trade boomed to 1 million post-Moana.

Statistic 79

30% of traded marine ornamentals from coral reefs, 1,800 species involved.

Statistic 80

40% mortality rate in first 30 days for new hobbyist fish.

Statistic 81

CITES lists 200+ ornamental species, regulating 10% of trade volume.

Statistic 82

Captive-bred fish now 70% of U.S. imports, up from 40% in 2010.

Statistic 83

Indonesia bans wild capture of 200+ marine ornamental species since 2018.

Statistic 84

EU Regulation 2017/1005 certifies sustainable ornamental fish trade.

Statistic 85

50% of coral reef damage from ornamental collection in Philippines.

Statistic 86

Aquaculture certification (BAP) covers 30% of Asian farms.

Statistic 87

U.S. Lacey Act prohibits import of illegally sourced ornamentals.

Statistic 88

Global initiative: Ornamental Fish International promotes RAS farming.

Statistic 89

90% survival rate in RAS vs 20% wild-caught transport.

Statistic 90

Hawaii bans 22 invasive ornamental species to protect ecosystems.

Statistic 91

FAO Code of Conduct adopted by 80% exporting nations.

Statistic 92

Traceability tech in 25% Singapore farms reduces poaching.

Statistic 93

15% trade decline post-CITES Appendix II for arowana.

Statistic 94

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) used in 40% EU production.

Statistic 95

Vietnam's MPAs protect 30% marine ornamental collection sites.

1/95

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Move over puppies and kittens, because the underwater world of shimmering fins and vibrant scales is quietly making a splash as a multi-billion dollar global industry.

Key Takeaways

The global ornamental fish market was valued at approximately USD 5.63 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 8.14 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%.
In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 65% of the global ornamental fish market share, driven by countries like Indonesia and Singapore.
The U.S. ornamental fish retail market size stood at USD 1.2 billion in 2021, with freshwater fish comprising 70% of sales.
Indonesia produced 1.2 billion ornamental fish in 2022, mainly freshwater species.
Florida, USA, farms exported 12 million ornamental fish worth USD 45 million in 2023.
Vietnam's ornamental fish production reached 800 million units in 2022.
Over 1,500 species traded in ornamental fish market globally.
Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) comprise 30% of freshwater ornamental trade volume.
Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) top imported species with 100 million annually.
75% of U.S. hobbyists prefer freshwater species like danios and mollies.
Global aquarium ownership: 700 million hobbyists, 10% growth in 5 years.
Millennial demand for nano aquariums drove 25% sales increase in 2023.
40% mortality rate in first 30 days for new hobbyist fish.
CITES lists 200+ ornamental species, regulating 10% of trade volume.
Captive-bred fish now 70% of U.S. imports, up from 40% in 2010.

The global ornamental fish market is steadily growing and diversifying across regions.

Consumer Trends and Demand

75% of U.S. hobbyists prefer freshwater species like danios and mollies.
Global aquarium ownership: 700 million hobbyists, 10% growth in 5 years.
Millennial demand for nano aquariums drove 25% sales increase in 2023.
U.S. fish ownership: 11.5% of households, 76.1 million freshwater fish.
Online sales of ornamental fish rose 40% during COVID-19 pandemic.
60% of European consumers prefer sustainably sourced ornamental fish.
China urban households: 20 million aquariums, average 50 fish per setup.
Demand for planted aquariums grew 35% with shrimp and nano fish.
U.K. pet fish market: 4 million new aquariums sold yearly.
45% of buyers influenced by social media influencers in fish selection.
Japan: 70% hobbyists keep koi ponds, average spend JPY 100,000 yearly.
Planted tank trend: 2.5 million CO2 systems sold globally in 2023.
U.S. women comprise 55% of ornamental fish buyers since 2020.
Eco-friendly filters demand up 50%, bioballs replaced by ceramics.
India: 15 million urban hobbyists, guppies most popular entry species.
Smart aquarium tech sales: 1 million units, app-controlled lighting.
65% repeat purchases for fish food over live fish.
Brazil: Community tanks popular, 30% hobbyists keep discus groups.
Global demand for rare color morphs up 20%, albino varieties.
80% beginners start with bettas, 40% upgrade to community tanks.
25% of marine hobbyists switch to freshwater due to cost.
Coral aquaculture demand: 500,000 frags sold to hobbyists yearly.

Consumer Trends and Demand Interpretation

The future of the ornamental fish industry is swimming in clear, data-rich waters: while millennials are nano-tank influencers online and the world's 700 million hobbyists are growing by the decade, a simple betta in a bowl remains the humble gateway to a global, tech-savvy, and surprisingly sustainable obsession that now sees more women buying fish than men.

Market Size and Value

The global ornamental fish market was valued at approximately USD 5.63 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 8.14 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%.
In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 65% of the global ornamental fish market share, driven by countries like Indonesia and Singapore.
The U.S. ornamental fish retail market size stood at USD 1.2 billion in 2021, with freshwater fish comprising 70% of sales.
Europe's ornamental fish industry generated €2.5 billion in revenue in 2022, with Germany leading at €650 million.
The online segment of the ornamental fish market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 1.8 billion.
Japan's domestic ornamental fish market was worth JPY 250 billion in 2022, with koi carp contributing 40%.
The live fish segment dominated the global market with 85% share in 2023 due to higher demand for aquariums.
China's ornamental fish exports contributed USD 1.1 billion to its economy in 2022.
The aquarium accessories market tied to ornamental fish reached USD 3.4 billion globally in 2023.
India's ornamental fish sector is valued at INR 12,000 crore in 2023, with 20% annual growth.
The global ornamental fish market saw a 3.5% YoY growth in 2023, reaching USD 6.2 billion.
Singapore's ornamental fish trade hub generated SGD 150 million in 2022.
The pet fish segment in the U.S. grew to 15.2 million households owning fish in 2023.
Brazil's ornamental fish market size hit BRL 2.8 billion in 2022.
The premium ornamental fish segment (discus, arowana) valued at USD 900 million globally in 2023.
Australia's ornamental fish industry contributes AUD 250 million annually to GDP.
The Middle East ornamental fish market is projected to grow at 5.8% CAGR to USD 450 million by 2028.
Thailand's ornamental fish exports reached THB 4.5 billion in 2023.
The U.K. ornamental fish market was £450 million in 2022.
Global aquarium fish food market linked to ornamental fish hit USD 2.1 billion in 2023.

Market Size and Value Interpretation

We're clearly investing billions not just in pet fish, but in meticulously curating living, swimming décor, as evidenced by a booming global market where Asia-Pacific leads the charge, freshwater species dominate American tanks, and even the accessories and food for these finned residents have become multi-billion-dollar industries themselves.

Production and Trade

Indonesia produced 1.2 billion ornamental fish in 2022, mainly freshwater species.
Florida, USA, farms exported 12 million ornamental fish worth USD 45 million in 2023.
Vietnam's ornamental fish production reached 800 million units in 2022.
The Netherlands produced 150 million ornamental fish annually, focusing on coldwater species.
Sri Lanka exported 45 million ornamental fish in 2023, valued at USD 12 million.
Malaysia's production of marine ornamental fish hit 20 million pieces in 2022.
The Czech Republic leads Europe with 250 million ornamental fish produced yearly.
Colombia produced 300 million freshwater ornamental fish in 2023.
Singapore farms produced 15 million high-value ornamental fish in 2022.
Bangladesh's ornamental fish production grew to 150 million guppies and danios in 2023.
Israel's aquaculture produced 50 million ornamental fish exports in 2022.
Global production of ornamental fish totals 2.5 billion annually, 90% freshwater.
Peru exported 8 million angelfish and tetras worth USD 5 million in 2023.
Denmark's recirculating systems produce 80 million ornamental fish per year.
Philippines wild-caught marine ornamentals: 12 million specimens in 2022.
Taiwan produced 100 million goldfish varieties in 2023.
Global trade volume of ornamental fish reached 1 billion specimens in 2022.
Kenya's lake-based production: 25 million cichlids annually.
Global ornamental fish trade value: USD 3-5 billion yearly.
U.S. imports 200 million ornamental fish annually, 75% from Asia.

Production and Trade Interpretation

While Indonesia floods the world with a billion freshwater fish and Europe’s leaders prefer Czech tanks over Czech diplomacy, the global aquarium runs on a curious mix of massive Asian volume and boutique Western value, proving that humanity’s love for tiny, decorative life is a surprisingly serious, multi-billion dollar affair.

Species and Diversity

Over 1,500 species traded in ornamental fish market globally.
Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) comprise 30% of freshwater ornamental trade volume.
Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) top imported species with 100 million annually.
Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) market features 1,000+ varieties worldwide.
Marine angelfish (Pomacanthidae family) represent 15% of saltwater trade.
Discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) valued at USD 50-500 per specimen in trade.
Goldfish (Carassius auratus) has over 200 ornamental breeds globally.
Clownfish (Amphiprioninae) surged 300% post-Finding Nemo, 5 million traded yearly.
Arowana (Osteoglossum spp.) banned in 20 countries, still USD 100 million trade.
Bettas (Betta splendens) production exceeds 50 million halfmoon varieties annually.
Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) 20 species in trade, 1 million collected yearly.
Flowerhorns (hybrid cichlids) popular with 10 million sold in Asia yearly.
Rasboras (Trigonostigma spp.) 50 million tiger barbs traded globally.
Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) captive-bred 500,000 annually.
Plecostomus (Hypostomus plecostomus) 30 million imported to U.S. per year.
Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) trade boomed to 1 million post-Moana.
30% of traded marine ornamentals from coral reefs, 1,800 species involved.

Species and Diversity Interpretation

The ornamental fish industry is a wildly diverse and surprisingly lucrative global bazaar, where the whims of pop culture can turn a species into a star overnight, the stubborn allure of banned creatures fuels a shadowy trade, and humanity's penchant for tinkering with nature is measured in billions of fish and hundreds of millions of dollars.

Sustainability and Regulations

40% mortality rate in first 30 days for new hobbyist fish.
CITES lists 200+ ornamental species, regulating 10% of trade volume.
Captive-bred fish now 70% of U.S. imports, up from 40% in 2010.
Indonesia bans wild capture of 200+ marine ornamental species since 2018.
EU Regulation 2017/1005 certifies sustainable ornamental fish trade.
50% of coral reef damage from ornamental collection in Philippines.
Aquaculture certification (BAP) covers 30% of Asian farms.
U.S. Lacey Act prohibits import of illegally sourced ornamentals.
Global initiative: Ornamental Fish International promotes RAS farming.
90% survival rate in RAS vs 20% wild-caught transport.
Hawaii bans 22 invasive ornamental species to protect ecosystems.
FAO Code of Conduct adopted by 80% exporting nations.
Traceability tech in 25% Singapore farms reduces poaching.
15% trade decline post-CITES Appendix II for arowana.
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) used in 40% EU production.
Vietnam's MPAs protect 30% marine ornamental collection sites.

Sustainability and Regulations Interpretation

The industry is trying to clean up its act with more sustainable breeding and stricter laws, but it's still a bumpy ride when many fish die in amateur hands and half the trade escapes serious oversight.

Sources & References

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