New research shows about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US come from wild populations.
The study, led by Dr Bing Lin of the University of Sydney, found most fish are caught from reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Globally, around 55 million marine animals are traded each year, feeding a US$2.15bn industry dominated by US demand.
Fish sold online included 45 species listed as threatened, such as the Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish.
“The supply chain is opaque – from reef to retail,” Lin said, calling for stronger oversight and eco-certification schemes.
Experts warn unregulated wild capture can deplete populations and disrupt social species like clownfish and wrasses.
Dr Marian Wong said hobbyists rarely know how fish are caught or bred. “We need transparency to make sustainable choices,” she added.
