A new study has found that about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US are caught from the wild.
Researchers say the $2.15bn global trade, involving 55 million animals each year, remains largely hidden from consumers.
“From reef to retail, the supply chain is murky,” said Dr Bing Lin of the University of Sydney, who led the study.
The analysis of 734 species found only 3% were farmed, while 45 threatened species – including Banggai cardinalfish – were sold.
Many species bypass global trade regulations under the Cites convention, leaving endangered fish vulnerable to overexploitation.
Lin said better oversight, eco-certification, and consumer awareness are vital to ensure sustainable sourcing.
Dr Marian Wong of the University of Wollongong added that poor traceability hides how fish are caught and treated before sale.
“Wild capture, if unmanaged, can deplete populations and disrupt social species,” she warned.
