New research shows about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold by major US retailers come from wild populations.
The study, led by Dr Bing Lin from the University of Sydney, found most fish are caught in the western Pacific and Indian oceans.
Globally, around 55 million marine animals are sold each year, making the trade worth more than US$2bn.
“From reef to retail, the supply chain is murky,” Lin said. “Consumers often have no idea where their fish come from.”
Forty-five species sold were listed as threatened, including Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish.
Many species are not covered by global trade rules, allowing endangered fish to slip into markets undetected.
Lin called for stronger traceability, eco-certification, and support for sustainable wild fisheries to protect biodiversity.
Dr Marian Wong from the University of Wollongong added that poor transparency and wild capture could harm fish welfare and social structures.
“The more we know,” she said, “the better choices we can make for sustainability and for the oceans.”
