Freshwater angelfish are among the most popular ornamental fish globally, but welfare standards in breeding, transport, and retail remain inconsistent and often inadequate.
Freshwater angelfish are social, intelligent cichlids that experience significant stress during commercial breeding, transport, and retail display. Overcrowded shipping bags cause ammonia accumulation, oxygen depletion, and thermal shock, leading to immune suppression and disease. In retail environments, inappropriate tankmates, inadequate space, and poor water quality cause chronic stress and injury. Improved transport standards, appropriate stocking densities, and species-specific retail care would significantly improve welfare outcomes.