Ornamental fish are among the most commonly kept companion animals globally, but their welfare is frequently compromised by inadequate tank size, poor water quality and inappropriate species selection.
Ornamental fish welfare suffers from a perception that fish do not experience pain or stress in ways that matter. Scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that fish have nociceptors, show stress responses to poor conditions and learn to avoid harmful stimuli. Minimum tank sizes, proper biological filtration and species-appropriate conditions are essential welfare requirements.