The marine ornamental fish trade collects millions of fish annually from coral reefs, with significant welfare problems from collection through retail sale.
Wild-caught marine fish experience capture stress, crowding during transport, and placement in aquaria that typically lack the space, structure, and complexity of coral reef environments. Cyanide-caught fish often die within weeks of purchase from internal organ damage, representing enormous welfare harm and economic waste. Even well-caught fish face long supply chains with multiple stressors. Species like mandarins and seahorses are particularly difficult to maintain in captivity and have high mortality rates.