Marine Life

Coral Reef Fish Welfare and Cyanide Fishing

Cyanide fishing to stun ornamental reef fish for the aquarium trade causes suffering to targeted fish and widespread collateral damage.

Key Facts

An estimated 90% of marine aquarium fish imported to the US are wild-caught
Cyanide fishing is illegal but widely practiced in Southeast Asia
Squirt cyanide stuns fish temporarily but causes internal organ damage
Most fish die within weeks of reaching aquariums due to cyanide damage
The trade supplies millions of fish per year for home aquariums

Welfare Considerations

Fish stunned with cyanide experience acute chemical stress and internal injury. Many recover somewhat but suffer ongoing organ damage that causes delayed death. The coral reef is also bleached and killed by cyanide, destroying habitat for countless other animals. The ornamental fish trade as currently practiced imposes widespread suffering on fish and reef ecosystems.

What You Can Do

Only purchase marine fish certified as sustainably and humanely collected
Support the Marine Aquarium Council certification program
Ask your aquarium store about their sourcing practices
Consider captive-bred marine fish as an alternative