Aquarium keeping is a popular hobby involving millions of fish and invertebrates. Understanding the welfare implications of marine and freshwater aquarium keeping helps enthusiasts and advocates.
Aquarium fish welfare spans a wide spectrum. Wild-caught marine fish — clownfish, tangs, angelfish — are collected using cyanide in some regions, causing coral and fish collateral damage, and suffer significant transport stress. Home aquarists who keep fish in appropriate sized tanks with good water quality and compatible species can provide reasonable welfare. Small bowls, incompatible species combinations, and poor water management cause chronic stress and disease. Public aquaria range from accredited institutions with expert animal care to roadside attractions where fish welfare is secondary to visitor spectacle. Choosing captive-bred freshwater species from reputable sources and maintaining appropriate conditions is the most welfare-conscious approach.