The United States ornamental fish industry is expected to witness a surge, driven by the growing popularity of fish keeping as a hobby, urbanization, and advancements in green breeding. The industry is expected to grow from USD 1.84 billion in 2025 to USD 4.45 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% during the forecast period.
The growth will be influenced by numerous factors, including an increase in disposable income, more pet owners, and advancements in the technology of aquarium management. In addition to this, the rising trend of digital shopping platforms and unique aquarium shops are making ornamental fish more accessible.
To minimize dependency on wild-caught specimens, the United States is expanding its breeding farms to meet the rising demand for exotic and unusual fish species.
Sustainability trends, such as green aquariums and sustainable fish sourcing, will drive Industry evolution in the next few years.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 1.84 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 4.45 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 9.2% |
The United States ornamental fish industry is growing as hobbyists and aquarium enthusiasts continue to invest in rare, exotic, and sustainable fish breeds. A survey of 250 consumers from the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West unveils essential consumer insights, buying trends, and Industry opportunities in the sector.
The Northeast Industry is home to a large population of aquarium hobbyists and high-end aquarium installations, with notable presence in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. Urban residents favour space-efficient, advanced aquariums with computerized maintenance systems because of space limitations.
Furthermore, demand for a wide variety of ornamental fish is also driven by the availability of public aquariums, schools, and marine science institutions. In this region, specialty aquarium stores serve advanced aquarists through sales of uncommon and exotic fishes, superior-quality aquascaping materials, and customized aquarium setups.
The Midwest is witnessing constant growth in the ornamental fish industry, fuelled by rising household use of aquariums and aquaponics-based fish production. Metropolitan cities such as Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit are witnessing growing demand for sustainable and self-sustaining aquarium installations. Small businesses and family establishments are incorporating aquariums into their premises, not only as decorative features but also for their relaxing and stress-relieving benefits.
Numerous domestic fish farms in Iowa and Missouri are involved in hardy freshwater fish breeding that can survive across a range of environmental conditions. Universities and public centers are also utilizing aquariums for both educational and therapeutic purposes, further supporting demand.
The Southern United States has become a dominant force in the ornamental fish trade, with states such as Texas, Florida, and Georgia playing a major role.
Florida is a leading center for fish breeding, providing domestic and international businesses with freshwater and saltwater ornamental fish. The warm weather promotes outdoor fishkeeping, with homeowners installing large backyard ponds, koi fish, and professionally constructed outdoor aquariums. Saltwater aquariums are especially favoured in coastal states, where people have easier access to marine fish species.
The West region, particularly California and Washington, is at the forefront of utilizing sustainable and technologically advanced aquarium solutions. Consumers on the West Coast place great importance on having eco-friendly aquarium designs, choosing biodegradable décor, energy-saving LED lighting, and water-conserving filtration systems. Luxury aquariums have been integrated into homes, offices and hotels, creating a new upscale aesthetic for the region's interior design trends. Demand for exotic and unusual fish species has grown as custom-built aquariums have made their way to hotels, restaurants, and luxury homes.
Due to rising practices such as unsustainable harvesting, overfishing, and high fish mortality rates during shipping, the aquarium trade is facing increasing scrutiny. Many channels have been listed at unsustainable levels, misbalancing the ecosystem and causing harm to wild stocks. Improper storage places and poor handling led to the rising rate of fish mortality upon reaching consumers.
However, conservation groups and government agencies are subjecting fish imports and trade to increasingly tightened regulations in order to address unethical sourcing practices.
Technological Advancements
Most aquarium stores today provide biodegradable tank ornaments, low-energy usage filtration systems, and environmentally friendly lighting products to appeal to green consumers. Furthermore, more investment in genetic studies and aquatic biotechnology is enhancing breeding methods, enabling the production of stronger and disease-resistant ornamental fish varieties.
With the rising trend of digital platforms and online pet stores, there is an increasing exposure to rare fish species, ultimately driving industry expansion.
The United States ornamental fish industry continues to expand because of growing demand for visually pleasing aquariums, interior design fashions, and aquascaping's expanding popularity. The major players in the industry specialize in breeding rare and exotic species, enhancing water purification technologies, and strengthening distribution channels. The sector is driven by innovation in sustainable aquaculture, better fish health management, and expansion in online sales.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| PetSmart | 18-24% |
| Qian Hu Corporation Limited | 14-20% |
| Tropical Marine Centre | 10-16% |
| Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery | 8-12% |
| Aqua Design Amano | 6-10% |
| Other Companies (combined) | 30-40% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| PetSmart | Offers a wide range of ornamental fish, aquarium accessories, and maintenance services. Expands e-commerce and in-store experience. |
| Qian Hu Corporation Limited | Specializes in breeding, importing, and distributing ornamental fish globally. Develops innovative aquaculture technology. |
| Tropical Marine Centre | Provides high-quality marine ornamental fish and aquarium filtration systems. Focuses on sustainable sourcing. |
| Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery | Breeds koi and goldfish for wholesale and specialty markets. Invests in advanced breeding techniques. |
| Aqua Design Amano | Pioneers in aquascaping with premium aquarium designs and high-quality aquatic plants. Enhances the aesthetic appeal of ornamental fish. |
Prominent Industries Driving the Market
PetSmart (18-24%)
PetSmart is leading the USA ornamental fish industry because of its strong retail position and comprehensive product portfolio. The company prioritize high-quality fish care products and consumer education programs and is investing a huge sum of money to further strengthen these factors.
Qian Hu Corporation Limited (14-20%)
Qian Hu Corporation is also a key player of ornamental fish breeding and distribution, mainly targeting sustainable aquaculture techniques. The business incorporate developed filtration systems and also initiating towards disease prevention efforts to ensure the long-term life of fishes.
Tropical Marine Centre (10-16%)
Tropical Marine Centre excels in marine ornamental fish breeding and sustainable sourcing practices. The Tropical Marine Centre stands out in marine ornamental fish breeding for its sustainable sourcing practices and the use of cutting-edge technology for water filtration. Tropical Marine Centre works closely with both public aquariums and research institutions to improve conservation efforts and the longevity of fish health.
Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery (8-12%)
Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery specializes in breeding high-quality koi and goldfish for various sectors. The company focuses deeply on genetic improvements and advanced breeding techniques to ensure vibrant colours and healthy fish. Blue Ridge expands its industry reach through specialized wholesalers and garden centres.
Aqua Design Amano (6-10%)
Aqua Design Amano revolutionizes the aquascaping industry with premium aquarium layouts and high-quality aquatic plants. The company integrates ornamental fish into naturalistic aquarium designs, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. The company also emphasizes sustainability by promoting eco-friendly aquarium setups and water-efficient filtration systems.
Other Key Players (30-40% Combined)
The industry segments into Commercial, Public Display, and Residential.
It includes Tropical Freshwater, Marine, and Temperature.
It covers Northeast, Midwest, South, and West.
Table 1: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Region, 2018 to 2033
Table 2: Market Volume (Units) Forecast by Region, 2018 to 2033
Table 3: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Fish Type, 2018 to 2033
Table 4: Market Volume (Units) Forecast by Fish Type, 2018 to 2033
Table 5: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Application, 2018 to 2033
Table 6: Market Volume (Units) Forecast by Application, 2018 to 2033
Table 7: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Sales Channel, 2018 to 2033
Table 8: Market Volume (Units) Forecast by Sales Channel, 2018 to 2033
Table 9: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Country, 2018 to 2033
Table 10: Market Volume (Units) Forecast by Country, 2018 to 2033
Table 11: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Fish Type, 2018 to 2033
Table 12: Market Volume (Units) Forecast by Fish Type, 2018 to 2033
Table 13: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Application, 2018 to 2033
Table 14: Market Volume (Units) Forecast by Application, 2018 to 2033
Table 15: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Sales Channel, 2018 to 2033
Table 16: Market Volume (Units) Forecast by Sales Channel, 2018 to 2033
Figure 1: Market Value (US$ Million) by Fish Type, 2023 to 2033
Figure 2: Market Value (US$ Million) by Application, 2023 to 2033
Figure 3: Market Value (US$ Million) by Sales Channel, 2023 to 2033
Figure 4: Market Value (US$ Million) by Region, 2023 to 2033
Figure 5: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Region, 2018 to 2033
Figure 6: Market Volume (Units) Analysis by Region, 2018 to 2033
Figure 7: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Region, 2023 to 2033
Figure 8: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Region, 2023 to 2033
Figure 9: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Fish Type, 2018 to 2033
Figure 10: Market Volume (Units) Analysis by Fish Type, 2018 to 2033
Figure 11: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Fish Type, 2023 to 2033
Figure 12: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Fish Type, 2023 to 2033
Figure 13: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Application, 2018 to 2033
Figure 14: Market Volume (Units) Analysis by Application, 2018 to 2033
Figure 15: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Application, 2023 to 2033
Figure 16: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Application, 2023 to 2033
Figure 17: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Sales Channel, 2018 to 2033
Figure 18: Market Volume (Units) Analysis by Sales Channel, 2018 to 2033
Figure 19: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Sales Channel, 2023 to 2033
Figure 20: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Sales Channel, 2023 to 2033
Figure 21: Market Attractiveness by Fish Type, 2023 to 2033
Figure 22: Market Attractiveness by Application, 2023 to 2033
Figure 23: Market Attractiveness by Sales Channel, 2023 to 2033
Figure 24: Market Attractiveness by Region, 2023 to 2033
Figure 25: Market Value (US$ Million) by Fish Type, 2023 to 2033
Figure 26: Market Value (US$ Million) by Application, 2023 to 2033
Figure 27: Market Value (US$ Million) by Sales Channel, 2023 to 2033
Figure 28: Market Value (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2033
Figure 29: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Country, 2018 to 2033
Figure 30: Market Volume (Units) Analysis by Country, 2018 to 2033
Figure 31: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Country, 2023 to 2033
Figure 32: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Country, 2023 to 2033
Figure 33: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Fish Type, 2018 to 2033
Figure 34: Market Volume (Units) Analysis by Fish Type, 2018 to 2033
Figure 35: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Fish Type, 2023 to 2033
Figure 36: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Fish Type, 2023 to 2033
Figure 37: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Application, 2018 to 2033
Figure 38: Market Volume (Units) Analysis by Application, 2018 to 2033
Figure 39: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Application, 2023 to 2033
Figure 40: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Application, 2023 to 2033
Figure 41: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Sales Channel, 2018 to 2033
Figure 42: Market Volume (Units) Analysis by Sales Channel, 2018 to 2033
Figure 43: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Sales Channel, 2023 to 2033
Figure 44: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Sales Channel, 2023 to 2033
Figure 45: Market Attractiveness by Fish Type, 2023 to 2033
Figure 46: Market Attractiveness by Application, 2023 to 2033
Figure 47: Market Attractiveness by Sales Channel, 2023 to 2033
Figure 48: Market Attractiveness by Country, 2023 to 2033
The United States Ornamental Fish industry is predictive to experience a CAGR of 9.2% between 2025 and 2035.
The United States Ornamental Fish industry is estimated at USD 1.84 billion in 2025.
The United States Ornamental Fish industry is expected to touch USD 4.45 billion by 2035 end.
The Western and Southern USA are expected to record the highest CAGR, driven by increasing aquarium hobbyists and demand for exotic species.
The key players operating in the United States Ornamental Fish industry include PetSmart, Qian Hu Corporation Limited, Tropical Marine Centre, Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery, Aqua Design Amano, and others.
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United States Ornamental Fish Market
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