Aquarium trade

Aquarium Trade refers to the global business of breeding, rearing, and selling of aquarium fish, aquatic plants, and aquarium accessories. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that spans across continents, involving both freshwater and marine species.

History

The aquarium trade has its roots in the Victorian era, when the first public aquariums were established. The hobby of keeping fish in home aquariums became popular in the 19th century, leading to the development of the aquarium trade.

Industry Overview

The aquarium trade is a global industry, with major markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia. It involves a wide range of activities, from breeding and rearing fish to the sale of aquariums and accessories. The industry is divided into two main sectors: the freshwater sector and the marine sector.

Freshwater Sector

The freshwater sector of the aquarium trade primarily deals with species of fish that inhabit freshwater environments. This includes popular species such as the goldfish, betta fish, and guppy. The freshwater sector also includes the trade of aquatic plants and freshwater invertebrates.

Marine Sector

The marine sector of the aquarium trade deals with species that inhabit marine environments. This includes a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and corals. The marine sector is often associated with the trade of reef aquarium species.

Ethical and Environmental Concerns

The aquarium trade has been criticized for its impact on wild fish populations and the environment. Overfishing for the aquarium trade has led to declines in certain species, and the release of non-native species into the wild can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems.

Regulation

Regulation of the aquarium trade varies by country. In some countries, the trade is heavily regulated to protect wild fish populations and prevent the spread of invasive species. In others, regulation is minimal or non-existent.

See Also

• Aquarium
• Aquaculture
• Invasive species
• Wildlife trade