Asia Pacific Ornamental Fish Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Tropical Freshwater, Temperate, Marine), By Application (Household, Commercial), By Country, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Asia Pacific Ornamental Fish Market Trends

The Asia Pacific ornamental fish market size was estimated at USD 1,433.8 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2024 to 2030.The increased demand for premium and exotic ornamental fishes might be ascribed to the regional market's expansion. The popularity of fish in Japanese art culture has boosted the demand for a variety of unusual fish species. At Hidetomo Kimura's Art Aquarium Museum 2020 exhibition in Tokyo, for example, over 30,000 live fishes formed a moving psychedelic artwork. Over 30,000 live fishes are on display in water tanks and aquariums of all shapes and sizes as a part of the live art exhibition.

Asia Pacific ornamental fish market held 22.5% of the global ornamental fish market revenue in 2023. The trend of keeping ornamental fishes at home is rapidly becoming one of the world's most popular pastimes. After photography, aquarium maintenance is said to be the world's second most popular activity. Because of the enormous popularity of home aquariums as a form of nature-based art, many people are investing in one-of-a-kind and personalized natural aquariums. In high-end homes, innovatively blending indoor and outdoor spaces has long been a typical practice.

The tropical freshwater species from the families Anabantidae, Callichthyidae, Characidae, Cichlidae, Cyprinidae, Cyprinodontidae, Loricariidae, Osteoglossidae, and Poecilidae make up the majority of ornamental fishes produced in Asian countries. Furthermore, the popularity of rare exotic fish as a status symbol among the Asian elite provides chances for market expansion. The Asian Arowana, for example, is one of the costliest aquatic species in the world, with prices ranging from USD 300 to USD 300,000 or more. Thus, a newborn Arowanaana in Singapore may cost as much as USD 300, while rare adult white albinos could cost as much as USD 70,000.

Several architects and interior designers are going to great lengths to strengthen the concept of fishkeeping in households by including ultra-expensive, over-the-top aquariums in their designs. Although the majority of aquariums are installed in the house's public rooms as showpieces, some prefer them in more commonplace areas such as the bathroom, bedroom, and basement.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The Asia Pacific ornamental fish market is characterized by high degree of innovation, with businesses continuously focusing on differentiating themselves through unique experiences and offerings.Technology has also contributed to some significant breakthroughs in aquarium filtration. As a result of the industry-changing introduction of biological filtration, bio-wheel filters are now a requirement for the majority of hang-on filter systems. The creation of novel filter media has made it simpler than ever to create and maintain specialized tank conditions, while advancements in design have decreased the amount of time required for maintenance.

Several new market entrants’ focus on e-commerce as a sales channel since these players do not have a rigid supply chain model. Moreover, players operating in the industry have increased focus on e-commerce with growing consumer inclination toward online platforms due to their convenience and flexibility.

End-user concentration is a significant factor in the Asia Pacific ornamental fish market. Rising purchasing power, along with increasing spending on pets, is expected to have a positive impact on the sales of premium products. Additionally, a number of consumers with high purchasing power often want to ensure that their lavish lifestyle is reflected in their pets as well and are thus, increasingly willing to spend a lot of money on their pets’ health, overall appearance, and lifestyle. Several companies have been offering a wide range of premium, innovative, and specialized products. Studies have shown that millennial pet parents including ornamental fish owners are more likely to buy premium products to pamper their pets. This bodes well for market growth.

Product Insights

The topical ornamental fish market in Asia Pacific accounted for a revenue share of 55.56% in 2023. Topical freshwater are the common house pets kept in aquarium and ponds. China remains one of the leading producers of goldfish. According to a February 2023 blog published by China Daily, Fuzhou in Fujian province of China has more than 80 goldfish breeding farms and produces about 15 million fish annually. This contributed to almost 80% of the high-end goldfish in China. Moreover, the same blog stated that overall revenue generated through of the goldfish industry in China reached around USD 144 million in 2022. Moreover, the China’s goldfish produce is exported to more than ten countries and regions globally.

The marine ornamental fish market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2024 to 2030. Marine ornamental fish are those species of fish that are kept in saltwater aquariums as pets. They are distinguished by their vivid hues, complex designs, and distinctive forms. According to an article published by Frontiers Media in December 2022 marine ornamental fish trading industry amounts to a value of USD 300 million in India. Moreover, in order to reduce the dependence on wild caught fish, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) created hatchery technology for raising marine ornamental fishes like seahorses, clownfishes, damsels, and serranids. These initiatives is likely favoring the growth of the segment.

Application Insights

The household ornamental fish market in Asia Pacific accounted for a revenue share of 70% in 2023 owing to the economic growth-led household income rise is another key factor driving the demand for ornamental fish across the region. Furthermore, an increasing number of people consider pets as a member of their family and with the growing of pets, pet owing household are increasing. These factors are expected to boost the growth in demand from household application over the forecast period.

The commercial ornamental fish market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2024 to 2030.The concept of underwater hotels in the region is driving the product demand from the commercial sector. For instance, Tianjin Haichang Polar Ocean World celebrates the Mid-Autumn festival, a harvest festival celebrated in China and Vietnam through dining in the underwater tunnel at the aquarium.

Country Insights

According to the International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies published in February 2019, developing countries are the world's largest producers and suppliers of ornamental fishes, accounting for more than 60% of the global production. The South-East Asian countries of the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, as well as significant Pacific Island countries including Solomon Islands, Australia, Fiji, and Palau, are a significant part of the marine ornamental fish trade. These countries collectively supply more than 98% of all marine ornamental fish traded globally.

India Ornamental Fish Market Trends

The ornamental fish market in India. is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024 to 2030. Fish are considered a commodity in households. Millions of them are bought as decorative ornaments or “starter pets” for young children every year. Fish are popular as pets because they are easy to care for, beautiful to look at, and can be kept without any fuss even at rental properties. Additionally, watching fish in an aquarium has been demonstrated to reduce anxiety and blood pressure levels in tests.

China Ornamental Fish Market Trends

China ornamental fish market held 22.6% of the Asia Pacific revenue in 2023. The consumers in China are attracted to the increase importance of fish as a symbol of prosperity and positive energy. Aquariums, in feng shui, are thought of as a powerful medicine for riches and abundance. Aquariums are believed to attract the energy of abundance into the area when situated according to feng shui standards and kept well maintained. The market demand for ornamental fish in the region is expanding because of such cultural beliefs.

Key Asia Pacific Ornamental Fish Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Aqua-Nautic Specialist PTE LTD, Oasis Fish Farm, and Sanyo Aquarium (Pte) Ltd

• Aqua-Nautic Specialist PTE LTD is a leading supplier of exotic tropical fish and reptiles with an extensive network of more than 38 vendors from Asia, Africa, and South America. Before delivery, all livestock are packed and sealed according to a precise routine that follows the requirements and are inspected by Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) officials. The company complies with the Ornamental Fish International (OFI) code of conduct and offers the services of livestock, plants, and products.

• Sanyo Aquarium (Pte) Ltd a significant supplier of decorative freshwater fish, ornamental marine fish and crustaceans, aquatic plants, and potted plants from Singapore. The company is also a member of the Ornamental Fish International (OFI) and the Singapore Aquarium Fish Exporters Association (SAFEA), and has actively participated in the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore's Accredited Ornamental Fish Exported Scheme.

AlgaeBarn LLC, bioAquatiX, and Imperial Tropicals are some of the other participants in the Asia Pacific ornamental fish market,

• AlgaeBarn supplies high-quality captive-bred live aquarium food, as well as fish, invertebrates, macroalgae, and a variety of other marine life. It produces premium aquacultured marine organisms that are sustainable and eco-friendly. The company offers live foods, macroalgae, fish, invertebrates, corals, additives & bacteria, and aquarium supplies.

• bioAquatiX, specializes in the breeding of high-quality tropical fish, such as community fish, American and African Cichlids, invertebrates, and more. The company has a 20-acre farm with millions of inhabitants spread among hundreds of ponds and breeding vats housed in many large greenhouses. Other fish species offered by the company include Malawi Mbuna, Malawi Haps, Malawi peacock Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Corydoras, Central American Cichlids, livebearers, Pleco, and Rainbowfish. 

Asia Pacific Ornamental Fish Market Report Scope

Asia Pacific Ornamental Fish Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Asia Pacific ornamental fish market report based on product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Tropical Freshwater

  • Temperate

  • Marine

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Household

  • Commercial

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) 

  • Asia Pacific

    • India

    • China

    • Japan

    • Singapore

    • Maldives