U.S. Ornamental Fish Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Tropical Freshwater, Temperate, Marine), By Application (Household & Commercial), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

U.S. Ornamental Fish Market Size & Trends

The U.S. ornamental fish market size was estimated to be valued at USD 1.68 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2025 to 2030. The growing interest among millennials in colorful ornamental fishes for aquariums as part of a luxury lifestyle is expected to remain a key factor in industry growth. As people seek accent showpieces to feature in a room, rising developments in aquariums with advanced designs are further supporting market growth. Planted tanks and aqua scaping are two other trends that began a few years ago but are still popular and gaining traction.

Energy-efficient aquarium accessories are being developed to provide hobbyists and aquarists with maintenance-free performance, encouraging them to spend more money on attractive fish of various types. For instance, energy-efficient electronic ballasts are used in high-output light fixtures, while titanium heat exchange coils are used in aquarium chillers. Light fixtures also use integrated low-wattage LEDs. Such changes are encouraging more people to buy ornamental fish in both the residential and commercial sectors.

The growing popularity of ornamental fish as well as the latest developments in livestock availability are boosting consumer inclination toward ornamental fish adoption in homes. Most beginners are purchasing smaller setups as a way to indulge in the hobby without breaking their budget. New breeding techniques, better feeding and health management, as well as value addition in the freshwater ornamental fish sector, are translating into higher traction for the sector.

The numerous advantages that ornamental fish offer consumers also contribute to their high demand. For instance, it has been demonstrated that these appealing, colorful, and serene fish kept as pets in small aquariums provide a variety of psychological advantages for customers of all ages, particularly millennials. The advantages extend beyond just lowering stress after a demanding workday. It is widely acknowledged that watching decorative aquatic species float serenely through the water helps soothe and relax people.

Aquarium fish are the most popular pet in the U.S., with nearly one in eight households-around 12 million-owning over 158 million fish in 2023, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Florida leads the nation as the top producer of aquarium fish and aquatic plants, with aquarium fish contributing to more than 44% of the state's total aquaculture sales. This strong demand for aquarium fish bodes well for the ornamental fish market in the U.S. The growing interest in home aquariums, fueled by factors such as pet ownership trends, relaxation benefits, and the aesthetic appeal of ornamental fish, is likely to drive further growth.

Breeders of ornamental fish serve a wide range of customers globally, but especially in North America. A wider distribution network and the availability of attractive fish species have contributed to the growth of e-commerce, which has encouraged many breeders to offer their products, in this case, ornamental fishes, online. Additionally, the robust distribution network of businesses demonstrates a robust product supply chain, leading to greater product availability.

Product Insights

In 2024, tropical freshwater ornamental fish accounted for about 50% of the U.S. ornamental fish market. New pet owners prefer to keep tropical freshwater ornamental fish due to the convenience involved in pet care and the variety of colors these fishes are available in. Some of the best tropical freshwater fish for beginners are Guppy, Molly, Zebra Danio, Betta, Catfish, and Swordtail. The freshwater fish suppliers in the U.S. offer high-quality freshwater ornamental fishes. For instance, LiveAquaria, a U.S.-based supplier, offers the highest quality, healthiest freshwater tropical fish species for freshwater fish tanks, aquariums, and more. It offers a great selection of angel fish, plecos, cichlids, livebearers, and tetra fish.

Demand for marine ornamental fish in the U.S. is expected to rise at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2025 to 2030. Marine species require special attention, but they have an attractive look, which is anticipated to increase the segment’s scope in the upcoming years. Marine aquaria are subdivided into three categories - reef aquaria, fish-only (FO), and fish-only with live rock (FOWLR). Fish-only tanks can keep different types of aggressive and large marine species, including Triggers, Groupers, Scorpions/Lions, Puffers, Snappers, Squirrels, Hawks, and Tangs. Companies are offering chemical and mechanical filtration aquariums to keep these types of fish.

Application Insights

Household application of ornamental fish accounted for a share of about 69% in 2024 in the U.S. Fish are becoming increasingly popular as pets in U.S. households due to their low-maintenance nature and affordability. Unlike cats and dogs, fish do not require grooming or expensive toys, and ongoing costs like food and cleaning supplies are minimal after the initial setup. Additionally, certain species can provide entertainment through interaction and even tricks, offering a unique and calming form of companionship without the mess or maintenance typically associated with other pets.

Demand for ornamental fish in commercial settings in the U.S. is expected to rise at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2025 to 2030. Commercial aquariums and reef tanks are used in zoos and oceanariums for displaying marine animals and plants, specifically oceanic or pelagic fish and mammals. Since zoos and oceanariums offer a public display of ornamental fish and reefs as well as used for the scientific study of marine ecology, aquariums needed for such purposes are highly specialized to replicate the natural habitat of the species living in them, which, in turn, enhances the overall environment for ornamental fish.

Key U.S. Ornamental Fish Company Insights

The market is fragmented in nature. The market is characterized by the presence of a diverse array of players-from large corporations to smaller, regional/local providers. Some of the leading players in the market are LiveAquaria, Aqua-Nautic Specialist PTE LTD, Tropical Fish International, and Imperial Tropicals among others. Companies in the market are focusing on introducing new fish and related products to address the evolving needs of customers and gain a competitive edge over other players. For instance, in April 2020, AlgaeBarn LLC, known for its live marine food, announced the release of a highly desired feeder fish-also called the marine feeder fish-for the saltwater aquarium and reefing community. 

Recent Developments

• For instance, in November 2021, Imperial Tropicals collaborated with Hikari, a fish food brand. This brand of feed is suitable for all types of fish, whether bred or caught wild. This partnership helped customers be better acquainted with the fish food brand and ensure the health of their freshwater fish.

• For instance, in August 2020, Tropical Fish International acquired LiveAquaria, an online shop for quality fish, supplies, & equipment based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This acquisition was aimed at helping Tropical Fish International capitalize on the expertise and global popularity of LiveAquaria.

U.S. Ornamental Fish Market Report Scope

U.S. Ornamental Fish Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the 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 U.S. ornamental fish market report by product and application.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018 - 2030)

  • Tropical Freshwater

  • Temperate

  • Marine

• Application Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2018 - 2030)

  • Household

  • Commercial