U.S. Ornamental Fish Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Tropical Freshwater, Temperate, Marine), By Application (Household, Commercial), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The U.S. ornamental fish market was estimated to be valued at USD 1.42 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.0% in the forecast period. 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.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on this industry. According to the World Trade Organization, the disruption caused by the pandemic is estimated between 13%-32%. As 80% of worldwide trade is handled by the maritime industry, the estimated dip in human-based marine activities is significant. As the pandemic progressed, a report by American Pet Products Association, suggests people in the U.S adopted a new pet, influenced by the extra time they had on hand due to lockdowns. This increase in pet adoption including ornamental fish is likely to favor market growth.

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 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, but 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.

The adoption of pets is most popular in developed countries such as The U.S., Germany, France, and the U.K.  In the U. S., fish are the third most popular pet, and around 12% of all households have at least one fish. Global leaders in pet adoption include nations like the U.S. and the U.K. Petsecure reports that since the 1970s, pet adoption in the US has increased thrice. Additionally, the popularity of keeping fish as pets is rising, which is fueling the market's expansion.

 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 terms of revenue, tropical freshwater product of the U.S. ornamental fish market dominated with a share of over 50% in 2022. Due to the ease of pet care and the range of colors available for these fish, new pet owners prefer to keep tropical freshwater ornamental fish. For beginners, the Guppy, Molly, Zebra Danio, Betta, Catfish, and Swordtail are among the best tropical freshwater fish. High quality freshwater ornamental fish are available from U.S. freshwater fish providers.

The marine ornamental fish segment is projected to register a CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 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). The large variety that comes with marine fish in terms of species and colors will propel the segment in forecast period.

Application Insights

Household application dominated this market with a share of around 70% in 2022. Smart technology advancements are helping to increase the number of aquarium hobbyists, as newer features like adjustable lighting, automatic feeding systems, and water treatment systems make aquarium maintenance and control easier while also encouraging more household consumers to adopt ornamental fish.  

Commercial application is expected to witness a CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2030. Major oceanariums have sprung up all throughout the U.S. because of the public's enthusiasm in visiting aquatic zoos and oceanariums for fun. Because more hotels are installing aquariums as a way to support efforts to reduce stress through fishkeeping, ornamental fish aquariums are becoming more and more popular in the commercial sector.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of a few established domestic as well as international players. Many big players are increasing their focus towards growing trend of enjoy a prominent position due to their expertise and international markets contribution. Companies in the market are introducing new fishes, and related products, acquisitions and partnerships to compete.

• For instance, in November 2021, Imperial Tropicals collaborated with Hikari, a fish food brand. This brand of feed is suitable to 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 aquarium 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.

Some of the key players in the U.S. ornamental fish market include:

• Aqua-Nautic Specialist PTE LTD

• AlgaeBarn LLC

• Tropical Fish International

• bioAquatiX

• Aqua Leisure Sdn Bhd

• Imperial Tropicals

• LiveAquaria

• AQUATIC INTERIORS UNLIMITED INC

• Ruinemans Aquarium Inc

• AQUA HUT LLC

U.S. Ornamental Fish Market Report Scope

U.S. Ornamental Fish Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. ornamental fish market report based on product, and application.

• Product Outlook (USD Million; 2017 - 2030)

  • Tropical Freshwater

  • Temperate

  • Marine

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2017 - 2030)

  • Household

  • Commercial