How Many Fishkeepers Are There? 2026 Updated Statistics

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Humans domesticated dogs about 40,000 years ago, and these animals served practical purposes for people as hunting companions and herders. However, we can’t say the same about fish. Yet, we are drawn to their beauty. Perhaps we envy their lives, swimming free in the water with nothing to impede them. After all, oceans are the last frontier that we have yet to explore fully.

Fishkeeping may not be as popular as owning a dog or cat. Nevertheless, it has its enthusiasts. Many become devoted to the hobby and the life histories of their charges, and our article reveals some fascinating statistics and facts about this activity.

The 10 Fishkeeper Statistics

1. Roughly 2.7% of American households have fish as pets.

2. People have raised goldfish for nearly 2,000 years.

3. The oldest captive goldfish lived 43 years.

4. Fish are the third most popular pet, with dogs and cats taking the first and second places, respectively.

5. Approximately 6,500 freshwater and 1,600 marine species are traded internationally.

6. Experts forecast a 9.0% CAGR for the US ornamental fish market from 2023 through 2030.

7. Quality Feeds Limited from Bangladesh and the UK's Maidenhead Aquatics are the top companies producing aquatic fish food.

8. Research has refined fish diets, revealing that goldfish thrive with a diet that has 29% protein and 13% fat.

9. Roughly 66.3% of fishkeepers breed their fish.

10. About 91% of fishkeepers lament the lack of access to veterinary care.

The Ornamental Fish Market

1. Roughly 2.7% of American households have fish as pets.

Fishkeeping has a sizable share of the pet industry at 2.7% of households. Freshwater fish outnumber marine species for several reasons. The former is more affordable and readily available. They also require less care and additional maintenance without worrying about salinity and the challenges it brings to the table. It’s easy to get started with a minimal investment, making it attractive to novices.

(AVMA)

2. People have raised goldfish for nearly 2,000 years.

The first verifiable evidence of fishkeeping goes back almost 2,000 years to China’s Tsin Dynasty (26–419 AD). The people must have seen the possibilities of selective breeding this drab-colored fish. The available color variations are dazzling. Some, such as the bubble eye and pompoms, look like mythical creatures. Perhaps that has fueled the interest in the hobby.

(PLoS One)

3. The oldest captive goldfish lived 43 years.

Science has improved the lives of all our pets, including fish. Captivity hasn’t always been kind to goldfish, with many not living as long as their wild counterparts. However, things have changed, with the oldest captive goldfish reaching 43 years, more than the oldest documented wild specimen at 41 years. We’ve learned to improve their living conditions and to give them a healthier diet to support a long life.

(Animal Diversity Web)

4. Fish are the third most popular pet, with dogs and cats taking the first and second places, respectively.

Dogs and cats are the first and second most popular pets at 44.6% and 26% of US households. Fishkeeping offers additional mental health benefits from the psychological well-being you gain from simply watching the fish in the aquarium. The sound of the filtration system adds to the pleasing effects with welcome white noise.

(AVMA, Environment and Behavior)

5. Approximately 6,500 freshwater and 1,600 marine species are traded internationally.

These figures surprised us and offered some evidence of the extent of the hobby. Of course, availability varies. Many species are wild-caught, which adds another wrinkle to the mix. It can fuel interest and drive the prices of rare species. We suspect getting uncommon fish is part of the allure of this hobby and keeps many interested in it.

(Aquaculture Reports)

6. Experts forecast a 9.0% CAGR for the US ornamental fish market from 2023 through 2030.

This industry growth seems in line with other segments spurred by the pandemic. People turned to pets to fill the gaps from less social contact with others. Fishkeeping was no exception. Experts have forecasted a continued health growth of 9.0% CAGR moving forward past the COVID era. The mental health benefits are undoubtedly a part of the mix.

(Grandview Research)

Details of the Market

7. Quality Feeds Limited from Bangladesh and the UK's Maidenhead Aquatics are the top companies producing aquatic fish food.

Many companies have benefited from the changing tailwinds of the pandemic. They include Quality Feeds Limited and Maidenhead Aquatics. The top USA-based company is Hikari Sales USA. It’s worth noting that these businesses are also pioneers in groundbreaking research, making fishkeeping more profitable and less stressful.

(Inven)

8. Research has refined fish diets, revealing that goldfish thrive with a diet that has 29% protein and 13% fat.

Research published by the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center is a prime example of how fishkeeping has moved to the next level with goldfish nutrition. The specific information gleaned can help manufacturers hone their diets to provide better nutritional support for fish species. These data are quite specific in their ranges for various nutrients.

(Southern Regional Aquaculture Center)

9. Roughly 66.3% of fishkeepers breed their fish.

Fishkeeping differs from other types of pet ownership. Most dog and cat owners probably do not breed their pets. They are mainly looking for companionship. That’s not true with fishkeeping. Roughly two-thirds want to take their hobby to the next level by breeding their fish. That requires more attention and maintenance on their part. It’s likely more expensive with the additional fulfillment it provides.

(Aquaculture Reports)

10. About 91% of fishkeepers lament the lack of access to veterinary care.

We take veterinary care for granted. You can find a lot of misinformation about dogs and cats, but there is also a wealth of vetted info to help you make good choices. That is not always the case for fishkeeping. Many rely on anecdotes from other fish keepers. It’s no wonder that over 91% complained about the lack of veterinary info.

(Aquaculture Reports)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is the Most Important Aspect of Fishkeeping?

Water quality is the most important part of successful fishkeeping. Remember that most species live in large water bodies where conditions remain stable. They are not equipped biologically to tolerate unpredictable changes. Stress is often a mitigating factor for parasites and diseases.

(Bristol Aquarists' Society)

Are There Benefits of the Increased Interest in Fishkeeping?

An indirect benefit of the increased interest in fishkeeping is a renewed interest in sustainable practices. After all, it behooves someone in the trade to protect the fisheries and their incomes.

(Science Advances)

What Else Can We Learn From Aquariums and Fishkeeping?

Fishkeeping encourages individuals to consider the entire ecosystem and its components. You must think about the compatibility between the species. You must research water quality issues. It is a living science experiment to teach hobbyists about ecology and biodiversity.

(University of Warwick)

Conclusion

Fishkeeping has a loyal following. People have fallen in love with the beauty of fish and the challenges and opportunities they offer hobbyists. Unlike other pets, enthusiasts often take their care to the next level by breeding them. Their care involves attention and precision to ensure their survival. Some undoubtedly enjoy these challenges, even if they can’t cuddle with their pets.

Featured Image Credit: Daniel Corneschi, Unsplash