25 Surprising Statistics About Aquarium Ownership in the U.S.

From freshwater community tanks to elaborate saltwater reefs, aquariums remain a fascinating part of American pet culture. Whether you're a first-time fishkeeper or a seasoned aquarist, these data-driven insights offer a clear snapshot of where the hobby stands today — and where it's headed.

1. 94 million U.S. households now own pets — an all-time high as of 2025.
2. 12 million U.S. households keep aquarium fish, making it one of the most popular pet categories.
3. Freshwater tanks dominate: About 10 million households keep freshwater fish.
4. Only 2 million households maintain saltwater aquariums, making them a niche segment.
5. Fish are the most popular “other” pet: 6.6 million households keep fish alongside dogs or cats.
6. Freshwater fish ownership has declined 15% since 2020 — from 11.8M to 10M households.
7. Saltwater aquarium ownership dropped by 1/3 since its 2021 peak of 2.9M households.
8. Pet fish ownership is down 27% from its 2008–2018 highs.
9. Pandemic triggered a fishkeeping boom: 60% of new saltwater aquarists started during COVID.
10. Fish ownership dropped post-pandemic, even while cat/dog ownership surged.
11. APPA vs AVMA estimates vary widely: Vet surveys report lower fish ownership than industry ones.
12. Freshwater tanks are 5x more common than saltwater in American homes.
13. Freshwater fish make up 42% of all U.S. pets — more than cats and dogs combined.
14. Average freshwater tank has ~13 fish, while saltwater setups tend to have fewer.
15. Nearly half of aquarists use tanks 40 gallons or smaller, though many upgrade over time.
16. 66% of hobbyists have bred fish, indicating a serious level of involvement.
17. Freshwater tank owners spend ~$234/year on aquariums, plus $190 on cabinetry.
18. Saltwater owners spend ~$192/year on tanks, often with higher gear costs overall.
19. Marine filtration costs nearly double freshwater setups: $118 vs $60 per year.
20. Saltwater fish food is more expensive: $101/year vs $41/year for freshwater fish.
21. Tank decor, live plants, and coral “treats” add another $75–80 per year on average.
22. Water care costs differ by tank type: $132/year for saltwater vs $43/year for freshwater.
23. Fishkeeping is a family hobby: 58% of fish owners have children under 18.
24. Millennials and Gen Z are driving growth: Only 20% of fish owners are Boomers.
25. Fish owners are more likely to be affluent: 25% higher likelihood of $150K+ income.

Whether it's a small desktop tank or a custom reef aquarium, fishkeeping remains a vibrant hobby with passionate participants. From changing demographics to deep emotional bonds with fish, the aquarium industry continues to evolve — driven by both trends and tradition.

Thinking of starting your own aquatic escape? Explore our collection of sculptural, American-made aquariums at Caldera Haven — where serenity meets craftsmanship.