Market Survey of Ornamental Fish Trade in Lagos State

This study conducted a market survey of the ornamental fish trade in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, examining species diversity, market channels, pricing dynamics, and challenges facing traders. Lagos represents the largest hub for ornamental fish commerce in Nigeria, supplying hobbyists, aquarium businesses, and institutional buyers across the country. Fifty ornamental fish dealers were surveyed in markets across Lagos Island, Surulere, and Alimosho local government areas using structured questionnaires and observational field notes. Data were collected on species stocked, sourcing locations, import patterns, monthly sales volumes, pricing, and constraints to business growth. Results identified 63 ornamental species, of which 54 percent were imported from Asia and 46 percent sourced locally from Nigeria's river systems and aquaculture operations. Guppies (Poecilia reticulata), goldfish (Carassius auratus), and cichlids dominated import inventories, while locally sourced species included various mormyrids, killifish, and native cichlids. Average monthly revenue per dealer ranged from 150,000 to 850,000 naira, with significant income variation linked to market location and customer base. High import duty, foreign exchange volatility, and inadequate transport packaging were the most commonly cited business constraints. The study highlights the growing economic potential of Nigeria's ornamental fish sector and recommends investment in domestic breeding programmes and regulatory frameworks to reduce import dependency and add value to native species. Keywords: ornamental fish, aquarium trade, market survey, Lagos State, fisheries commerce