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The aquariums industry is a trade that is expanding. Although there is no accurate information regarding the figures of the aquarium industry in the international scenario, it is estimated to generate revenues over US$ 300 million with an annual growth rate of 14%. Approximately US$ 28 to 44 million of this amount is generated by the ornamental marine fish trade. However, the trade in marine species has aroused controversy regarding the extraction of almost all traded marine organisms from wild populations and, in many cases, illegally. This paper presents a review that includes: the ornamental marine fishkeeping history, the species of commercial importance, the international trade scenario, risks of the aquarium industry, conservation strategies, and the current situation of this trade in Mexico. The last section focuses on describing the development and market prospects of the marine aquarium trade. Additionally, some initiatives from academic and private institutions aimed at developing sustainable aquaculture on ornamental marine fish species of commercial importance in Mexico are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La industria de la acuariofilia es un mercado que se encuentra en expansión. Aun cuando no existe información exacta respecto a cifras y valores del comercio internacional, se calcula que esta industria genera ganancias sobre US$ 300 millones con una tasa de crecimiento anual del 14%. De esta cifra, aproximadamente US$ 28 a 44 millones corresponden a peces ornamentales de origen marino. No obstante, una de las controversias que ha generado el comercio de especies marinas es que casi la totalidad de los organismos son capturados del medio natural, y en muchos casos de manera ilegal. En este trabajo se realiza una revisión que incluye: historia de la acuariofilia, principales especies ornamentales de importancia comercial, comercio internacional, riesgos del comercio de especies marinas, estrategias de conservación y situación actual en México. En este último tema, se abordan aspectos que describen el desarrollo y perspectivas del mercado de la acuariofilia marina y algunas iniciativas de instituciones académicas y privadas dirigidas al desarrollo de la acuicultura sostenible de especies marinas de ornato de importancia comercial en el país.The aquariums industry is a trade that is expanding. Although there is no accurate information regarding the figures of the aquarium industry in the international scenario, it is estimated to generate revenues over US$ 300 million with an annual growth rate of 14%. Approximately US$ 28 to 44 million of this amount is generated by the ornamental marine fish trade. However, the trade in marine species has aroused controversy regarding the extraction of almost all traded marine organisms from wild populations and, in many cases, illegally. This paper presents a review that includes: the ornamental marine fishkeeping history, the species of commercial importance, the international trade scenario, risks of the aquarium industry, conservation strategies, and the current situation of this trade in Mexico. The last section focuses on describing the development and market prospects of the marine aquarium trade. Additionally, some initiatives from academic and private institutions aimed at developing sustainable aquaculture on ornamental marine fish species of commercial importance in Mexico are provided.