"US Takes Action to Protect Endangered Tropical Fish from Aquarium Trade"
The US federal government is considering a ban on the importation and exportation of the Banggai cardinalfish, a species threatened by the pet trade. The fish, native to Indonesia, was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2016 due to exploitation for ornamental aquariums. Conservation groups have petitioned for the ban, citing a decline of up to 90% in the species since the 1990s. The US imports an average of 120,000 of these fish annually. The proposal aims to protect the species and its habitat, while urging Indonesia to take stronger conservation measures. The tropical fish trade is difficult to regulate and has contributed to the decline of many endangered species. Public comments will be solicited before a final ruling is made.