Sri Lanka is a tropical island located near the equator and surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Nature's gifted aquatic species, especially ornamental fish, reef fish, invertebrates, live corals and aquatic plants, are of considerable importance to Sri Lanka's economy. In recent decades, the marine ornamental industry has become more popular and considered a foreign earning sector in Sri Lanka. The export of marine ornamental fish significantly increased by 22.7% in 2016 compared to previous years and contributes to the continuing share of Sri Lanka's economy. This sector has a high potential for expansion thanks to the abundant availability of natural resources. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Marine fish and invertebrates are collected from the waters around the island by professional divers and exported around the world. Major dive sites for the collection include Kalpitiya, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Tangalle, Weligama and Trincomalee. The largest buyers are the USA, Japan, Australia, Canada, the European Union and Middle Eastern countries. The annual growth of the marine ornamental fish industry is 0.93% and the sector has identified major plans to increase profit margin by breeding high-value ornamental fish, including exciting new species and rare varieties endemic to the tropical island. The ornamental marine aquarium is composed of more colorful elements and amazing species of fish, invertebrates, corals and aquatic plants. Ornamental marine fish species with high export demand include Red Sea fish, diamond goby, diesel, scissor-tailed clownfish, scorpion blenny, red coral perch, octagonal wrasse, fighting goby, white sand goby, Koran angelfish, regal angelfish, two-tone blenny, Elvis damselfish fish, tiger goby, three-spotted damselfish, blue ring with high export demand. Marine ornamental fish species banned from export include blue and yellow grouper, two-spined angelfish, speckled butterflyfish, lionfish, saddleback butterflyfish, masked flagfish. Marine invertebrates include Hippolis matha, Red Fire Shrimp, Dancing Shrimp, Green Carpet Anemone, Crimson Starfish, Hinge-billed Shrimp, Flower Sea Urchin, Purple Tube Anemone, Corn Rose Bulb Anemone, Spotted Keystone Crab, Yellow Brittle Sponges, Snails of the orange line. Corals found in the marine environment are polyps, zoas, soft corals, LPS corals, clams and mushrooms. By introducing new technologies in the water management system and better understanding in nutrition and disease management, the development has supported this sector as a global industry. This industry has been commercialized and around 50 companies export over 1000 varieties of live ornamental fish to around 40 countries around the world, contributing 0.74% of the global demand for ornamental fish. Over 60 years of business experience acquired with some private companies including Lumbini Aquarium, Aquamarines International, etc. Improved varieties of seahorse are exported to UK and European markets with great success and achieve high export value. The Animal Quarantine Department issues a certificate for each shipment to ensure that the exported fish are in good health. Keeping ornamental fish is one of the most popular hobbies in the world today. Scientists have reported that watching fish move in tanks provides mental relaxation, reduces stress and avoids frustration. Like other pets, it is not dangerous or harmful to humans. Here.