This work addresses a review of the scientific literature of the main environmental and socio-economic consequences of the ornamental fish market (PO) in Colombia. As the main results, it was found that this trade continues to be a global exchange activity for exotic species that generates great profits. The extraction of these species causes an imbalance in the natural populations that inhabit the bodies of water, generating concerns such as the depletion of the resource associated with overfishing and extraction practices, the introduction of exotic species to the different places of destination, the factors of stresses of animals that have caused emerging risks as they are carriers of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. The indiscriminate use of chemical compounds such as salts, antibiotics, drugs, among others, in the reception of fish, in cultivation, in the treatment of diseases and quarantines. In addition to the above, poor feeding practices lead to the deterioration of water quality, causing additional impacts that must be considered. This activity has contributed to the socio-economic development and well-being of the fishing communities that depend directly and indirectly on this resource. Problems related to poverty in the communities, the low educational level, the lack of opportunities, the abandonment of the State and the little incentive for cultivation that impede the development of this activity, beyond the collection, were identified.