Here's why:
* The Indo-Pacific region: The Indo-Pacific region, including the Coral Triangle, is considered the global center of marine biodiversity. It boasts an incredible number of fish species, surpassing the United States significantly.
* Other diverse regions: Other regions like the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea also have a high diversity of fish species.
The United States does have a remarkable amount of fish diversity due to:
* Long coastline: The US has a long and varied coastline, including both Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
* Diverse habitats: From coral reefs to freshwater lakes and rivers, the US encompasses a wide range of aquatic environments.
* Protection efforts: The US has established numerous marine protected areas and conservation efforts to protect its fish populations.
In summary, while the United States has a vast and impressive array of fish species, it's not the global leader in terms of sheer diversity. The Indo-Pacific region and other tropical areas hold the title for the highest number of fish species.