As technology advances and lifestyles shift, the aquatic-prepared dishes market in China is presented with a growing opportunity. To comprehend its current landscape and consumers' genuine wants, this study investigated products and preferences on three major online shopping platforms, using a mix of online and offline surveys. We found that consumers are inclined towards meals featuring Channa argus, Haliotis, Holothuroidea, and fish maw, with products using seafood as raw materials being more popular than those using freshwater sources. In terms of flavors, aquatic-prepared dishes offer a diverse range, among which the original taste, spicy-sour, and mala's numbing sensation are the most popular flavors. Regarding cooking methods, consumers prefer ready-to-heat products, followed by ready-to-cook, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-eat categories. Common criticisms include small serving sizes, lack of freshness, subpar quality, high prices, unimpressive flavors, peculiar aftertastes, and excessive additives. To address these challenges, this paper offers insights and potential solutions, aiming to guide the flourishing future of China's aquatic-prepared dishes sector. [Chinese Fishery Quality and Standards, 2024, 14(3): 16-24]