Ornamental fishes are often called "living jewels." They are small, colourful, and graceful creatures that are kept in aquariums for beauty and relaxation. Over the years, ornamental fish keeping has grown from a hobby into a profitable business. For farmers, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, breeding ornamental fishes offers a low-cost but high-reward livelihood opportunity.
In India, both indigenous and exotic ornamental fishes are bred in controlled conditions. The Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneshwar, has played a key role in popularizing aquariculture. With proper training, a small setup, and some patience, even a beginner can become a successful fish breeder.
Choosing Fish Species for Breeding
It is important to start with hardy and easy-to-breed species. Fish are usually classified as livebearers or egg-layers based on their method of reproduction.
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Livebearers give birth to fully formed young ones. They are ideal for beginners as they breed easily. The most popular species in this group include guppies (Poecilia reticulata), mollies (Mollinesia), swordtails (Xiphophorus), and platies. These fishes breed frequently and are easy to maintain.
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Egg-layers lay eggs that hatch outside their bodies. This group includes goldfish (Carassius auratus), koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi), zebra danio, and different types of tetras like neon tetra and serpae tetra. These fishes may need slightly more attention during the breeding and larval stages.
Other popular varieties include angelfish, red-line torpedo fish, loaches, and leaf-fish. Indigenous species like Nandus nandus and Channa orientalis also have market value.
Unit Setup and Basic Needs
A basic unit can be set up in your backyard or a shaded area near your home. You will need a constant supply of clean water and uninterrupted electricity. If you live near a stream, that is an added advantage for maintaining a natural water flow.
Cement tanks, glass or fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks, and even large containers can be used to keep broodstock and young fishes. Biofilters help maintain good water quality. A simple filtration system and regular cleaning are essential for the health of your fish.
Having a small live food unit is equally important. Fish larvae need live food like infusoria, artemia nauplii, rotifers, and daphnia during the first few weeks. Older fish can be fed Tubifex worms, Moina, earthworms, and homemade pelleted feed made from local agro-products like rice bran, wheat bran, fishmeal, and oil cakes.
Breeding and Larval Care
Livebearers do not require elaborate arrangements. A male and female can be kept together, and they will breed naturally. Within a few weeks, small baby fish (fry) can be seen. Keep the fry in a separate tank to protect them from adult fish.
Egg-layers may require spawning mops or nests depending on the species. Some lay eggs on plants, others scatter them, and some build nests. In most cases, the eggs hatch in 24-48 hours. The larvae should be fed live micro-food for good survival.
Good broodstock gives better offspring. Always choose healthy, active, and disease-free fish for breeding. Proper attention to water temperature, oxygen level, and feeding frequency improves breeding success.
Marketing and Profit Potential
With the increasing number of home aquariums, resorts, hotels, and export demand, the market for ornamental fishes is growing. Farmers can sell young fish locally, to aquarium shops, online sellers, and even exporters. Prices vary with species, colour, and size. A well-maintained unit with a mix of 2–3 popular species can give a monthly income of Rs. 10,000–Rs. 25,000 depending on the scale.
It is best to start small with one or two marketable species and grow gradually. Understanding market demand, consumer preferences, and developing good relations with buyers are important for long-term success.
For better transport and market access, setting up a unit near a railway station or airport is helpful. Fishes are often packed in oxygenated polythene bags for short-distance travel.
Support and Learning
Several government institutes like CIFA, MPEDA, NFDB, and state fisheries departments offer training and support. Interested farmers should attend training programs, watch demonstration videos, and visit successful farms to gain experience.
Women, self-help groups, and unemployed youth can benefit a lot from this low-investment enterprise. It also adds beauty and calmness to the home environment, apart from generating income.
Ornamental fish farming is not just about keeping beautiful fishes, it's a real income-generating option for rural and urban farmers alike. With basic knowledge, low initial cost, and consistent care, anyone can start and succeed in this business. As the saying goes, "small tanks can bring big fortunes," and ornamental fish farming proves that beautifully.
