The Green Pufferfish is admired worldwide for its attractive colors and curious nature. Its body is greenish with bold black spots, and it has a distinctive rounded face that looks almost like a smiling pet. Unlike many other ornamental species, this fish is highly interactive, often following movement outside its tank, making it a favorite among hobbyists.
Farmers and small-scale hatchery owners can benefit from rearing this fish because ornamental species fetch a higher price than most food fishes. While food fish are sold by weight, ornamental fish are sold per piece, and the Green Pufferfish has a trade potential of Rs 20–30 per fish, offering good profit margins.
A Scientific Breakthrough for Farmers
Until recently, the breeding of Green Pufferfish was possible only in the wild, which meant farmers had to rely on seasonal availability. However, scientists at CIBA’s Kakdwip Research Centre in Sundarbans successfully achieved captive breeding and seed production of this species under Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS). This is the first-ever achievement of its kind in brackishwater conditions in India.
This success means farmers no longer need to depend on catching wild fish, and hatcheries can now supply healthy, uniform seeds for commercial culture. It also ensures sustainable use of natural resources while creating a new livelihood avenue for rural communities.
Habitat and Adaptability
The Green Pufferfish is naturally found in rivers, estuaries, mangroves, and brackish waters of South and Southeast Asia. In India, it is seen in coastal waters, particularly in the Sundarbans. The fish thrives in slightly salty water but can also adapt to freshwater when young. This adaptability makes it suitable for both inland farmers with freshwater tanks and coastal farmers working in brackishwater ponds.
It is a hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, which reduces the risk of mass mortality. Farmers with small ponds or even cement tanks can rear it with ease, provided they maintain good water quality.
Feeding and Care
Green Pufferfish are omnivorous in nature. In the wild, they feed on small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. Under culture conditions, they readily accept formulated feeds, dried shrimp, and chopped aquatic insects. Farmers should provide a protein-rich diet to ensure healthy growth and bright coloration, which increases its market value.
One special feature of this species is its continuously growing teeth, which require hard-shelled food like snails or clams to keep them trimmed. Farmers should ensure such feed is provided occasionally to maintain oral health.
Regular water exchange and use of simple filtration systems help maintain good water quality. Since ornamental fish buyers value appearance, clean water ensures the fish remain healthy and visually appealing.
Management and Rearing Practices
The fish can be reared in small tanks, backyard ponds, or in RAS systems. RAS is especially useful because it allows year-round production, reduces water use, and gives better control over water salinity and cleanliness. Stocking density should be moderate to avoid stress and aggression, as puffers may sometimes nip each other’s fins if overcrowded.
Farmers can start with fingerlings supplied by hatcheries. The growth period is usually 3-4 months before the fish reaches saleable size. With careful care and attractive display, these fish can fetch high prices in local markets, aquarium shops, and even for export.
Income Potential for Farmers
Ornamental fish farming is a profitable alternative to traditional aquaculture because the demand is global and increasing. The Green Pufferfish, with its unique appearance, can be sold at Rs. 20-30 per piece, and in urban aquarium markets, even higher. A small farmer rearing 1,000-2,000 fish in tanks can earn significant additional income. Hatcheries that specialize in producing seeds can make steady profits by supplying to hobbyists, retailers, and exporters.
This species also requires relatively low investment compared to large-scale fish culture. With training and initial support, rural youth, women self-help groups, and small farmers can successfully take up this venture.
Broader Benefits
The introduction of Green Pufferfish seed production in India also has ecological benefits. It reduces the pressure on wild populations, ensuring their conservation. It provides farmers with a sustainable livelihood option without harming the natural ecosystem. Additionally, by diversifying aquaculture, farmers become less dependent on a single crop or species, reducing risks from market fluctuations and disease outbreaks.
The Green Pufferfish is more than an attractive aquarium species, it’s a new income opportunity for Indian farmers and hatcheries. Due to ICAR-CIBA’s captive breeding breakthrough, it can be sustainably cultured with minimal inputs. With training, ornamental fish farming can become a profitable, eco-friendly livelihood for small and marginal farmers.
