India has a rich diversity of ornamental fish, with over 195 indigenous varieties reported from the North-Eastern Region and Western Ghats, and nearly 400 species from marine ecosystems. The majority of ornamental fish exported from India are wild varieties, primarily collected from the rivers of the North-East and Southern States, which contribute about 85% of the country’s total ornamental fish exports. The Ministry of Fisheries has launched the ‘Rangeen Machhli’ App that provides detailed information on popular ornamental fish species in eight Indian languages, thus, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Whether hobbyists are seeking guidance on fish care or farmers looking to diversify their breeds, the App offers comprehensive details on care, breeding, and maintenance practices. A salient feature of the App is the "Find Aquarium Shops" tool, which enables users to discover nearby aquarium stores. This dynamic directory is regularly updated by shop owners, promoting local businesses while providing users with reliable sources for ornamental fish and aquarium-related products.
Educational Module
The App includes educational modules for both newcomers and professionals in the ornamental fish industry. The "Basics of Aquarium Care" module covers essential topics such as types of aquariums, fishes, water filtration, lighting, feeding, day-to-day maintenance, while the "Ornamental Aquaculture" module focuses on breeding, rearing of different ornamental fish.
How to use the 'Rangeen Machhli' App
Download the Rangeen Machhli App from Google Play store by clicking on this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ornamentalfish. Create New Account by filling your personal details like Email id, mobile number and address. Also, make your own password for Log in. Then choose preferred language. Now, the App is ready for use.
Union Minister for Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh introduced the "Rangeen Machhli" Mobile App at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar on September 12, 2024.
Other Government Initiatives for promoting Ornamental Fisheries:
PMMSY offers support for a range of fishing activities, including the development of fishing harbors and fish landing centers to ensure the safe docking and berthing of fishing boats and vessels, as well as the efficient handling of post-harvest operations. Additionally, it promotes the establishment of ornamental fish-rearing units, fish retail markets, and fish kiosks.
PMMSY Schemes for development of ornamental fisheries:
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Backyard Ornamental Fish Rearing unit (both Marine and Freshwater with a unit cost of Rs. 3.0 lakh
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Medium Scale Ornamental Fish Rearing Unit (Marine and Freshwater Fish with a unit cost of Rs. 8.0 lakh
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Integrated Ornamental Fish unit (breeding and rearing for freshwater fish) with a unit cost of Rs. 25.0 lakh
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Integrated Ornamental fish unit (breeding and rearing for marine fish) with a unit cost of Rs. 30.0 lakh
Varieties of Ornamental Fishes
India boasts a rich diversity of ornamental fish, with over 195 indigenous varieties reported from the North-East Region and Western Ghats, and nearly 400 species from marine ecosystems. Of the 195 reported species from the North-East, 155 are of ornamental value.
The majority of ornamental fish exported from India are wild varieties, primarily collected from the rivers of the North-East and Southern States, which contribute about 85% of the country’s total ornamental fish exports. The Western Ghats, one of the world’s 34 ‘Biodiversity Hotspot’ areas, is home to numerous freshwater fish species, 40 of which are of ornamental value, with 37 being endemic to the region.
Around 90% of India's ornamental fish trade focuses on freshwater species, while the remaining 10% involves marine species. Most ornamental fish breeders in India primarily breed exotic species, with only a few involved in breeding indigenous, marine, or brackish water fish, it is officially learnt.
Goldfish is the most popular species among hobbyists, leading its breeding to dominate the Indian ornamental fish sector. Besides common livebearer varieties, breeders also focus on specialized species like Oscar, Flower Horn, Tetras, Discus, and Cichlids.
