Ornamental Fish Production and Management

1.1.8 Status of ornamental fish farming in india (domestic / national market)

 

India is still in a marginal position just contributing 1% of total ornamental fish trade. An estimate carried out by Marine Products Exports Development Authority of India shows that there are one million ornamental fish hobbyists in India. The internal trade is estimated to be about 3.26 million US $ and the export trade is about 0.38 million US $ in India. The annual growth rate of ornamental fish trade is 14%. A rich diversity of species and favourable climate, cheap labour make India suitable for ornamental fish culture. Tamilnadu, Kerala and West Bengal are the major states involved in ornamental fish farming. Two categories of ornamental fishes are being marketed from India - exotic and native. The exotic varieties have been marketed domestically and dominating with 99%. Already 288 exotic varieties have been recorded in Indian market. More than 200 species of these freshwater fish are bred in different part of India. Mostly native ornamental fishes are exported. North eastern states, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamilnadu are blessed with highly potential indigenous ornamental fishes. Around 85% of native fishes are from North eastern states. 90% of native ornamental species are collected and reared to meet export demand. Presently about 100 native fish species have been earmarked as aquarium fish. Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai are major exporting centres. About 90% of India exports go from Kolkata followed by 8% from Mumbai and 2% from Chennai. Around 4000 peoples involved in this trade including breeding, live food collection, trading and exporting. There are 20 registered exporters.