Ornamental Fisheries

Ornamental fishes of India are contributing about 1% of the total ornamental fish trade. India has great potential in ornamental fish production due to the presence of rich biodiversity of species, favourable climatic conditions and availability of cheap labour. Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal mainly practice ornamental fish farming in India.

• The ornamental species are categorized into indigenous and exotic fishes. About 90% of native species (85% are from northeast India) are collected and reared to meet export demand. Presently, nearly about 100 native species are reared as aquarium fish.
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has launched a subsidy scheme for setting up of breeding units of colourful aquarium fishes and marketing societies in various states to facilitate their export. This subsidy scheme has components like -
  • Ornamental fish production – Backyard hatcheries for women SHGs / Fisher women cooperatives/ other house holds
  • Medium scale unit for ornamental fish production by the entrepreneurs
  • Integrated ornamental fishery units with hatcheries for ornamental fishes
  • Setting up of aquarium fabrication units - women SHGs / Fisher women cooperatives/ others
  • Training and demonstration to the beneficiaries of the scheme.