Guide to Ornamental Fish Farming

1. Introduction

Ornamental fish farming is an important aspect of aquaculture dealing with the propagation of exotic and indigenous species of fish for both aquarium and outdoor ornamental pool use. It is estimated that more than 10,000 species of fish are traded throughout the world for ornamental purposes. The taste for keeping fish as pets became evident in the early 19th century. Initially, aquariums were displayed mostly in big residential buildings, so-called "the underwater gardens," in Europe, America, and Japan. Keeping and displaying ornamental fish is growing in popularity due to globalization and the expansion of the international hotels and resorts industry. The ornamental fish trade is currently a multi-billion dollar industry that contributes to the economies of many developed and underdeveloped countries. Studies have shown that more than a hundred million households in the USA alone have displayed fish in aquariums or outdoor pond gardens. All these highlight the increasing importance of the aquarium fish trade to improve the economy of the state and the nation as a whole.

Ornamental fish keeping is not specific to any one country, culture, or religion. The popularity of ornamental fishkeeping has been publicized by popular personalities through audiovisual media in the present times. Ornamental fish farming is carried out as a hobby of collecting various species of fish and maintaining them with interest and enjoyment. It is also carried out by governments and other organizations with a view to conserving the endemic and endangered species of fish. A hobby can be a source of economic gain and employment. The objective is to provide commonly used terminologies in aquarium culture and breeding, and the explanations are generally in line with the assembled guidelines. It is important to stress that aquarist terms have different connotations in tradition but have uniformity in science. The overall perspective provides information on how to initiate ornamental fisheries and to cultivate the organisms irrespective of their nomenclature within the biological kingdom.

2. Benefits of Ornamental Fish Farming

Ornamental fish farming is the reinvestment of imported ornamental fish into the farms' breeding systems. The hobby of keeping fish and aquariums is a growing one. Ornaments like aquariums and fishkeeping are gaining importance with the gradually changing mindset of people and the increasing time spent indoors due to technological developments. Keeping fish at home is a very old hobby and has many health and psychological benefits. It reduces stress and anger and increases lifespan. This is because the rhythm of moving fish helps to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. The United States of America is a major importer and re-exporter of ornamental fish, and this offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs. The worldwide ornamental fish market is growing rapidly every year. Many factors are contributing to this increase, including buyers' need to import or pay for high-quality and exotic fish. The number of households that keep and breed aquarium fish has increased in recent years. Some people have begun to consider the pros of breeding fish as well as fish sales. From a realistic perspective, the income generated from ornamental fish farming would not be major, but it could be a perfect tool for earning extra income. It's also a tough job to do full-time, and you must have a secure alternative source of employment. The ornamental fish sector also gets regular attention from various organizations. The main focus is to teach people about ornamental fish farming and convince them of its benefits. Furthermore, if you are profiting from this venture, it is recommended that you first obtain the necessary permits. If you are a newbie and want to start, you should first go through a comprehensive training program.

3. Types of Ornamental Fish

The types of ornamental fish to be considered are divided into two categories: 1. Freshwater fish - These are fish that can be found in ponds, rivers, and lakes. Freshwater fish are the most popular fish aquarists keep. The water conditions offered for freshwater fish include hard water originating from minerals, soft water, and brackish water. - Freshwater fish include Siamese fighting fish, guppies, cardinal tetra, red-capped oranda, coral pink platy, and angelfish. - The freshwater ornamental fish are considered easier to manage than the marine ornamental fish, as the water quality required for freshwater fish is not as high as that for marine fish. 2. Marine fish - Another type of ornamental fish is the marine ornamental fish, which is a fish that lives in the sea. This type of ornamental fish is very popular because of their colors that are very diverse and interesting. The amount of water temperature, salinity, and hardness of the water has a direct effect on the fish found in the sea. - The most common marine ornamental fish include regal fish, clownfish, damselfish, mandarin fish, butterfly fish, surgeon fish, and blue tang. - Each aquarium must provide the needs of the ornamental fish in it to be able to live comfortably in their environment. If the aquarium offers their natural needs, reproduction will be fast and the price will be cheaper. The right understanding of the habitat and the basic requirements to breed can meet the market demand for people who have fish as pets. By knowing and understanding the character of ornamental fish, potential ornamental fish farmers will be able to make decisions and choose where to grow the ornamental fish. This information will help you establish the basis for choosing any development plan and progress in ornamental fish farming.

3.1. Freshwater Fish

Freshwater fish are commonly used as ornamental fish. These kinds of fish are known to be hardy, vibrant in color, and have unique activities. They can be utilized in garden decorations, indoor decoration tanks, public aquariums, or ponds. However, it must be kept in mind that not all fish can be bred in small containers. Varieties of freshwater fish from several families that can be bred under captivity are associated with ornamental fish farming. These families include at least 17 families, including some marine species from families such as Acanthuridae, Atherinidae, Balistidae, Pomacentridae, Scaridae, Siganidae, and also fish from the genus Anabas, including Anabas' hybrid and B. testudineus.

Mollies, swordtails, guppies, mollies, American flag fish, zebra danios, goldfish, neon tetras, bloodfin tetras, veiled angels, black angels, and platinum angels are examples of commonly bred freshwater fish for ornamental purposes. The booming market requests these types of fish at around 200 fish per species per week, and they are generally one sex, which is male. Breeding freshwater seedlings requires shallow ponds with pH parameters between 5.6 and 6.2, organic materials of approximately 1.5 to 2.2 ppm of urea, and inorganic fertilizers of 0.6 to 0.8 ppm for successful spawning. All freshwater fish are regularly suitable for market demand. The most common cause of death is mostly due to stress from threats, even in untreated pets. This behavior causes opportunistic pathogens, mostly bacterial, to increase the chances of causing disease. Fish health will suffer significantly in water temperatures above 30°C, so it is better to maintain them in a tank that is not conducive to carrying diseases while still providing some light and water. Appropriate husbandry will lead to healthy ornamental fish.

Freshwater fish that are commonly bred for their aesthetics require minimal levels of husbandry. Farmers, therefore, can start exploring breeding techniques and developing varieties or inventing new strains for the market in a relatively short time. Freshwater fish can be easily managed and maintained, and are therefore a popular choice for the ornamental fish industry. The steps to take to get fish to breed are to create natural conditions, known as imitating a natural environment. Examples of imitating natural conditions include sediment aspiration, maintaining appropriate water temperature and pH based on species needs, and placing indoor live plants for decoration purposes and to absorb heavy metal pollutants from water and fish gills. As a step to ensure the feasibility of water in terms of fish health, market freshwater fish must be examined from time to time to confirm their health. Under this subtopic, several freshwater fish species that are generally bred and managed under ornamental fish farms are given as examples with their background and maintenance.

3.2. Marine Fish

Among the species within the group of ornamental fish, marine fish have a special attraction. Blue tang, yellow tang, clownfish, damselfish, butterflyfish, and mandarin fish are some examples. The movements and agility of the fish in the water have a hypnotizing effect on the viewer. The most popular fish species among ornamental fish are marine fish. The cultivation methods used for marine fish are more advanced and difficult than those for freshwater fish due to differences in physiological, behavioral, and ecological characteristics. They live in saltwater in nature. The most important entry barriers are the high initial investment, the requirement for qualified labor, the difficulties in adaptation to salinity, the risk of disease, and the possibility of high input costs due to diversity in feed, the design of filters, and the presence of living organisms. Curious fish, such as damselfish with a rounded body, usually have a milky-white speckled appearance in dark areas. They turn very iridescent, striking colors when they are feeding or in a good mood. Additionally, marine livestock and corals help create a more natural look for aquariums. In the future, it is anticipated that these will be most needed and are indispensable for a hobbyist’s marine aquarium project. Carefully establishing and managing marine fish stocks and maximizing habitat quality improves the natural beauty and diversity of ornamental fish.

Marine fish living in seawater are more in demand and have a higher price level compared to freshwater fish due to their color, size, limited area, and difficulties in breeding. Compared to freshwater fish cultivation, production, installation, and filtration systems, water quality, cleaning, and maintenance of the aquarium are a bit more complex. Since they are unique and have many different varieties, you can achieve high revenues with this fish, as they are in demand worldwide. The fish to be sold should be regularly monitored and should not be put together with fish at risk of disease. While adapted in advance, more care should be given to turning it to anchor. They can be derived by using gender sorting methods or directly from the hatchery. The genetic diversity of fish around the world must be protected. In addition, while sourcing fish from the wild, the business must continue with ethical measures, which can be labeled as 'natural,' like catching certificates. However, since wild-caught organisms can contain a wide variety of organisms, the risk of encountering a malaise is higher.

4. Setting Up an Ornamental Fish Farm

Location: To build a successful farm, various reasons must be taken into consideration when choosing land. Firstly, land with access to good soil and away from synthetic farming materials and chemical waste must be preferred. Location should also be near the markets. Lastly, the land must be accessible to the dam, well, other water resources, and industrial drinking water. Physical and environmental factors must be compared when selecting an appropriate site. ● Choose sites with good, well-drained soil if you wish to construct earthen ponds. ● To stock ponds, consider water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity. ● Choose sites where the water will be free from pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants for the daily rate of exchange of water. ● Choose land with year-round or at least dry season access to water. Infrastructure: In fish culture, prevention is more successful than cure. To avoid diseases and difficulties in fish farming that may arise in the future, all amenities, as well as the facility layout and construction of the institution, must be carefully arranged to ensure the best possible water quality. For ornamental fish, selecting the appropriate infrastructure is important. Construction precision is essential for filter or tank systems. 1. Construction of Land and Buildings 2. Treatment of Tanks 3. Tank and Filtration Systems 4. Water Supply Systems 5. Aeration Systems The fish culture of ornamental fish is driven solely by state regulations, especially in terms of water management. Required permits, papers, and behavioral rules are usually regulated by the regional directories. Obtaining a general understanding of the state is crucial to establishing and operating a successful business. One should gain knowledge of tax laws and social benefits, such as access to energy and clean water, to develop systems while spending less money and avoiding negative impacts on the environment. Budgeting closely to demand and expectations is the right form of involvement while planning for the business. It is also important for future investors to talk to existing farmers and/or other experts with experience when planning, preparing, and growing the sector. Experimental farmers and relevant agencies should be addressed.

4.1. Location and Infrastructure

The geographical location is also important in the case of setting up an ornamental fish farm, allowing easy access to water sources with good quality and an ideal climate for growth. The farm should be established in a location that promotes access to key suppliers and markets. An ornamental fish farm needs the following infrastructure: ponds or tanks, filtration mechanisms, temperature control installations, administrative blocks, water supply and sewage, and a compound wall. Ponds or tanks are used for the rearing of ornamental fish, and overhead tanks should be used as sumps in recirculatory aquaculture systems.

Bricks and concrete can be used as the building materials, while tiles alone can be used in the interior of the ponds. Mechanical bio and UV filters can be used for the filtration of freshwater and marine water. Construction of the ornamental fish farm can be done by various methods and agencies, and the cost associated with these is approximately for new construction. Management techniques and monitoring devices should be included in the construction of the fish farm to allow future extension. Transportation access is always favorable as it helps to cut down on refrigeration costs at the time of dispatch. Natural calamities such as cyclones, floods, and earthquakes should be factored into the disaster management plan during the infrastructural establishment to safeguard the operation.

4.2. Water Quality Management

Water quality maintenance is the most important task in aquaria, ponds, and any closed captive system. The healthy growth, better color, and hardiness of ornamental fish depend on good maintenance of water quality. Without good water and proper maintenance, successful fish farming may never be possible. The main factors to be monitored for assessing water quality include physical factors such as temperature, pH, hardness, and dissolved oxygen; chemical factors such as ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, carbon dioxide, chlorine, chloramine, and other heavy metals. Total suspended solids should be maintained. All these factors can be achieved with regular monitoring of water quality and proper medicated water before changing it.

For testing water quality, we need test kits for pH, ammonia, oxygen, and temperature, as well as chemicals for hardness and oxygen. We can use a syringe or a normal measuring jar and oxygen testing equipment. Testing tools and chemicals can be purchased from aquarium shops or procured from the market. Filtration plays a major role in the prevention of waterborne diseases. Therefore, irrespective of the fish farming system, whether indoor or outdoor, water should be filtered regularly. Additionally, regular water changes should not rely solely on filtration. Generally, filter units should be cleaned once every three months. Changing water frequently based on ammonia or nitrate levels is a preventive measure against diseases and one of the ways to increase the efficiency of the filter. Antibiotics and some pH control substances can be degraded by light and air, which reduces their effectiveness, and the balance of the water also changes.

Changing water immediately will be slightly reduced if you address the following: identifying and correcting the source of contamination, leakage, and unnecessary waste. This is essential for controlling pollution and sustaining the aquatic ecosystem. This is an example of how important it is to protect sustainable development. Keep plumbing in good condition, from leaking parts of water purifiers to algae-contaminated rivers and streams. Turning on pumps or airlines in ponds a few times a day when air exchange is unnecessary, especially during sunny days and at night, brings fresh air and improves the water’s pH. However, I was less shocked because the large inlet and outlet pipes needed to turn off the pump properly are also necessary.

5. Feeding and Nutrition for Ornamental Fish

Feeding has a key role in the growth, health, and vibrant coloration of ornamental fish. The feed has to be adapted to meet the dietary needs of different species of ornamental fish. In general, the feed must contain proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Flakes, pellets, granules, and fry powder feed are available based on their form. Feeding with live food items such as paramecium, microworms, tubifex worms, and daphnia is also provided in addition to regular feed for show-grade fish species.

· An aquarium should be fed with good quality fish food.

· The granules are for mid-water and bottom feeders, while the flakes, spirulina, tubifex worms, and bloodworms are for surface feeding fish.

· Overfeeding should be avoided; feeding should be done twice or thrice daily.

· The feed should be given in small portions, especially what these hungry fish can eat in 3 minutes.

· Always consider the quantity of fish in the aquarium or tank before deciding on the feeding quantity.

· In a day, feed 5-10% of the total body weight of the fish.

Nutrient requirements vary from species to species for pet fish, so suitable feed should be given to different species after careful consideration. The dietary requirements differ among species. Therefore, different nutrient feeds should be provided to different species. Inadequate micronutrients can lead to symptoms of nutritional disease. Nutritional disease is a disorder resulting from a lack of specific nutrients. All nutrients have a specific role in the metabolic activities of fish. They are also essential for body mass index. No two foods will contain the same type of nutrients and will yield identical results. Fortification of food begins when the combination of various ingredients is done between two varieties, resulting in elevated nutrition. Feeding a diversified diet to ornamental fish will lead to better results. Proper nutrition is the pivotal point of special care for ornamental fish. Vitamins are highly complex and potent nutrients in trace compounds that have several specific activities in physiological functions. A good diet of fish food will extend the longevity of colorful, vibrant, beautiful fish.

6. Common Diseases and Health Management in Ornamental Fish

Hatching and rearing nurseries for ornamental fish producing healthy fish are of commercial interest, considering competitive markets worldwide. The descriptions of several diseases of ornamental fish are currently recognized, but five important bacterial, one viral, and three parasitic diseases are highlighted according to their epidemiological importance in modern ornamental fish farming technology. Some protozoan infections are also mentioned. The control of these diseases requires prevention as well as management, including regulatory norms if possible. It is important to keep ornamental fish in optimal water conditions. Any minor mistake can cause disastrous mortalities within seconds in both extensive and intensive systems. The nutritive and physiological stress due to fear, artificial handling, injury, oxygen deficiencies, biological oxygen demand, and others can cause immunosuppression in fish.

The major and minor diseases have been broadly categorized for the purpose of diagnosis and localized language, which are commonly available in literature and local patent files. To have a healthy culture and also for ornamental impact, quarantine and diagnosis are equally important. Biosecurity in fish culture focuses on quarantine and diagnosis. The aquatic veterinarian must know the symptoms of healthy fish if healthy fish are shown to them. Quarantine is a safeguard for the main aquarium or hatchery. It also minimizes the financial burden on individual fish and may decrease stress to the aquarium in situations where losses are involved. Common symptoms of fish diseases and psychological status are indicative of production and focus on their health and selection. These are classified as bacterial diseases, viral diseases, fungal diseases, protozoan diseases, and worms. Management and eradication of these diseases through chemicals, antibiotics, vaccines, and alternative therapy can be achieved after these classifications. Preventive and curative therapies are required. When ornamental fish are managed by aquaculturists to maintain the health and comfort of the captive animals, the most common health diseases have been classified as follows, with special reference to ornamental fish detailed here.

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