Major Fresh water and Marine Ornamental fishes and Potential for Domestic farming and Exports by B.pptx

Major Fresh water and Marine
Ornamental fishes and Potential for
Domestic farming and Exports
By:
Bhukya Bhaskar
Fisheries

Introduction
• Ornamental aquaculture is one of the highest value aquaculture industries, with estimations of around
$15 billion United States Dollar (USD) (Moorhead and Zeng, 2010) while King (2019) suggests a higher
range estimate of $20 Billion USD, with approximately 5000–6500 individual freshwater species and
1600 marine species traded internationally (Moorhead and Zeng, 2010, Novák et al., 2020).
• For comparison, the highest value food fish species (Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar) is currently valued at
$16.7 billion USD (Tacon, 2020).
• Aquarium can be made of materials like glass, concrete, wood, fiberglass acrylic sheet etc., depending
on its location, cost and durability.
• Ornamental fish trade started in India in 1969 with export earning of US $ 0.04 million, recently
Ornamental fishes of India are contributing about 1% of the total ornamental fish trade.
• These fishes are exported to the tune of 54 tons, having the value of Rupees 13.08 crores in 2020-21.
• It registered a growth of 66.55 % in terms of quantity and 20.59% in terms of value in INR
• The MPEDA has estimated that India has the potential to earn about US $5 billion as foreign exchange by
export of ornamental fishes.
Glass tank
• They are either all glass tanks or metal framed ones. In the metal (steel or iron) framed tanks glass
panels are held in place with putty (battery compound). On the other hand in all glass tanks, glass walls
are fitted together edge-to-edge using silicone rubber adhesive.
• Nowadays, all-glass tanks have completely vanished due to the popularity of metal-framed tanks, which
are known for their slim appearance and suitability for keeping marine fishes also.
Shape of aquarium tanks
• The shape of the aquarium tank may be circular, square, rectangular, oval, hexagonal or octagonal.
However, rectangular tanks are preferred as they provide sufficient area for free swimming of the fishes.

Barbs
• Barbs, members of the Cyprinidae family, comprise
more than 400 species in their entire range, which
extends from Africa, Asia and Europe to Central
China, the Philippines and the East Indies.
• About 150 species of barbs are of ornamental value,
comprising mostly of wild caught varieties.
• Barbus tetrazona (Tiger barb), B conchonius (Rosy
barb) and Puntius titteye (cherry barb) are the most
common barbs in the aquarium industry.
P. denisonii, a wild caught variety of barb is mainly
found in Kerala and Karnataka.
• Care Level: Easy – Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful – Semi-aggressive
• Swimming Level: Middle
• Origin: Asia
• Adult Size: 2 – 13 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 – 100 + gallons
• Water Temperature: 75 – 80°F
• pH: 6.8 – 7.8
• Scientific classification:
• Domain:Eukaryota
• Kingdom:Animalia
• Phylum:Chordata
• Class:Actinopterygii
• Order:Cypriniformes
• Family:Cyprinidae
• Subfamily:Barbinae
• Genus:Puntigrus
• Species:P. tetrazona

LOACHES
• Loaches, commonly known as Botia, are belonging to the
family Cyprinidae.
• There are around 40 species of loaches known today,
belonging to the genus Botia.
• They are natives of Thailand, India, Pakistan, China,
Bangladesh and some Indonesian Islands.
• They are probably the most diverse group of fish in the
hobby, both in pattern and behaviour.

Danios
• Danios, another member of the Cyprinidae family,
are small and lively fish which are native to the
Indian peninsula, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand,
Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia.
• They are found in a variety of habitats from
boulder-strewn mountain torrents to small pools in
dry zone streams.
• There are more than 12 species reported today of
which Danio malabaricus (Pearl Danio), D.
albolineata and Brachydanio rerio (zebra fish) are
common in the hobbyist market.
• Brachydanio rerio is mainly found in Kerala and
Karnataka.
• Scientific Name: Celestichthys, Danio,
Brachydanio, etc.
• Care Level: Easy – intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Swimming Level: Upper levels
• Origin: Asia
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• pH: 7 – 7.8
• Danios are small Asian schooling fish that are great
for community tanks.
• Some, like zebra danios, are very hardy and make
an ideal choice for beginner fish keepers.
• Danios tend to be very active swimmers, and they
can add a lot of movement to your aquarium.
• They are very social fish, so they need to be kept in
a school of at least 6 of their own kind.

Freshwater sharks
• Freshwater sharks are different types of minnows, belonging to four
genera, Balantiocheilos, Epalzeorhynchos, Labeo and Luciosoma, under
the Cyprinidae family.
• They are commonly referred to as freshwater sharks in the hobby market.
• These minnows are widely distributed over Southeast Asia, the Malay
Archipelago, Indonesia, and parts of the Middle East and Africa. Genus
Epalzeorhyncho have four types of fresh water sharks, E. bicolor, E.
frenatus, E. kalopterus, and E. munense.
• The genus, Labeo has over a hundred species, of which two species,
Labeo chrysophekadion and L. cyclorhynchus are popular in the aquarium
trade. The genus, Luciosoma has five species, of which one, L. siplopleura,
is popular in the hobby.
• Bala shark, as popularly known, is a short form of its Latin name,
Balantiocheilus melanopterus, are native of Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia
and Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo).

Gourami
• Gourami, the labyrinth fish, is a native of western and
southern Africa, northeastern, southeastern, south and
Southeast Asia.
• Colisa lalia, the Dwarf Gourami, occurs naturally in
freshwater ponds, streams and paddy fields of
northeastern India and Bangladesh, and is most popular
among the Gouramis.
• Important varieties include the Honey Gourami (C. chuna),
Indian Gourami (C. fasciata), Thick-lipped Gourami (C.
labiosa), three spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus),
Pearl Gourami (T. leeri), Snakeskin (T. pectoralis), Moonlight
Gourami (T. microlepis) and the Kissing Gourami
(Helostoma temmincki).

Catfishes
• Corydoras, commonly known as catfish, is belonging to the
family Callichthydae.
• They are natives of South America particularly Brazil,
Uruguay, northern Argentina, Venezuela, Peru and
Colombia.
• The common species found in the hobby market
are Corydoras ambiacus, C. agaassizii, C. leucomelas, C.
schwa rtzi, C. punctatus, C. parallelus, C. pulcher and C.
ornatus.

EELS
• Spiny eels or swamp eels are members of the family
Mastacembelidae.
• They are distributed in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh,
Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
• Macrognathus aculeatus (spotted spiny eel)
and Mastacembalus armatus, (zigzag eel) are of much
importance as far as the ornamental fish market is concerned.
• Macrognathus aculeatus is commonly referred to as the
peacock eel or spotted spiny eel.
• These are mainly found in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and
Maharashtra.

Badis
• Badis badis, a native of India, Thailand and Myanmar,
belongs to the Nandidae family.
• It is better known as the dwarf chameleon fish as it
changes its colour quite often depending on mood and
environment, especially during courtship and breeding.
• Badis has three sub species, Badis badis badis found in
India, B. badis siamensis of Thailand and B. badis
burmanicus from Myanmar.
• Badis badis badis, is native of Indian sub continent is from
the northeastern side.

Puffer fish
• Puffer fish are members of the family, Tetraodontidae, having a
worldwide distribution and found in almost every water
condition.
• They are quite different from other ornamental fishes in
appearance. The fresh water puffers include Carinotetraodon
lorteti, C. salivator, Monotetrus travancoricus, Chonerhinos
amabilis, C. nefastus, C. modestus, C. remotus, C.
asellus, Colomesus asellus, and C. psittacus.
• Monotetrus travancoricus, popularly known as Malabar or
dwarf pufferfish, is a native of India and is considered as the
smallest puffer in the trade.
• T. fluviatilus, known as the Ceylon puffer, is a native of Sri Lanka,
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Borneo.

MURRELS (SNAKE HEADs)
• The snakeheads are characterized by their torpedo shaped
body, large scale plated head and log dorsal and anal fins.
• 28 species of Channa are known today, C. bleheri, C.
burmanica, C. gachua, C. micropeltes, C. lucius, and C. orientalis,
are well known in the aquarium trade. C .bleheri is widely
known as the rainbow snakehead because of its body
colouration.
• It originates from the upper region of north eastern India,
particularly in the Brahmaputra river basins of Assam.
• C. gachua or dwarf snakehead found in rainforest streams of Sri
Lanka.
• They are also found in Southeastern Iran, Eastern and Western
Pakistan and Southern China.

Glassfish
• Glassfish, belonging to the family Chandidae or
Ambassidae, comprise mostly of fish with transparent
bodies.
• They originate from Asia, especially Pakistan, India, Nepal,
Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand.
• There are four species commonly referred to as glassfish in
the trade: Chanda ranga, C. lala, C. nama and C. baculis.

shark catfishes
• Pangasius is a genus of medium-
large to very large shark catfishes
native to freshwater in South
and Southeast Asia.
• The term “pangasius” is
sometimes used to specifically
refer to the commercially
important basa fish.
• Important species belonging to
this group are Pangasius
pangasius, P. nieuwenhuisii, P.
humeralis, P. lithostoma, P.
kinabatanganensis, P.
macronema and P. pleurotaenia.
• Pangasius pangasius is
distributed throughout India.

Guppy
• The guppy (Poecilia reticulata), also
known as ‘rainbow fish’ is one of
the world’s most widely distributed
tropical fish, and one of the most
popular freshwater aquarium fish
species.
• It is a member of the Poecillidae
family and is live bearing. The origin
is from Central America to Brazil
and West Indies.
• They are also known as “millions
fish” as they are prolific breeders.
• Depending on the variations in the
tail fins, they are also known as
round tail, spear tail, fan tail, veil
tail, pin tail etc.
• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Care Level: Easy
• Swimming Level: All levels
• Origin: Northeast South America
• Adult Size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
• pH: 7 – 8

MOLLY
• Black molly, Poecilia sphenops, is a
native of Central America, from
Mexico to Columbia; sail fin molly
(P. latipinna) is from Southeastern
North America, from the Carolinas
through the Gulf coast of Southern
Mexico while Lyre tail molly (P.
velifera) is found in the streams of
Southern Mexico.
• Molly is very familiar fish in the
aquarium.
• About 25 strains of molly are being
cultured and traded in the market,
black molly being well-known
• Scientific Name: Poecilia sphenops,
P. latipinna, etc.
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful – semi-
aggressive
• Origin: North & South America
• pH: 7 – 8.5

Gold fish
• The gold fish (Carassius auratus)
is considered to be the most
popular and attractive pet fish
among all ornamental fishes, due
to its many variations such as
colour, fin shape, size and body
structure.
• Though similar in appearance to
carp (Cyprinus carpio), gold fish
lack barbels and a dark spot at
the base of each scale.
• The goldfish is the most common
aquarium fish and one of the
oldest and best-known fish in the
industry.
• Scientific Name: Carassius
auratus
• Swimming Level: All Levels
• Origin: East Asia
• Adult Size: 6-12 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 – 40
gallons
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

Platy
• The Platy (Xiphophorus
maculatus) belonging to the
family Poeciliidae is native to the
east coast of Central America
and Southern Mexico.
• It is a live bearer and most
popular among aquarium fishes.
Several different colour
variations have been developed
so far such as red, yellow,
orange, blue and white.
• Three species are commonly
available; they are Southern
Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus),
Variatus Platy (X. variatus) and
Swordtail Platy (X. xiphidium).
• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus
maculatus
• Origin: Mexico & Central
America
• Adult Size: 2 -3 inches
• pH: 7- 8.2

Sword tail
• Sword tail is a native of North
and Central America stretching
from Veracruz, Mexico, to
northwestern Honduras
belonging to the family
Poeciliidae.
• Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii)
have been interbred to produce
all kinds of interesting colors and
different types of finnage.
• Some of the more common
varieties of the Swordtail are
Red, Red Wag, Red Tux, Painted,
Neon Green, Marigold (and
wag), Pineapple, Black, Red Twin
bar, Sunset, and Gold Tuxedo.
• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus
hellerii
• Origin: Central America
• pH: 7 – 8

Oscar
• Astronotus ocellatus is a member from the cichlid family,
known under a variety of names such as Oscar, tiger Oscar
or marble cichlid or the velvet cichlid.
• They are native of South America particularly Peru,
Colombia, Brazil and French Guiana.

Siamese fighting fish
• Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)
is a popular aquarium fish coming
under the family Osphronemidae.
• They are native of Mekong basin of
Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.
• The colour patterns of this species
ranges from vivid red, blue, bright
green, purple, white, black to cream
with red fins.
• Apart from coloration, the finnage also
have varieties like veil tail, crown tail,
half moon, butterfly, double tail etc.
• The males are very aggressive towards
other males of their own kind and fight
ferociously until death, hence the name
of the fish.
• Scientific Name: Betta Splendens
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Origin: Thailand
• Adult Size: 2.5 – 3 inches
• pH: 6.5 – 8

Severum
• Severums are widespread throughout the northern
Amazon Basin and Guyana and are commonly referred to
as ‘poor man’s discus”.
• There are several different color variations available,
including the “Gold,” Green, Brown, and “Peruvian Green”
strains.
• The most common species in trade include Heros
severus and Heros efasciatus.

Angel fish
• Angel fish (Pterophyllum scalare) are very
popular and a favorite among hobbyist as
they are beautiful and look graceful in the
aquarium.
• In Asia, there are about 25 varieties now
with unique colour patterns.
• They are single coloured ones like black,
silver and gold and multi coloured pattern
ones such as leopard, striped or zebra and
lace-like, mottled or marble, half black etc.
• Black veil tail, diamond, ghost, blushing,
golden marble, pearl scale and koi are the
other popular varieties in Asia.
• They originate from South American rivers
and tributaries such as the Amazon basin
and Guyana River where the water bodies
have densely over grown by aquatic plants.
• Angel fish prefer an environment with thick
aquatic vegetation.
• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
• Swimming Level: Middle/top
• Origin: South America
• Adult Size: 6 inches
• pH: 6.8 – 7.8

Discus
• Discus (Symphysodon sp), members of
cichlid group, is said to be the queen of the
aquarium, native to South America, found in
slow-flowing streams with alkaline water.
• The wild forms are blue discus (S. aequifa
sciatus haraldi) the green discus (S.
aequifasciata), Heckel discus (S. discus) and
brown discus (S. aequifasciatus axelrodi).
• The wild blue discus is distributed in the
rivers of Peru and Brazil while green discus
is found mainly in the Peruvian Amazon.
• The blue discus has a wide variety of blue
colouration with some being more bluish
while others have blue stripes on the body,
head and fins.
• The green discus has also varying degree of
colours ranging from yellowish green to
olive green and solid green to light brown
and have green stripes and red spots on the
sides of the body.
• Scientific Name: Symphysodon discus
• Care Level: Intermediate-advanced
• Adult Size: 5-8 inches
• pH: 6 – 7

Tetra
• Tetra is one of the several small species of
freshwater fishes from Africa, Central
America and South America belonging to
the biological family Characidae.
• There are ten varieties of tetras known,
which are Neon tetras (Paracheirodon
innesi), Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon
axelrodi), Black neon (Hyphessobrycon
herbertaxelrodi), Black tetra
(Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), Bleeding heart
tetra (Hypessobrycon erythrostigma), Blood
fin (Aphyocharax anisitsi), glow light tetra
(Cheirodon erythrozonus), Head and tail
light tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer), Lemon
tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis),
Serpae tetra (Hyphessobrycon callistus).
• They are peaceful and pose no threat to any
other fish in the aquarium and are ideal for
a community aquarium with other fish of
similar disposition.
• Scientific Name: Paracheirodon,
Hyphessobrycon, Gymnocorymbus, etc.
• Temperament: Peaceful/ Semi-aggressive
• Origin: South America, Africa
• Adult Size: 0.75 – 3 inches
• pH: 6.8 – 7.8

Rasboras
• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma,
Celestichthys, Boraras etc.
• Care Level: Easy – Intermediate
• Origin: Asia
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 – 20 gallons
• Water Temperature:68 – 82°F
• pH: 5 – 8, depending on the species
• Rasboras are nano (very small) fish
from the same family as barbs and
goldfish. These peaceful schooling fish
are perfect for a tropical community in
a heavily planted aquarium where they
tend to hang out in the middle level.
• These social fish should not be kept in
groups of less than 5, so make sure you
pick up a nice big school of the same
species to see them behaving
confidently.

Killifish
• Scientific Name: Aplocheilus,
Jordanella, Fundulopanchax, etc.
• Care Level: Easy – Advanced
• Temperament: Peaceful – Aggressive
• Origin: Africa, Asia, America
• pH: 6 – 7
• Killifish are great nano fish that come
in some amazing colors.
• These fish are not very common in the
aquarium trade but they are a great
choice for fishkeepers looking for
something a little different.
• Some killifish species are very
shortlived because they live in
temporary pools that evaporate in the
dry season.
• Others can live for multiple years

Rainbow
• Scientific Name: Marosatherina,
Melanotaenia, Pseudomugil etc.
• Swimming Level: Middle/Top
• Origin: Australia, Indonesia
• pH: 7 – 8
• Rainbowfish are beautiful freshwater
fish from Australia and Southeast Asia.
• They get their name from their
awesome colors, which are especially
bright when the fish are spawning.
• They are active fish that need a fairly
large aquarium.
• Rainbowfish have a very peaceful
nature and fit in well with most other
community fish.
• They are social creatures, however, so
keep them in a shoal of 6 or more

Freshwater Puffers
• Scientific
• Name: Carinotetraodon,
Tetraodon etc.
• Care Level: Intermediate –
Advanced
• Temperament: Semi-
aggressive/ Aggressive
• Origin: South America, Asia,
Africa
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 – 125 +
gallons
• pH: 7 – 7.6
• Freshwater puffers are some of the most
fascinating fish in the aquarium hobby. These
funny-looking fish are known for their ability to
puff up into a ball when threatened by a
predator.
• Freshwater pufferfish range in size from nano
species like the 1-inch dwarf pea puffer all the
way to 2-foot giants like the Mbu puffer.
• Pufferfish are not very active, so the smallest
species can be kept in tanks of just 5 gallons or
so. Puffers have very sharp parrot-like teeth,
however, and they can be aggressive toward
other fish. These fish usually work best in a
species-only tank.

Hatchetfish
• Scientific Name: Carnegiella,
Gasteropelecus, etc.
• Swimming Level: Top
• Origin: Central & South America
• pH: 6 – 7
• Hatchetfish are unusual,
flattened nano fish that spend their
time near the surface of the aquarium.
• These schooling fish have long
pectoral fins and huge muscles in their
chests that they use to leap out of the
water to escape their predators.
•
• Hatchetfish are wonderful freshwater
fish for tropical community tanks.
• However, their acrobatic abilities
mean they need to be kept in a tank
with a tight fighting lid and great care
is necessary when performing
aquarium maintenance.

Freshwater Sharks
• Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos,
Balantiocheilos, etc.
• Temperament: Peaceful – Aggressive
• Swimming Level: Bottom/ Middle
• Origin: Southeast Asia & South America
• Adult Size: 5 inches – 3 feet +
• Minimum Tank Size: 65 – 150 + gallons
• pH: 6.8 – 8
• Freshwater sharks are not true sharks,
but they do have a very similar shape.
These medium to large aquarium fish are
available in some bold colors, including
black, red, and silver.
• The rainbow shark is probably the most
popular species. This fish has bright red
fins and a potentially aggressive nature.
Rainbow sharks are also available in some
amazing neon colors for fish keepers who
want an awesome display fish.

Freshwater Gobies
• Scientific Name: Stiphodon,
Brachygobius, Gobioides, etc.
• Care Level: Easy- Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful –
Aggressive
• Swimming Level: Bottom
• Origin: Africa, Asia, Americas
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 – 50+
gallons
• pH: 7.5 – 8.5
• Freshwater gobies come in a range of
shapes and sizes. These fish have loads of
attitude and interesting behavior which
makes them fascinating creatures to
observe in the home aquarium.
• They range from specialist algae eaters to
carnivores and can be
peaceful community fish or aggressive
fish eaters. Many of the freshwater gobies
sold in the hobby actually need brackish
water to thrive, so make sure you research
these fish carefully before adding them to
your tank.

Cory Catfish
• Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
• Swimming Level: Bottom/ Middle
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 – 3o gallons
• pH: 7 – 8
• Cory catfish are an excellent choice
for beginner fish keepers.
• These small, bottom-dwelling
catfish deserve a place in any
peaceful community aquarium.
• They get along with most other
fish so they are ideal for a
freshwater community tank.
• Corydoras catfish stay small and
love to hang out at the bottom of
the tank, digging through the
substrate to look for food.
• They are schooling fish, so keep
them in a group of 4 or more to
see them at their confident best.

suckermouth catfish (Plecos)
• Scientific Name: Ancistrus,
Panaque, Hypostomus, etc.
• Care Level: Easy-Advanced
• Temperament: Peaceful –
Semi-aggressive
• Adult Size: 2 inches – 2 feet
• Minimum Tank Size: 30+
gallons
• pH: 7 – 8
• Plecos are also known
as suckermouth catfish.
• These fish are built like tanks,
with tough scales for armor
and large shark-like fins.
• Most species have natural
colors which they use for
camouflage on the river
bottom, although some have
bold, striped and spotted
markings.
• There are over 500 varieties
of plecos in the aquarium
hobby, ranging from small
and beginner-friendly to
expert-
• only, so you can bet there’s a
perfect pleco for you!

Freshwater Stingrays
• Scientific
Name: Potamotrygon spp.
• Care Level: Advanced
• Temperament: Peaceful – semi-
aggressive
• Adult Size: 1 foot +
• Minimum Tank Size: 200+ gallons
• pH: 6.8 – 7.6
• Freshwater stingrays are
awesome pets for experienced
fish keepers with plenty of
space.
• These flat members of the
shark family need an extra large
tank or a shallow indoor pond
to provide the space they need.
• Stingrays are potentially
dangerous animals, although
injuries are rare.
• The smallest freshwater
stingrays are about a foot
across, but some species reach
truly gigantic proportions
• These fish also need excellent
water quality and quality
filtration, so they are best left
to the experts.

• Scientific Name: Caridina, Neocaridina, etc.
• Care Level: Easy- Intermediate
• Origin: Asia
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Ok, so freshwater shrimp are not technically fish, but they are still
some of the coolest animals you can keep in a fish tank! These
fascinating crustaceans come in all sorts of colors and breeds.
• Ideal Water Parameters for Neocaridina Shrimp
• Temperature: 65°F to 85°F
• pH: 6.4 to 8.0
• kH: 0 – 10 dKH
• gH: 4 – 14 dGH
• Caridina shrimp aren’t quite as hardy as Neocaridina shrimp, so you
may need to be a little more intentional about cultivating and
maintaining ideal water parameters.
• Ideal Water Parameters for Caridina Shrimp
• Temperature: below 74°F
• pH: 6.0 to 6.8
• kH: 0 – 1 dKH
• gH: 3 – 6 dGH
• Both Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp remain fairly small, growing to
an average of maximum around 1 ½ inches in length. They are best
kept in groups with other dwarf shrimp – it is possible to mix
Caridina and Neocaridina species.
• The ideal tank size for freshwater aquarium shrimp is best
determined by how many shrimp you plan to keep and whether you
plan to keep other tank inhabitants. A 5-gallon tank may be adequate
for a small group of dwarf shrimp but if you plan to keep multiple
species or larger groups, upgrade to a 10-gallon. For community tanks
that include snails, small fish, or other inhabitants, you might consider
a 20-gallon tank or larger.
• Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi “Red”)
• Red Sakura Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi “Red Sakura”)
• Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi “Blue Velvet”)
• Green Jade Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi “Green Jade”)
• Orange Fire Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi “Orange”)
• Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
• Blue Bolt Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis)
• Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis)
• Ninja Shrimp (Caridina serratirostris)
• Tangerine Tiger Shrimp (Caridina serrata)
•

New World Cichlids
• Scientific Name: Astronotus,
Amatitlania, Rocio, etc.
• Temperament: Semi-
aggressive – Aggressive
• Swimming Level: Bottom and
middle
• Origin: North & South
America
• Adult Size: 6 – 12 + inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 30
gallons
• Water Temperature:75 – 80°F
• pH: 6.5 – 8

Dwarf Cichlids
• Scientific Name: Apistogramma,
Mikrogeophagus, etc.
• Care Level: Easy to Advanced
• Temperament: Peaceful- semi-
aggressive
• Origin: Africa & South America
• Adult Size: 2.5 + inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10+ gallons
• pH: 5 – 8 depending on the
species

Arowana
• Scientific Name: Scleropages
formosus
• Care Level: Advanced
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Swimming Level: Top
• Adult Size: 3 feet
• pH: 5 – 7.5
• The Arowana is a large and
impressive freshwater fish that
is only suitable for expert fish
keepers with plenty of space for
a huge aquarium.
• These beautiful silvery fish can
grow to 3 feet in length and
need an aquarium of at least
250 gallons when fully grown.
• Arowana fish are carnivores, so
they need a high-protein diet
such as feeder fish, insects, and
other meaty foods.
• They can do well in community
tanks if kept with other more
aggressive fish that are too big
to swallow.

COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT MARINE ORNAMENTAL FISHES: gobies
• The gobies are small colourful species, usually solitary, sedentary,
bottom dwelling fishes.
• The species include Amblyeleotris gymnocephala (masked shrimp
goby), Mahidolia mystacina (Flagfin prawn goby), Paragobiodon
echinocephalus,(Redhead goby), Periophthalmus
argentilineatus (Barred mud skipper), P.barbarus (Atlantic mud
skipper), Priolepis eugenius (Noble goby), P. inhaca (Brick
goby), Trimma annosum (Grey beared pygmy goby), T.
winterbottomi (Winterbottom’s goby), Valenciennea muralis (Mural
goby), V. sexguttata (Sixspot goby), V. strigata (Blueband goby) .
• It can be found in mangrove ecosystems and mudflats of East Africa
and Madagascar east through the Sundarbans of Bengal, Southeast
Asia to Northern Australia, southeast China, and southern Japan, to
Samoa and Tonga Islands.

TRIGGER FISH
• These are often brightly colored fishes of the family Balistidae.
• Marked by lines and spots, they inhabit tropical and subtropical
oceans throughout the world, with the greatest species richness
in the Indo-Pacific.
• The species recorded are Balistapus undulatus ( Orange – lined
triggerfish), Balistes vetula (Queen triggerfish), Balistoides
conspicillum (Clown triggerfish), B. viridescens (Titan
triggerfish), Melichthys niger ( Black triggerfish), Odonus niger (
Redtoothed triggerfish), Psuedobalistes flavimarginatus (Yellow
margin triggerfish), P. fuscus (Yellow spotted
triggerfish), Rhinecanthus aculeatus (Black bar triggerfish), R.
rentangulus (Wedge – tail triggerfish), (Sufflamen
chrysopterum (Halfmoon triggerfish) and S. fraenatum ( Masked
triggerfish).

Blennies
• The blennies are small carnivorous fishes.
• Most species have drab colours which harmonise with their
environment, but some are brilliantly coloured.
• The species recorded are Andamia reyi (Suckerlip blenny), Blenniellia
periophthalmus (Bluedashed rock skipper), Cirripectes
castaneus (Chest nut eyelash blenny), C. filamentosus (Filamentous
blenny), C. perustus (Flaming blenny), C. polyzona, C.
quagga (Squiggly blenny), C.stigmaticus (Red streaked blenny) C.
variolosus (Red speckled blenny), Ecsenius midas ( Persian
blenny), Enchelyurus kraussii (Krauss’ blenny), Exallias
brevis (Leopard blenny), Salarias fasciatus (Jewelled blenny).
• Blennies are found in tropical and subtropical waters in the Atlantic,
Pacific and Indian Oceans; some species are also found in brackish
and even freshwater environments.

ANGEL FISHES
• Angelfishes are small to moderate brilliantly coloured
fishes.
• They are subject to startling changes of colour and pattern
as they grow.
• Favourite aquarium fishes, especially when small.
• The species recorded are Centropyge bicolor (Bicolor
angelfish), C. eibli (Blacktain angelfish), C.
multispinis (Dusky angelfish), Chaetodontoplus
melanosoma (Black- velvet angelfish), Pomacanthus
annularis (Blue ring angelfish), P. imperator (Emperor
angelfish) and P. semicirculatus (Semicircle angelfish).

Clown fishes
• Clown fishes are hardy, typically highly coloured and are in good
demand in the marine aquarium trade.
• Clown fishes usually live in association with the sea anemones and
also called anemone fish.
• Clown fishes exude a mucous substance which protects them from
the stings of the anemone; when alarmed they immediately take
shelter among the tentacles of the anemone, but never straying far.
• Clown fishes swim with an odd rising and falling waddling, wriggling
motion which has earned them the name of clown fishes.
• Major clown fish species are Amphiprion ocellaris (Clown anemone
fish), A. percula (Orange clown fish), A. bicinctus (Two band anemone
fish), A. chrysogaster (Mauritian anemone fish), A. ephippium (Saddle
anemone fish), A. frenatus ( Tomato clownfish), A. nigripes (Maldive
anemone fish), A. polymnus (saddleback clownfish ), A. sebae (Sebae
anemone fish).

Damselfish
• Damselfish, also called demoiselle, are a large group that make the
family Pomacentridae together with subfamily Amphiprion
(Clownfish) and subfamily Chrominae (Chromis).
• These are relatively small, primarily tropical marine fishes found in
the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans.
• Many species are brilliantly coloured, often in shades of red, orange,
yellow, or blue.
• Damselfishes are lively and quick, and are usually strongly territorial
and aggressive.
• Common damselfish available include: white tail humbug Damselfish
(Dascyllus aruanus), Lemon Damsel (Pomacentrus moluccensis),
Yellow tail blue Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema), Allen’s
Damselfish (Pomacentrus alleni), Yellow Belly Damselfish (Chrysiptera
hemicyanea), Blue Devil Damselfish (Chrysiptera cyanea), Blue/Green
Chromis (Chromis viridis).

BUTTERFLY FISH
• These are small quick-moving marine fishes belonging to
the family Chaetodontidae (order Perciformes).
• Butterfly fishes are found among tropical reefs around the
world but are concentrated in the Indo-Pacific oceanic
region.
• They move about with a flitting, darting motion and are
very brightly coloured.
• The major species include four eyed butterfly fish
(Chaetodon capistratus), spotfin butterfly fish(C. ocellatus),
Feather-fin bull fish (Heniochus acuminatus).

SEA STARS
• Starfish, commonly referred to as the sea stars are a large group
of marine invertebrates called echinoderms, belonging to the
class Asteroidea.
• Largest populations of starfish live in the Indian and Pacific
oceans.
• Most starfish are pentamerous, having five arms that radiate
from a central disk.
• A sea star can generate lost arms and nearly its entire body if at
least a portion of the sea star’s central disc remains.
• The major species include ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus),
reef sea star (Stichaster australis), Crown-of-thorns starfish
(Acanthaster planci).

Sea anemones
• Sea anemones, are members of the invertebrate order
Actiniaria (Class Anthozoa).
• These are soft-bodied, primarily sedentary marine animals
resembling flowers.
• They are largest, most numerous, and most colourful in
warmer seas.
• Some live in brackish water.
• The common species include Bubble-tip anemone
(Entacmaea quadricolor), Condy seaanemone (Condylactis
gigantea), Delicate sea anemone (Heteractis malu), Long
tentacled anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis).

Low investment high value culture techniques
• This technique involves production of ornamental fishes in pools holding less than 1000 liter water or in used refrigerator/
fridge containers with 100-200 litre capacity.
• The pools are setup using used flex or silpaulin, sheets. They are constructed at elevated area or at a higher terrain so as to
facilitate water exchange by gravity.
• At weekly interval 20 % of bottom water is exchanged and this water is used for irrigating plants. This integrated farming
approach uses more cops per drop of water.
• The pools for fish culture can also be erected on roof top of house employing wooden frames or at backyard using
bricks/laterite stones.
• fiber tanks which can cost up to Rs.4000 for same dimension.
• The rigid foam facilitates stacking of boxes one above other thus enabling effective utilization of floor area. The cost of these
fridge boxes in scrape market range from Rs.75 to Rs.125.
• There are specialized scrape dealers who effectively separate the metal part without damaging the inner foam in Kozhikode and
sell these containers for culturing fish.
• On an average Rs.1000 can be earned from these boxes in a year by culturing ornamental fishes.
• The farmer can anytime sell back the boxes as scrape if any damage occurs, thus getting maximum benefit from it.
•
Various varieties of freshwater live bearer fishes like guppy (Poecilia reticulate), Platy (Xiphophorus spp.), Molly (Poecilia
latipinna) or Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri), which belong to the family poecillidae are cultured by this method.
• These small size fishes with less than 10 cm length reach marketable size in four months and give assured income to farmers.
Similarly used flex banners or sheets can be used for culturing ornamental fishes as a backyard activity or on roof top of
concrete houses.
• These can be a replacement for conventional concrete pools. Flex banner and hoardings that are flooding in our society are
rarely recycled.
• They are mostly re-used for roofing purpose and for this only large size sheets are used.
• These flex sheets meant for roofing are easily available in shops, but the smaller size are often discarded after use.
• Even these small flex sheets can be used for cultivating aquatic plants used in aquarium and for culturing ornamental fishes.
• The pools need to be constructed at elevation or at a higher terrain so as to facilitate water exchange by gravity.
• They should be covered with net to protect the fishes from birds and other predators. Excess algal bloom can be controlled by
covering the tanks with shade nets.

Economics and Optimum Water Quality for culture and Breeding of
Ornamental Fish Unit (Ref: Sample DPR for NCDC)

Ornamental fish for Domestic farming and
Export potential

COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT ORNAMENTAL FISHES
• FRESHWATER ORNAMENTAL FISHES
• BARBS
• LOACHES
• DANIO
• FRESHWATER SHARKS
• GOURAMI
• CATFISH
• EELS
• BADIS (Dwarf Chameleon)
• PUFFER FISH
• SNAKE HEAD
• GLASS FISH
• SHARK CATFISHES
• GUPPY
• MOLLY
• GOLD FISH
• PLATY
• SWORD TAIL
• OSCAR
• FIGHTER
• SEVERUM
• ANGEL FISH
• DISCUS
• TETRA
• COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT MARINE ORNAMENTAL FISHES
GOBIES
• TRIGGER FISH
• BLENNIES
• ANGEL FISHES
• CLOWN FISHES
• DAMSELS
• BUTTERFLY FISH
• SEA STARS
• SEA ANEMONES

References
• https://mpeda.gov.in/?page_
id=791
• https://nfdb.gov.in/PDF/Fish
%20&%20Fisheries%20of%20
India/3.Ornamental%20Fishe
ries%20of%20India.pdf
• https://shrimpybusiness.com
/blogs/shrimpy-business-
blog/caridina-vs-neocaridina-
shrimp#:~:text=Neocaridina
%20shrimp%2C%20often%20
affectionately%20called,pref
er%20soft%2C%20slightly%2
0acidic%20water.
• https://aquariumstoredepot.
com/blogs/news/best-
freshwater-aquarium-fish
• https://www.sciencedirect.co
m/science/article/pii/S23525
1342300042X
• http://www.spices.res.in/kvk
calicut/index.php/successsto
ries/86-
lowinvestmentfishculture
• https://www.researchgate.ne
t/publication/344553771_Or
namental_fish_trade_in_Indi
a
• Videos on Ornamental fish
farming:
• https://youtu.be/xT_7F79nkt
8

Major Fresh water and Marine Ornamental fishes and Potential for Domestic farming and Exports by B.pptx

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