Ornamental Fisheries

1. Ornamental Fisheries
in
Andhra Pradesh
Problems & Prospectus
D. Srinivas
Fisheries Development Officer,
Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
srinivasnfdb@gmail.com

2. Ornamental Fisheries
Meaning
• All small water living animals including the class Pisces (fish) which are kept as pets and as
decorative pieces in containers or small enclosures which come in a variety of shapes, sizes
and materials for aesthetic value, fun fancy or other wise can be called ornamental fish.
• Ornamental fishes usually mean attractive colourful fishes of various sizes and characteristics,
• These living jewels need not always have bright colours; as sometimes their peculiar
characteristics such as body colour, morphology, mode of taking food etc. may also add to
their attractiveness.
• They are usually kept in glass aquarium and hence popularly known as ''Aquarium Fishes''.
• Aquariums may be transparent at least on one side

3. Ornamental Fisheries
General information
• They are of basically two types –
A) Egg layers
B) Live bearers
• The fishes can be from fresh water, brackish water and marine
waters.
• Can be caught in wild or can be cultured.
• Global tarde – 85% Fresh watr , 145 Fresh water. But th evaue for
Marine fish is higher than fresh water fishes
• Species can be native or exotic

4. Ornamental Fisheries
Global scenario
• The exports of ornamental fishes was US $ 371.42 million
(Source : FAO,2012)
• Annual growth rate of 4 - 6%.
• Around 500 million fishes are traded by 145 countries, of which 80-
85% are tropical species.
• Singapore, a small country, occupies first position. It’s share in
exports was 20% in 2011.
• Many South-East Asian countries are in top 10 positions.
• The Exporters list is topped by Singapore (22%), followed by Spain
(17%), Japan (9 %), Malaysia (8%), Thailand (7%), and others (37%).
• The Importers list is topped by USA (22 %), UK (10 %), Germany (9
%), Japan (9 %), France (7%), and others

5. Indian Scenario
• India is endowed with rich bio-diversity of 400 marine and
375 freshwater varieties of native ornamental fishes.
• India exported 287 native fish species (239 Freshwater and 48
Marine), 92 exotic fish species and 45 ornamental shrimp
• There are 61 registered ornamental fish exporters and 1800
producers.
• India stands at 26th position.
• The export of marine fishes is dependent on wild collection,
while it is capture and culture in case of freshwater fishes.
• India exports mainly to South-East Asian countries, China,
Middle East, EU, USA and Japan.
• The Exports are valued at about Rs. 6 Crores.
• The domestic market is estimated as Rs 20.00 crores with
growth rate of 20%.

6. Indian Scenario – Potential
North-Eastern Region is the most potential area ,accounting for 85% of ornamental
fish exports with 300 varieties, of which 150 varieties are from Assam.
• Western Ghats has 114 varieties exported
• Kerala has been the traditional centre for ornamental fish trade with 72
ornamental fishes in its riverine systems.
• Tamilandu is doing exemplary work where several families and Women SHGs are
earning livelihoods through ornamental fish culture in Kolathur and
Gummidipoondi villages. T.N. Fisheries Development Corporation (TNFDC) is
helping in rearing Goldfish, Angelfish, Mollies and Fighters in farm near
Coimbatore.
• West Bengal: several fisherwomen are involved in ornamental fish culture in 24
paraanas and Howrah districts in West Bengal.
• Marine ornamental fisheries: Andaman Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep reefs from
Gulf of Kutch to Mumbai, Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay have been contributing 48%
in exports. There are around 400 varieties. The Clown fishes are most valued
varieties and about 15 such varieties are found around Andaman and Nicobar islands

7. Andhra Pradesh Scenario
• No survey has been conducted to assess the ornamental fish resources of
the Andhra coast.
• A preliminary survey by CMFRI, Visakhapatnam revealed that there are
about 20 species of ornamental fishes belonging to 13 families in the rocky
patches near Visakhapatnam outer harbour.
• In Andhra Pradesh, the inter- tidal coastal waters of Visakhapatanam are
endowed with a wealth of ornamental fish fauna and tremendous
potential as a big supplier of marine fish with rich bio-diversity.
• The department of fisheries, in 2007-08 has initiated the ornamental
breeding program for the first time in Jeddimatla village. Fourteen women
later are formed into fisherwomen cooperative society were trained at
SIFT Kakinada the subsidy was arranged from MPEDA. About 6 units are
running successfully.
• SIFT , Kakinada offers training and technology in Ornamental fisheries
• In A.P. there are about 300 Ornamental retail fish stalls

8. Andhra Pradesh - Potential & Prospectus.
• Significant Demand world wide.
• Long Coast line of 974 Kms.
• Good and pro- active Government.
• 50 Government fish seed farms where some of the rearing
and Production fish farms have no farm activity due to off
season due to lack of demand for the seed. During this period
the ornamental seed production can be carried out to keep
the farms in operation.
• In Private Sector also where A.P. Good number of Shrimp
hatcheries ar present and majority are are closed during off
season due to lack of demand for the seed. During this period
the ornamental seed production can be carried out to keep
the hatchery in operation. (Useful for For clown fish)
• The inter- tidal coastal waters of Visakhapatanam are endowed with a
wealth of ornamental fish fauna and tremendous potential as a big
supplier of marine fish with rich bio-diversity.

9. Andhra Pradesh - Potential & Prospectus.
• Draft A.P. Fisheries Policy, 2015 offering incentives.
• Dept. of Fisheries offers subsidies for Ornamental
fisheries under Fisheries development Scheme
• Proven abilities of SHGs of Andhra Pradesh.
• Availability of Entrepreneurship skilled farmers
• Excess labour available in Primary sector.
• Can be a additional source of income for some
farmers
• Having good potential for employment
opportunities
• Most fish have high unit value than food fish

10. Andhra Pradesh - Problems
• Lack of breeders houses.
• Lack of skilled labour
• Lack of Professional approach
• Lack of awareness and financial support.
• Middle men, Wholesalers and export
agents in Market chain gain more profit
than producers

11. Andhra Pradesh - Solutoins
• One day Awareness campaign in potential districts and
Mandals
• Providing Training Support to ToTs
• Fuller utilization of market potential of corporates, IT
Professionals, Hospitals and Other Shopping malls.
• A State of art Ornamental Fish Centre for Production,
breeding, imports, exports , marketing, quarantine
assistance under PPP mode.
• Popularization of back yard hatcheries
• Establishment of Oceanaria at Major Cities and Towns
• Awareness and Extension services.

12. Thank You