Ornamental Fish Farm

These species are either hatched from eggs (guppies) or born live (moly and sword tail). Carps and goldfish, which are equally popular, came from eggs.

Starting an Ornamental Fish Farm

If you are a beginner, start with species that are inexpensive and grown easily, particularly those that are born live. Afterwards, when you have fully learned the biology, feeding pattern and optimum condition for raising live-bearing fish, you could try rearing egg-layers. It is also wise for you to concentrate on growing a single species while you are still learning. In particular, try raising guppies first. They are easy to grow because they are well adapted and easy to feed.

You can pursue ornamental fish farming by breeding broodstock for sale to fish farmers, rearing fish from broodstock or by doing both. So that you could master all the aspects of growing the fish, it is suggested that you grow the young ones until maturity, which could take around four to six months.

Ornamental Fish Farm Equipment

An important consideration in starting an ornamental fish farm is space. The space requirements for breeding broodstock, raising young fish or doing both, are different. They also vary for the type of fish cultured. To start a fish farm, you would need to invest on a shed for protecting cultures; tanks for breeding and rearing and for holding the broodstock and larvae; nets; and pump. The tanks could be made of clay, fiber glass, cement or plastic. Cement tanks are favoured because they are durable and easy to maintain. Pumps are needed for lifting of water to tanks.

You should be prepared afterwards to spend for feed, medicines, electricity, fuel, and wages for staff. Feed (live food or commercial feeds) as well as constant supply of water and space are necessities for every fish farm. Water can be sourced from wells. Water quality must be maintained through the use of biofilters. More specific requirements for a fish farm include water supply network, electrical network, air blower, heater, aquarium, and laboratory instruments (for culture). Make sure you have standby power for use during emergencies. You would need a generator to run filters and aerators in case power goes off for a considerable period of time.