How to Start a Fish Farming Business

Have you always dreamed of owning your very own fish-farming business? Do you feel that the place that you have would be a great fish farm?

If you want to start your own fish farming business then here is a guide to help you make your dreams come true.

fish farming

Starting a fish farming business requires a lot of knowledge, skill, and planning as the investor would have to look into a lot of variables to make the business possible. Though starting a fish farming business would require intensive study of both the actual technique in fish production as well as the expenses one has to invest for equipment, the fish farming business can prove to be a very profitable venture.

Studying to start a fish farming business

The very first thing that any prospective fish farming business owner has to do is to soak up as much knowledge of fish culture as possible. It is highly advisable that he take some college courses or some programs that are related to fish farming. If the fish farming business owner has no experience it is good that he first tries and works for an established fish farming expert to know the ins and outs of fish farming. If he has the knowledge he then has to conduct the research.

Do research in the fish farming business

The would-be owner needs to study the conditions that surround his proposed location of the fish farm. He must take into account the source of water in the area and how much is flowing from it, what rate, and the temperature of the water. He should also look into other naturally available resources around the area such as geothermal water from springs. Some fishes breed faster and better in warm water than others. Also, look into the conduciveness of the buildings and structures around the farm. After looking into the conditions of the environment the entrepreneur also has to look into the possible market of the fish. It is not profitable to harvest tons of fish with no buyer. Could there be a contractor for the fish? How about fast food chains? How far is the market for the fish and what vehicle will be used to transport the fish? After finding out the possible market conditions the owner must look into organizing the business. The owner must register it as either a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or LLC. He must also attend to the commercial license, operating permit, and other requirements that may be required by the state.

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If after this survey the fish farming business still seems possible then it is time to chart the financial aspect by determining the expected and unexpected expenses of the business. How much would everything cost and what would be the sources of the funds? Through this financial analysis, the entrepreneur will know in the long run how much he needs to profit for how long to pay back the overhead cost and if it is profitable to start the fish farming business.

Learn Fish Farming from this Video from a Fish Farmer from California

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968 Comments

  • Imeobong Osakwe said on August 4, 2008
    Is there more information on Starting a Fish Farming Business? I would very much appreciate it if more information could be provided. I am interested in starting a Fish Farm in my Country, Nigeria, and would be grateful if there are any technical articles.
  • Councillor Gregory Patrick Udeh beginner adviser said on August 6, 2008
    Our firm, Pegasus Consultants(UK), plans to set up a fish farming venture in a designated rural area in Nigeria. Please send us more information about the project, sources of funding, and the nature of capital investments required. thanks.

    Fish Farming Consultancy

  • Ashu from India said on August 26, 2008
    I would like to know the commercials for Fish Farming. How Profitable is the Fish farming business?
  • Admin said on August 26, 2008
    Ashu
    So many factors are involved in calculating the profit in this business, but you need to focus on the basics of the business.

    - What kind of fish are you planning to farm on? What is the demand for that fish there?
    - Do you have the proper infra to cultivate?
    - Do you have the proper training for that?
    - Do you have scopes to export that?
    - In the end, this is a bit risky business as diseases in India are a common factor that might wash out everything.
  • Anil said on September 2, 2008
    Ashu, If you are interested, please get in touch with me through email: raavi.anil@gmail.com. I plan to start a new venture in Andhra with a technological approach.
  • reesy said on September 19, 2008
    I need a step-by-step account of how to start and run a fish farm in Nigeria. I intend to be based on catfish, at least initially.
  • emmyz said on October 14, 2008
    I need in-depth information on fish farming; I am a student and need guidance in this area.
  • Ani kenneth said on October 14, 2008
    How long does it take an average catfish to mature? Can catfish survive in borehole water?
  • Charles said on October 24, 2008
    I am also looking to start fish farming to improve nutrition for the orphans in the rural community.
  • Emmanuel F. Audu beginner adviser said on October 29, 2008
    @Ani kenneth, It takes 4-6 months for the African catfish to reach table size, and this time frame depends on the adopted culture system. The more intensive (feeding, water quality optimization, and stock selection), the shorter the culture period.

    Adviser

  • Okezie said on November 9, 2008
    I need a comprehensive feasibility study on how to start a fish farming business in Abuja, Nigeria. I have d passion and want to help increase the production of cheap protein sources in Nigeria. Contact me through my email:colly2004ok@yahoo.co.uk.
  • Neil said on November 15, 2008
    I am a student studying engineering, and I have a project that deals with fish farming. I have noticed that you have been talking about business plans. If anyone could send me information on how to start a fish farm or the cost and rate of return, it would greatly benefit my project and learning experience. Neil.Fladung@utoledo.edu
  • yemi said on November 22, 2008
    Feasibility study of fish farming, including the importance, history of fish farming, and the establishment of ponds.
  • Olumide said on December 3, 2008
    I would like to know the material needed to construct ponds, feed plants, and other facilities for successful fish farming. email: abassolumide@yahoo.ie
  • samuel said on December 10, 2008
    I need a step-by-step account of how to start and run a fish farm in Nigeria. I intend to be based on catfish, at least for a start. I plan to begin by January 2009 u can reply to my mailbox, sir samuelolusegun2000@yahoo.co.uk. Thanks, sir
  • BEN PAUL said on December 13, 2008
    I need a feasibility study on a fish farming project because I want to be a fish farmer.
  • king David said on December 16, 2008
    Hi, I need insight on how to start a fish farm. I understand I can always use the available space at the back of my house. What are the various pieces of equipment I would need? dave2092000@yahoo.com. Thank you.
  • princewill said on December 16, 2008
    I want to start a catfish farm by February 2009. I need a step-by-step approach to starting a fish farm. Please send me the necessary information to chuks_odagbu@yahoo.com. thanks
  • ogagifo,onoriode kelvin said on December 19, 2008
    To be precise, I need to know the fundamentals of fish farming in Nigeria the delta state. You can reach me on letty4kelvyn@yahoo.co.uk
  • sanya adeyemi said on December 28, 2008
    Thanks for the information, but I still need your help on what to do next, having got the idea to start the fish farm by early 2009. kindly contact me at this email ade1tp2@yahoo.com
  • Naga Murali said on December 29, 2008
    Hi friends, if you want any info on fish farming in Nigeria, mail me on chnmurali@gmail.com
  • tola kolade said on December 29, 2008
    I wish to go into the business of fish farming full-time, but what I want to know is how profitable it is. And which is a much better fish tank or a fish pond?
  • tola kolade said on December 29, 2008
    Sorry, which is much better, using a fish pond or a tank?
  • Ade Makinde said on December 29, 2008
    What type of fish farming is more profitable in Nigeria? Cat Fish or Tilapia Fish? My email address is makinde3@yahoo.com
  • Tunde O. said on December 31, 2008
    I'm a corp member currently serving in Imo State. I need your help on how to get a comprehensive business plan for the establishment of a fish farm business in Lagos. My email address is sunny4exploit@yahoo.com
  • Balkrishna Gajbhiye said on January 7, 2009
    More information about fish plants with poultry farms.
  • Aamer jami said on January 9, 2009
    Hi, I am in Pakistan and want to start fish farming. Can I have some data (feasibility study) on the topic?
    Thanks & Regards
  • Jean Sam said on January 11, 2009
    I am about to start fish farming in Congo.
    I have land and water of excellent quality.
    Would you provide some more advice? Thanks
  • Clemrnt Obiechina said on January 12, 2009
    I need more information on how long catfish can mature and whether it can survive in a borehole. Please give me details on how to get the book.
  • pat o said on January 12, 2009
    I would love to have comprehensive information on starting my fish farm.
    Thank you
  • BABATUNDE AIYEPOLA said on January 13, 2009
    Hi, I would like to start a fish farming business. I need ideas on how to start this business.
  • debby said on January 14, 2009
    Hi
    Thanks for this page. I am starting a new life and need ideas, guidelines, and steps to fish farming, especially catfish, mudfish, and others.
  • tony said on January 16, 2009
    i want to know the names of at least 10 fish farming companies around Lagos nigeria, including their addresses. Thank you.
  • CHINEDU AGANA said on January 20, 2009
    Please what are the practical approach in starting fish farming.
  • G. Sylvester said on January 21, 2009
    Please, I am a Nigerian I need proper information on how to have my catfish pond in my locality and their survival.
  • G. Sylvester said on January 21, 2009
    Thanks for your information on the way forward for the catfish business. Please, I want you to put more light on the number of fish a pond can contain and the maximum time for their growth.
  • Elisha E.Y Atama said on January 22, 2009
    Please help me to start a fish farm. It is very urgent. Thank you for your anticipated quick answer.
  • S M Ali said on January 22, 2009
    I am interested in hearing from a business partner interested in Fish Farming in Pakistan on a joint venture basis. I have a fish farm that can yield 100 tons of fish. Anyone interested kindly contact me on my mobile 00923065233731 or my email smali_lpa@yahoo.co.uk
  • akinboye tolulope said on January 26, 2009
    I would be so grateful if I could get some more tangible information about starting a fish farming business, especially in areas where the land is not swampy or water-logged. Would I still make my profit investing in it?
  • BUKY said on January 28, 2009
    I am highly interested in starting my own catfish farming in the next month, but I would need a step-by-step guide on what to do and the technical know-how. Also, can fish farming be combined with snailery? Urgent response will be appreciated.
  • Jose said on January 30, 2009
    I am in Miami, Florida, US to be exact, and I'm looking to start a home tilapia business. I would like to know how to setup an a RAS system to run the most economical way to actually make a profit. I notice that if not run properly from the start of the business, it could be a negative business. I can be emailed at dollardeals8@hotmail.com. I really appreciate any help you can provide.
  • tola adeleke said on February 4, 2009
    i want to get a feasibility study on fish farming.
  • Adakah J Amaebi said on February 5, 2009
    I have a catfish farm; what are the remedies that will make them grow faster, and the various types of feed that are relevant to the above?
  • Sasidharan Pillai said on February 15, 2009
    I would like to start a small scale fish farm in India. Please send me more ideas and suggestions to get success in the same. In future i wish to increase the same business. Please help me with your valuable ideas and suggestions.
  • muhammed sani ibrahim said on February 15, 2009
    i enjoyed this. but please i need more detail like workshops to attend or materials to study. particularly on profitable fish farming in nigeria- species to buy, best types of ponds, ways of saving costs etc
  • Raymond Madray said on February 16, 2009
    HOW DO I GET THIS INFORMATION ?
  • ikima feese said on February 16, 2009
    interested in knowing all it takes to start a catfish farm.
  • juliet said on February 17, 2009
    how can i reach u i have loads of questions for u and i need answers.
  • timah said on February 19, 2009
    i want to set up a fish farming business. i have all the requirement to set it up; both what i want now is how to source or make the feeds locally? thanks God bless
  • victor said on February 23, 2009
    I currently have natural fish ponds in a vast land with lots of fish in them ready to be harvested and I am looking for how to manage it and the materials needed to maintain the business.
  • adonis said on February 24, 2009
    i'm about starting a fish farming at ASABA delta state, i need sb/partner with bankable feasibility report for the establishment. adonisaug4good@yahoo.com
  • dj said on February 27, 2009
    Hey bravo, Please let me into your bank of biz. Give me the comprehensive feasibility study & number of fish (catfish & tilapia) of that should be in a different ponds & at what ponds' capacity. 2ndly, i need a suitable market strategy/system in abuja.
  • Tunde ola said on February 27, 2009
    Please tell me the comprehensive feasibility study on how to start up fish pond business, in details. At what minimum of capital need to start this business.
  • Bilal Hajee said on March 2, 2009
    Hi, i am a young south african interested in starting a fish farm. I would like to know the scope and market for this venture in my country. i would also like to know how fast the business can grow and the profit margins. thank you!
  • SHOLA said on March 2, 2009
    I want to start a fish farming in Lagos. send me a comprehensive feasibility study, the type of fish and type of ponds I can embark upon.
  • Mac Owens said on March 2, 2009
    Please send to me a comprehensive feasibility study on how to start fish farm business in Abuja F C T, at what minimum of capital do i need to start this business? Tks
  • chowdhury said on March 4, 2009
    like to increase fishery business and need big investor for my farm as a partner.
  • HENRY NUMO said on March 4, 2009
    i want to enter into TILAPIA FISH FARMING in Ghana and i need your advice and technical knowledge as to how to go about it. Any assistance will be highly rewarded. thank you.
  • HENRY NUMO said on March 4, 2009
    guide me the different methods of tilapia fish farming.
  • Ovo Akpos said on March 5, 2009
    I want to start a fish farm in nigeria, kindly assist with any start-up material. I will like to know the cost implication, how fast the business can grow and profit margin.
  • dennis kafidiya said on March 10, 2009
    i need more detail like workshops to attend or materials to study. particularly on profitable fish farming in nigeria - species to buy, best types of ponds, ways of saving costs etc
  • dipanjoy das said on March 13, 2009
    i do have enough land 4 fish farming and the market demand is also very high. the climate in north east india is very suitable. please help to start a new venture. send more info to dipanjoydas@yahoo.co.in
  • suchit said on March 13, 2009
    i want to start fish business of my own.. kindly let me know what are required for the same and if there are any funding agencies who fund for starting it... Also let me know the condition requirements for better development of fish.
  • Abdulrazak said on March 14, 2009
    I want you to send me a clue on how to start a fish farming.
  • SHAIK HUSSAIN SOUDAGAR said on March 15, 2009
    Hi, I am having an island of 40 acers in a river with the flow of sweetwater through out the year and at same time there is demand of fish in our area, no fish farms are set up in our area I M FROM INDIA KARNATAKA STATE, PLEASE SUGGEST ME WHAT STEPS SHOULD TAKEN TO START .
  • olalekan asafa okunola said on March 15, 2009
    i want to start fish farming business. please enlighten me on how to do it and I'm bayero university kano student. I am an agriculturist and i want to start from home. how much can it cost me, please give me the visibility studies on it. contact me trough my email address. thanks.
  • MADU VICTOR O. said on March 16, 2009
    Currently, I am student of Geology in University of Technology Owerri.(FUTO) I have planned venturing into the fish farming business, I have a good site, but I need to know of fish can survive in Bore hole water. I need to start off this business immediately. i need your advice +234 8064 75 4882 email: mvo121@yahoo.co.uk Thanks
  • MADU VICTOR O. said on March 16, 2009
    what do i need to do to ensure the health and fast growth of the fish? what type of feeding is more essential and cheaper to purchase? Are there a stated degree of temperature at which the fish can survive ? How long is the pond water expected to last before changing? I need answer please.
  • ADEBOWALE ADEGBULUGBE said on March 16, 2009
    how can i start fish farming in nigeria, what are the steps involved and the needed infrastructure to put in place?
  • kwabena said on March 16, 2009
    l need to get in touch with someone in Ghana who can help me dig my fish pond. if you know anyone out there please let me know. Cheers
  • Olumodeji Kunle said on March 17, 2009
    We all know that fish farming is quite lucrative, please could you give places to get very practical training and to what duration. Also, thanks for the info, but i believe you can do more.....i need more info on this. Then i want to know the differences or rather advantages of the concrete farming over the other ones.
  • Vinod said on March 17, 2009
    I want to start fish and Poultry farm business both together.. please help me out with the information.
  • Akinpelu paul Abayomi said on March 18, 2009
    i am base in abuja nigeria, please i need a feasibility studies on fish farming. please send it to paulakins @rocketmail.com. Thanks and God bless
  • Sixtus Alakwe said on March 18, 2009
    I would like to know the material needed for constructing fish farm, feeds and other necessary facilities for a successful farming. while i was growing up, i had a great adventure in fish catching in my village stream. i must say as a man, it is affecting my thinking. i have a good site in my village beside stream. i need an expert to direct me on the breeding, feeding, harvesting. Fish is too expensive in Nigeria, so is good to assist in producing it, so we can eat much. thanks, if for an information contact me trough email.
  • HABIBULLAH said on March 19, 2009
    really the information provided by your site is amazing.
  • Raymond said on March 23, 2009
    I need comprehensive orientation on basic knowledge for starting a fish farming.
  • Anshu Kumar said on March 24, 2009
    I would like to start a fish farm in Bihar(India). Please send me more ideas and suggestions to get success in the same. In future i wish to increase the same business. Please help me with your valuable ideas and suggestions.
  • James Atang Itsegok said on March 27, 2009
    Please somebody come to my help. Take me through fish farming business, I want to establish a small scale fish farming business as soon as possible. thank you.
  • SUNDAY KOTUR.M said on March 30, 2009
    Please i need your help. i want to start up a fish farming business and i would like you to put me through by taking me the A-Z of fish farming. i will also like to have a comprehensive notes on fish farming. thank you in anticipation of your kind response.
  • Queen-Glory L. said on March 30, 2009
    Please i am a student and i want to go into the fish farming business. Please i would appreciate it if you could mail me all i need to know about the fish farming business. Thank you.
  • benson beginner adviser said on March 31, 2009
    hello, if there is anything you want to know about fish farming you can contact me on berthtours@yahoo.com, +2348056215794, and you will get all you need to know from feasibility studies to construction, feeding and all the fundamentals you need.

    Benson, berthtours@yahoo.com, +2348056215794

  • basava reddy said on April 1, 2009
    i am from karnataka, i am interested in fish farming can somebody help me technically and also the feasibility.
  • Tayo said on April 1, 2009
    Hello everyone, I'll be willing to help anyone who intends to go into aquaculture commercially, especially catfish farming. Write in and let's see how we can work together to help your business grow...gudfella09@aol.com
  • Navraj said on April 1, 2009
    Hi I am from Utter Pradesh, India. I want to start the pond base fish farming. Please guide me what ground work I need to do. It will be better if anyone can share feasibility and trend of profitability on this field. I am very new for this field.
  • leo said on April 1, 2009
    I HAVE ALWAYS AIM AT SETTING A FISH FARMING BUSINESS IN GHANA BUT I DONT HAVE ANY IDEA ABOUT HOW TO GO ABOUT IT. PLEASE HELP ME OUT BECAUSE I BELIEVE NO IS THE TIME TO KICK OF THIS BUSINESS.
  • nasa said on April 3, 2009
    hello, i am from nigeria, am really interested in the fish farming business. i need to know some basic, and want to be updated constantly.
  • vinay said on April 7, 2009
    hi i am from karnataka would like to set up a fish farm could some one give me the full details to set up a farm:
    1) total amount of land required
    2) where to get the seeds from
    3) any technical equipments required
    4) do we need to take any clearance from the government
    5) what will be the total cost and can i get any financial support from the government and banks
  • Amir said on April 8, 2009
    hello, i am from bangladesh, am really interested in the fish farming business. i need to know some basic, and want to be updated constantly.
  • Saleem said on April 9, 2009
    Hello There, I want to start Fish farming business but i don't have much space i just have 23 acres of land & there is plenty of water in land (i have 2 pond in my land) near to Bhopal MP India. i would like start my own fish farming business So i want to know which fish are in demand in market & how to start this business. like from where to get the seeds. what fish are eating when small. what eating when little bit big. what necessary precaution we need to take. what medicines we have to give them. any other important or non important points.
  • SAMUEL O SOLOMON said on April 10, 2009
    Is there more information on Starting a Fish Farming Business. I would very much appreciate if more information could be provided. I am interested in starting a Fish Farm in my Country Nigeria and would be grateful if there are any specialized articles.
  • Antuan said on April 12, 2009
    I'm also interested in running my own fish farm. Can I raise an sell red snapper in the state of GA?
  • mickey said on April 14, 2009
    would like you to send me what i need to start a fish farming specializing in mud fish, the pond size and any varieties if any. mickey
  • deepak harit said on April 16, 2009
    first of all you gonna make up your mind for this business because this require patience, very hard work, knowledge. i have seen many people they have deserted the business on the half way.
  • s.askari.sajjad said on April 16, 2009
    Dear sir, i wanted to start fresh water fish farming in low scale i live in tanzania and i have a big farm but i wanted to start in low scale please. assist me how i can start. we have a local fish (talapia)sato. i can start from it the size of pond and how should i make it and what is the minimum quantity of fish i should put. Your's A-sajjad
  • Charles said on April 16, 2009
    Hello Everyone,

    I've read most posting you posted on here on these website, I'm seriously researching and considering starting a Fishery business in Nigeria.

    I have been doing lots of research on it and other agricultural aspects such as rice farming and mills (parboiled), chicken, piggery and production of quality feeds which can be used locally and packaged for export purposes. Another area I'm interested in is the production of ethanol for Bio fuel.

    I would like to meet other people going into this sector to discuss and share ideas, if possible become partners/associates. With the type of resources we have such as land, labor and others but lack major factors such as finances, advance mechanical farming and the weak role of the government to support local farming which I think has got the potential to close the gap in poverty, agricultural growth and redevelopment.

    I am not looking into some type fast money making, short term business. I am interested in a long term agricultural large scale farming advancement which will create promote the agricultural sector, benefits local farmers and a source for job creation.

    So, you can email me: odeghe_office@yahoo.com

    lets conversation to see where you are in your agricultural goals and how prepared you are both financially and technologically/mechanical wise.. Till I hear from you.
    Charles...
  • Trevor said on April 16, 2009
    I live in South Carolina, I want to start a shrimp or fish farm. i would like any info that you can provide me on this subject. Business plan, operations, etc. thank you
  • deepak singha said on April 19, 2009
    hi my name is deepak. i always wanted to own a business of my own. so owning a fish farm is what going in my mind. but see i don't have any experience or that much of capital and infrastructure. so how can i go for it eg. for business loan, land, etc. By the way I am from Assam. please I need advice.
  • Cristina beginner adviser said on April 19, 2009
    @Deepak, You can start fish farming renting an existing fish pond / tank. This way you need very less startup money. It is very difficult to get financed on a rented pond or rented tank to start this business so try your luck from some NGOs.

    Towing Business Adviser

  • FAGBUYI A.O said on April 20, 2009
    I read through all comments from respondents in most part of Nigeria. i join the league to show interest in fish farming. i am a civil servant, i am planning to retire early enough to start as a CEO of my company. how do i start FISH FARMING? your advice is needed earnestly, please.
  • efemena franklin ezimano said on April 22, 2009
    about to start my own farm in livestock, fish pond and crops at oleh, delta state, nigeria. i need advice from professionals

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