Aquarium fish farming brings fortune in Jhenaidah

Several people from two upazilas of Jhenaidah are earning well from fish farming but rather than selling traditional breeds for food, they provide aquarium fish to locals looking to spruce up their homes.

Rabeya Khatun and her cousin Ashfaqun Nahar from Jhenaidah sadar upazila are the most successful in the region when it comes to farming aquarium fish, according to sources at the district fisheries office.

Khatun told The Daily Star that she and her cousin came upon the decision to try their hand at farming aquarium fish while working together at the Ad-din Women's Medical College in Dhaka.

"We were inspired by an exclusive report by journalist Shykh Seraj on Youtube. Then in 2018, we rented an office on Kabi Golam Mostafa Road in Jhenaidah town before collecting fish fry from hatcheries in Rangpur," she said, adding that they started the venture with Tk 3 lakh.

The office works as a retail outlet, where various aquarium fish grown at their ponds are stored in tanks to make it easy for customers to select their desired breed, which include zebra, angel, white parrot and many other species. The pair also sell aquariums, air pumps, filters and other materials.

"We set the glass ourselves and include various decorative items, such as plastic flowers and coloured stones," she said.

Fish are sold for Tk 30 to Tk 400 depending on the species while fully equipped aquariums, including fish, each go for about Tk 5,000 to Tk 8,000, earning them a total of about Tk 70,000 per month.

Asked about their future plans, Khatun and Nahar said there is still a long way to go as they aim to purchase a big piece of land to expand their aquaculture activities. In addition, they want to make it a worthwhile place to visit for travellers.

"If we could visit and learn from any large-scale aquarium fish farming project, then we could flourish the business smoothly. Also, if the government provides financial assistance through any bank, then we would be able to expand further," Khatun added.

Khatun and Nahar's success has inspired others in the region to join the trade with a total of seven locals now engaged in farming aquarium fish.

According to these farmers, they would be able to earn handsomely if they had a better scope for marketing and mostly affluent people, enthusiasts and students buy their fish at present.

They went on to say that more people are being inspired to start farming aquarium fish thanks to support from the district fisheries office and believe this type of aquaculture will provide better prospects.

Biswajit Mondol, an aquarium fish farmer in Kaliganj upazila, said he started the business in 2016 with an investment of only Tk 40,000 and now sells fish worth around Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 every year.

Shohag Kumar Biswas, another fish farmer of the same upazila, said it is a very profitable business. Having started the venture in 2020, he now owns fish worth around Tk 1 lakh in his pond.

Ashraful Islam of Jhenaidah sadar upazila said he became very interested in aquarium fish farming after seeing Khatun's success and is now making arrangements to start the business.

Liza Khatun, a budding fish farmer of Bapari para village under the district town, said that this business is undoubtedly fit for women.

Md Golam Sorower, a district fisheries officer in Jhenaidah sadar upzaila, said many people in the country are interested in keeping aquarium fish as it is a kind of luxury.

"Besides, it is possible to export these ornamental fish in a live state and nowadays, aquariums are available all over the country," he added.

Sorower also said women can earn a lot from farming aquarium fish as they can tend to the ponds while staying at home.

Md Farhadur Reza, another district Fisheries officer, said this type of fish farming is increasing day by day in Jhenaidah.

"The use of such types of fancy items has increased to a great extent at present. We provide support to the farmers whenever they call us, but they need a proper marketing system," he added.