Scientific and professional approach in the culture of ornamental fish enabled Asian countries (Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka) in attaining the top supplier position in international trade. Ornamental fish farms in Asian countries are large scale, capital intensive with high production capacity. The paper details a comparative analysis of ornamental fish culture and breeding in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India.
Ornamental fish species bred in the surveyed farms are quite varied. Arowana (Scleropages sp.), Koi carps (Cyprinus carpio), Goldfishes (Carassius auratus), Platy, Sword tail, Guppy, Molly, Gouramis, Tetra, Catfish are bred in large scale in Singapore. Areas focused in breeding here are production of novel varieties, fish quality evaluation and enhancement and development of stress resistance. Quality of the fishes bred and the quality of farms in the country is monitored by AVA (Agri Veterinary Authority) through regular inspections. AVA has schemes that accredits farms to attain high standards of management practise and hygiene. In the breeding of marine ornamental fishes in Indonesia, the species that top the list are Banggai cardinal fish (Pteropogon kauderni) and Clownfish (Amphiprion Sp.). Corals are farmed by propagation in shallow coastal waters and farms. During the last decennia the breeding of freshwater fish is gaining a large share in the export from Indonesia. Malaysia is known for its extensive farms for breeding freshwater fish. The main fishes bred includes Arowana (Scleropages formosus), Discus (Symphysodon sp.), Livebearers, Barb, Gourami, Tetras, Cichlids, Blood parrots and Stingray. Shifted focus from wild caught marine ornamental fishes towards breeding exotic fishes especially Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) of high quality and good strains earned Sri Lanka a reputation in the world. NAARA (The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency) coordinates the researches in fisheries and NAQDA (National Aquaculture Development Authority) supports the breeders with regular technical training. Breeding exotic ornamental fishes in India aims at catering to the unending demand in domestic market. In India, ornamental fish breeding is recommended as a low investment activity suitable for small areas. Of late there is an increase in the number of large scale and capital intensive fish breeding units in India. State fisheries, MPEDA (The Marine Products Export Development Board), NFDB (National Fisheries Development Board) and Fisheries universities contribute to sector development. Indigenous ornamental fish breeding (Sahyadria denisonii, Carinotetraodon travancoricus, Channa sp.) have to be increased for sustainable export trade from India. Asian countries obtained an added advantage in international trade as their product portfolio is enriched with extensive product range of marine, fresh water, exotic and indigenous fishes.
The farms in these countries vary from traditional open water farming to high technology, intensive controlled farming with advanced infrastructural facilities and recirculating systems. Position of farms in strategic locations, demarcated layout, bio secure facilities for breeding, nursery, feeding, quarantine, research and development ensure consistent supply of quality fishes. Quality assurance of facilities and fish provides the clients an edge over their competitors which is ensured by good management practises and log keeping. A good number of farms have started getting certified by ISO-9001:2008, ISO-9001:2015 etc. Subtropical climate in Asian countries serve as an added bonus to breeding. Comparative analysis of breeding systems in Asian countries projects the prospect of further elevation of their position in international trade.