Rajshahi Correspondent:

Ornamental fish farming is gaining popularity in Rajshahi, particularly among young entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas, as a promising path to self-employment and financial stability.

The sector has witnessed notable growth in recent years, with modern techniques like the biofloc method being adopted to boost productivity and sustainability.

Rahmat Ali, 41, and his brother Khaled Mahmud, 39, have been successfully operating an ornamental fish hatchery in Puranpur village of Charghat Upazila since 2017.

Starting with an investment of just Tk 5,000, their current working capital has reached approximately Tk 20 lakh. Their hatchery breeds a wide range of ornamental species including white platinum molly, swordtail black mould, Montail varieties, Gabi, Dambu Mosaic, Red Toxic and Angelfish.

They also import exotic species from countries like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Japan, supplying aquarium shops and farms across the country.

Nahid Hasan, 26, from Afipara village in Paba Upazila, has also made a name for himself in the field. A former Botany student at Rajshahi Government City College, he began his journey in 2019 with five pairs of guppies costing Tk 500. Using the biofloc method, he now runs a medium-sized farm with around 5,000 fish.

Nahid sells pairs of ornamental fish at competitive prices: Montail for Tk 250-300, black molly for Tk 80-120, swordtail for Tk 100-150, dump mosaic guppy and goldfish for Tk 300-350. His monthly income ranges between Tk 15,000-20,000, with assets now worth nearly Tk 2 lakh.

He attributes his success to technical training in aquaculture best practices, feeding techniques, and environment-friendly farming.

“Demand is rising as more people are keeping ornamental fish in homes and offices,” he said.

Ornamental fish farming is proving to be a reliable source of income and entrepreneurship for the region’s youth. The market continues to grow nationwide, with opportunities not only in farming and trading but also in aquarium services.

Online communities such as the Rajshahi Aquarium Guppy Fish Bd Facebook group are also playing a key role in promoting knowledge-sharing and interest in ornamental fish breeding.