Dhaka: Rows of plastic bottles and glass jars filled with vividly coloured fish line the courtyard of a home in Patuakhali town, creating an unusual sight in the neighbourhood. Red, blue, yellow and multicoloured bettas, mollies, guppies, and swordtails dart through the water. Behind the colourful display is a young entrepreneur whose hobby has grown into a thriving business earning him more than Tk 100,000 a month.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Meherab Emon started breeding ornamental fish in 2021, shortly after completing his studies. What began as a personal interest soon became a commercial venture, despite a difficult start in which most of his first fish died. Nowadays, his home-based farm in the Kalatala area of Patuakhali municipality houses thousands of ornamental fish of different varieties.
Emon’s interest began during a visit to his sister’s home in Dhaka, where he saw betta fish in different colours. Fascinated by them, he borrowed money from friends to buy his first five pairs and began breeding them. However, the venture almost failed at the beginning. With little knowledge of fish care, Emon lost most of his initial stock. Instead of giving up, he turned to online videos and other sources to learn about water quality, feeding, temperature control, and breeding. He then began conducting his own experiments.
Emon’s farm now produces several varieties, including fighter bettas, moon-tail mollies, rose-tail and feather-tail varieties, goldfish, and half-moon bettas. It takes about four months for fish to grow from eggs to a size suitable for sale. Depending on species and quality, a pair can fetch between Tk 500 and Tk 1,500. At wholesale rates, 100 fish can sell for around Tk 12,000 to Tk 13,000.
Emon spends approximately Tk 10,000 to Tk 12,000 a month on fish feed. He produces a substantial portion of the feed himself, helping reduce costs while ensuring a steady supply. ‘The most important thing in ornamental fish farming is regular care. Water quality must be maintained, fish have to be fed on time, and separate arrangements are needed during breeding,’ he said.
Emon’s customers are no longer limited to Patuakhali. Through online sales, he now receives orders from Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, Bagerhat, Bogura, and Rajshahi, among other places. The fish are transported alive to customers across the country through courier services, requiring careful packaging and handling.
The farm has also attracted customers of different ages, particularly children and teenagers. Twelve-year-old Hasan is among them. Local customer Asaduzzaman Milon praised the availability of different varieties in town, while neighbour Monir Gazi highlighted the potential for ornamental fish farming to create employment opportunities.
Emon’s father, Mofazzal Hossain, witnessed the struggles of the business from its earliest days. He recalled how almost all of the first fish died after his son borrowed money to purchase them. ‘Now he has become self-reliant. Emon’s mother and I are also involved in the fish farm. The income from the business is now enough to support our family comfortably,’ he said.
Emon’s success is generating interest among other young people in Patuakhali, many of whom see ornamental fish farming as a possible alternative to traditional employment. Emon encourages young people to explore entrepreneurship instead of relying solely on conventional jobs.
The district fisheries authorities see ornamental fish farming as a promising emerging sector. Bijon Kumar Nandi, Patuakhali District Fisheries Officer, said the market for aquarium and ornamental fish was expanding and that young entrepreneurs could earn well if they received proper training, technical knowledge, and marketing support.
Emon is now planning to expand production and develop higher-quality, more attractive varieties. He also hopes to increase distribution across Bangladesh and eventually establish his own brand. His journey from five pairs of fish to a business generating more than Tk 100,000 a month is more than a personal success story. His small backyard farm has become a source of livelihood for his family and an example for other young people seeking opportunities beyond conventional employment.