Government focuses on scientific breeding, biosecurity and high-value indigenous species to boost ornamental fish production; sector offers opportunities for aquariums, hospitality businesses and tourism-linked enterprises

Key Highlights

• Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi visited the Madurai Ornamental Fisheries Cluster in Tamil Nadu on 12 October 2026.
• The government is developing 34 notified fisheries clusters nationwide to strengthen production, infrastructure, branding, logistics and market access.
• The Padimuneeswarar Integrated Ornamental Fish Farm, established under PMMSY with an investment of ₹25 lakh, produces approximately 2 lakh ornamental fish seeds annually.
• India’s ornamental fish industry is estimated to be worth around ₹3,000 crore, covering breeding, trade, aquarium accessories and aquatic plants.
• PMMSY has approved 2,672 ornamental fish rearing and integrated breeding units across the country.
• The sector presents opportunities for aquarium businesses, hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourism attractions and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Madurai Cluster Focuses on Scientific Ornamental Fish Farming

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 12 October 2026: The Government of India is strengthening ornamental fisheries through cluster-based development, scientific breeding practices and improved market connectivity. Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, visited the Padimuneeswarar Integrated Ornamental Fish Farm at Mukkampatti village in Melur, Madurai district, to review the progress and potential of the sector.

Madurai has been notified as an Ornamental Fisheries Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). During the visit, the Secretary interacted with ornamental fish farmers and entrepreneurs and discussed fish varieties, broodstock and seed availability, water quality management, aquatic animal health, transportation and marketing.

Dr. Likhi emphasised the importance of quality broodstock, scientific breeding and rearing practices, biosecurity measures and stronger market linkages. He also encouraged the promotion of high-value indigenous ornamental fish species and collective efforts to improve access to technology, institutional finance and commercial markets.

34 Fisheries Clusters to Strengthen the Value Chain

The Department of Fisheries is developing 34 notified fisheries clusters across India through coordinated interventions covering production, input supply, infrastructure, capacity building, processing, value addition, branding, logistics and market linkages.

The cluster-based approach aims to address gaps across the fisheries value chain, improve competitiveness and increase farmers’ incomes. For ornamental fisheries, these interventions can help improve production quality, strengthen supply networks and support the expansion of domestic and export markets.

Madurai Farm Produces Around 2 Lakh Ornamental Fish Seeds Annually

The Padimuneeswarar Integrated Ornamental Fish Farm was established under PMMSY at a project cost of ₹25 lakh. The unit breeds and rears more than 30 varieties of ornamental fish, including guppy, platy, molly, swordtail, goldfish, koi carp, cichlids and fighter fish.

Operating four production cycles annually, the farm produces approximately 2 lakh ornamental fish seeds each year and generates an estimated annual income of ₹3.75 lakh. Its products are supplied to domestic markets in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The farm illustrates how ornamental fish breeding can support small-scale rural enterprises through specialised production and access to regional markets.

India’s Ornamental Fisheries Industry Estimated at ₹3,000 Crore

India has significant potential in ornamental fisheries because of its extensive aquatic biodiversity and growing opportunities in breeding, aquarium retailing and related products.

According to estimates reported by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, the Indian ornamental fish industry is valued at approximately ₹3,000 crore. The industry includes fish breeding and rearing, trade, aquarium accessories, aquatic plants, decorative products, feed and aquatic health products.

India possesses more than 374 indigenous freshwater ornamental fish species and over 700 indigenous marine ornamental fish species, creating opportunities to develop commercially viable varieties and strengthen the country’s position in domestic and international markets.

Under PMMSY, 2,672 ornamental fish rearing and integrated breeding units have been approved nationwide, comprising 2,465 rearing units and 207 integrated units. In addition, five freshwater ornamental fish brood banks and 144 recreational fisheries units were approved up to 2024–25, with a total approved investment of ₹230.45 crore.

The wider fisheries sector has also recorded growth, with fish production reaching 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. Marine product exports reached ₹73,890 crore in 2025–26, according to the Department of Fisheries release.

Export Potential Depends on Quality and Efficient Logistics

India exported approximately 59.73 tonnes of ornamental fish products, valued at ₹16.94 crore, during 2024–25, according to the latest complete annual data published by the Marine Products Export Development Authority cited in the release.

Despite its biodiversity, India has scope to expand ornamental fish exports through commercial breeding of high-value species, promotion of indigenous varieties, quality assurance, certification, traceability, biosecurity and efficient live-fish transportation.

Reliable logistics and better handling practices are particularly important because ornamental fish are live products that require appropriate water conditions, careful packaging and timely delivery.

Impact on Hospitality, Hotels and Travel & Tourism

The development of ornamental fisheries could create opportunities across the hospitality and tourism ecosystem, particularly for businesses seeking distinctive visitor experiences and specialised aquarium facilities.

1. Hotels and resorts: Ornamental aquariums can enhance lobby areas, restaurants, lounges and recreational spaces, contributing to the ambience and guest experience. Improved domestic supply networks may make it easier for hospitality businesses to source ornamental fish and related aquarium products.

2. Restaurants and hospitality interiors: Aquarium installations can support themed interiors and distinctive dining environments. Businesses would need to ensure appropriate tank conditions, regular maintenance and responsible animal care.

3. Tourism attractions and recreational facilities: Ornamental fish displays, public aquariums and educational aquatic attractions could complement tourism infrastructure and family-oriented visitor experiences. The development of recreational fisheries units may also support related leisure activities, depending on the facilities established.

4. Aquarium businesses and entrepreneurs: Stronger breeding, seed production and distribution networks could benefit aquarium retailers, aquarium designers, maintenance providers, aquatic plant suppliers and specialised equipment businesses. These activities may also create opportunities for rural entrepreneurs and start-ups.

5. Local supply chains and employment: Better market access and logistics could connect fish breeders with aquarium businesses, hospitality buyers and tourism attractions. However, growth will depend on reliable supply, fish health standards, transport infrastructure and commercial demand.

For the hospitality industry, the immediate opportunity lies in the potential for more reliable sourcing of ornamental fish and aquarium-related products. The broader tourism impact will depend on the development of visitor attractions and commercial partnerships rather than on fish production alone.

Outlook

The Madurai Ornamental Fisheries Cluster highlights the potential of specialised fish farming to generate rural enterprise, strengthen domestic supply chains and expand value-added business opportunities. With continued attention to scientific breeding, biosecurity, quality standards and market connectivity, ornamental fisheries could develop into a stronger commercial segment with links to aquarium retail, hospitality design and tourism experiences.