Current status of Ornamental Fish Trade in Kolkata

Suparna Sadhukhan1*, Sujit Shit2 and J.S. Yogesh Kumar3
1Senior Zoological Assistant, Sunderban Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Canning, West Bengal, India
2Lab attendant, Sunderban Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Canning, West Bengal, India
3Scientist-E and Officer-in-Charge, Sunderban Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Canning, West Bengal, India
*Corresponding Author Email: suparna.exam2014@gmail.com
Keywords: Ornamental fish trade, Market structure, Supply chain, Sustainability
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Abstract

Kolkata serves as a major hub for the ornamental fish trade in eastern India, facilitating distribution across regional, national, as well as international markets. The present study evaluates the current status of this sector with emphasis on species composition, trade structure, market channels, and stakeholder interactions. The analysis is primarily based on secondary data sources, supported by field observations conducted in key trading centres, particularly the Galiff Street market in Kolkata. The findings indicate that the trade is largely dominated by freshwater ornamental fish, with a high prevalence of exotic species and comparatively lower representation of indigenous varieties. Commonly traded species include Goldfish (Carassius auratus), Guppies (Poecilia reticulata), Mollies (Poecilia spp.), and Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus), along with Barbs, Gouramis, and Cichlids. Certain varieties such as Albino Oscar, Black Oscar, Silver Shark, Discus, and Apache Oranda Goldfish are considered expensive. The marketing system is characterized by a multi-tiered structure involving breeders, rearers, collectors, wholesalers, and retailers. Collectors act as key intermediaries, often influencing supply and pricing. However, the trade remains largely unorganized and faces constraints such as rising production costs, unequal profit distribution, and ecological concerns. The study highlights the need for sustainable practices and improved management strategies to ensure long-term growth.

Citation

Suparna Sadhukhan, Sujit Shit and J.S. Yogesh Kumar “Current status of Ornamental Fish Trade in Kolkata” International Journal of Current Science Research (IJCSR) e-ISSN: 2454-5422: 12(3): 2026: 1 - 12

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19310506

License

© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Dr. BGR Publications. The authors retain copyright of this article. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

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