Introduction

Sri Lanka exports marine, freshwater, brackish water fish species and marine invertebrates.  Marine fish and invertebrates are collected by experienced scuba divers from the waters around the island while freshwater species are bred in captivity by large number of small and medium scale producers who are dedicated in maintaining high standards of quality.

Freshwater aquarium fish comprise the more colourful and more striking species of guppies, swordtails, platys barbs tetras, angels, gouramies, catfishes etc.  Out of these freshwater species exported from Sri Lanka about 60-70% consists of famous fancy guppies of which the high recognition is there in the international market due to the strength and high diversity of the particular fish species when compared to the countries.

To ensure the fish are in good health, a certificate issued by the Department of Animal Quarantine on health be accompanies with each and every shipment.

There are about 40 regular exporting companies in Sri Lanka.  Major buyers for the Sri Lankan ornamental fish are USA, Japan and the European Union.

Conducive climate and availability of coral reefs, sand bars, lagoons around the country and the island consist of inland water bodies such as streams, rivers and reservoirs provides ideal ground for breeding of marine, brackish water and freshwater species in Sri Lanka.  This is the very reason why the Sri Lankan ornamental fish are exported all over the world.

Product Range and supply base

The aquarium fish trade in Sri Lanka consists of freshwater, brackish water and marine fish species.

Freshwater aquarium fishes comprise the more colorful and more striking members such as,

Live bearers eg. Guppies, Plates,
Gold Fish eg. Fantails,Orandas, Redcaps
Barbs  eg. Golden barbs, Rosy barbs
Danios eg Zebra danio
Tetras  eg. Serpae, Neon
Gouramis
Cat fishes
Cichlids  eg. Angels,Oscars , Discus

Supplies mainly  from breeding of exotic and indigenous freshwater varieties, which comprise about  70% of the total exports of aquarium fishes by value.

Marine fish and invertebrates are collected by experienced scuba divers without the use of any chemicals and carefully quarantined to guarantee the best quality when they reach the customer.

There are about 250 species of marine fish and more than hundred species of marine invertebrates to choose from.  However, the restrictions being placed on the export and sale of wild caught species with the increasing concern of conservation
Supplies mainly come from Natural environments eg. wild caught marine fish and invertebrates and from captive

Quality Standards

The quality of a exportable fish is generally assessed by their body appearance, behavior, sharpness and brightness of the colour and the body form.  Sometime body of the fish may be deformed due to many reasons like nutrients deficiency and genetical reasons which will decrease the quality of fish. Appearance of the fins and their uniformity is very important in assessing the quality; also it should not damage or tear.

To ensure the fish are in good health, a certificate issued by the Department of Animal Quarantine on health will be accompanied with each and every shipment.

Licenses & Certifications Required

1. Health Certificate ( Dept. of Animal Quarantine)
2. Certificate of Origin( Dept. of commerce)
3. GSP Form A for marine fish or plants( Dept. of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources)
4. Permit for restricted species (Dept. of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources)
5. Water quality certificate( NARA / ITI)

Sri Lanka’s position in the world market

Export Earnings  

Our strengths

Quality of fish produced for export is highly recognized in the international market.
Conducive environment for fish breeding and growing
Professional     breeders and    experienced divers with high capacity
Shore line rich with coral reefs around the country.

Opportunities in the Industry

Breeding of high value marine ornamental fish
Production of new varieties
Breeding of endemic species
Use of live feed to decrease the cost of production
Development of low cost feed
Live rock culture

Related Institutions/Associations

National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA)
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Department of Wildlife Conservation
Department of Animal Quarantine and Health
National Aquatic Resources and Research Agency ( NARA)
Department of Forest.
Department of Commerce

Associations:

- Association of Live Tropical Fish Exporters of Sri Lanka.
- Polonnaruwa Fish Growers Association

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