Many people in Kenya are looking for profitable business opportunities, but most overlook one right in front of them—ornamental fish farming.
If you’ve ever walked into a pet shop or an aquarium store, you’ve likely seen colorful fish swimming gracefully in beautifully designed tanks.
What you may not know is that these fish are mostly imported from Israel, Eastern Europe, and the Far East.
Despite the growing demand for ornamental fish, very few local entrepreneurs have ventured into breeding and selling them.
This means that the market is wide open for you to step in and take advantage of the opportunity.
With minimal investment, basic training, and proper management, you can start a profitable ornamental fish business in Kenya and supply homes, offices, and pet shops with high-quality fish.
This guide will walk you through every step you need to take to set up and run a successful ornamental fish farm.
P.S. If you’d love a professional business website, The Free Website Guys can create one for you at no cost—no hidden fees, just quality results!
6 Steps to Start a Small Ornamental Fish Business in Kenya
Follow these essential steps to successfully launch your ornamental fish business in Kenya.
Step 1: Find the Right Location for Your Fish Farm
The success of your business starts with choosing the right location. Ornamental fish thrive in environments where water quality is optimal and temperatures range between 23°C and 28°C. Areas that meet these conditions in Kenya include:
✔Nairobi and its outskirts
✔Central Kenya (e.g., Kiambu, Murang’a)
✔Central Rift Valley (e.g., Nakuru, Eldoret, Naivasha)
✔Western Kenya (e.g., Kisumu, Kakamega)
✔Coastal region (e.g., Mombasa, Malindi)
If you already have land in any of these regions, you can start your fish farm without incurring extra costs.
Otherwise, look for an affordable space near a reliable water source. Boreholes, rivers, and wells are excellent water sources for your fish farm.
Read Also:
10 Business Lessons You Must Learn from Khalif Kairo’s Downfall
Treasury Bonds vs. Land Investment in Kenya: Which Offers Better Profitability and ROI?
Step 2: Build a Fish Pond or Aquarium System
Once you have secured a location, the next step is to set up a pond or an aquarium system for breeding.
You have two main options:
1. Pond Farming
A pond is ideal if you plan to keep a large number of ornamental fish. A simple liner pond (about 250ft x 250ft) costs around Ksh.30,000 to construct and can hold up to 3,000 fish.
The depth should be at least 3 feet to provide enough space for fish to swim and grow.
To build a pond, you will need:
✔ A pond liner
✔ Cement or clay for pond walls
✔ Water filtration system
✔ Aeration equipment to maintain oxygen levels
2. Aquarium Farming (For Urban Areas)
If you are in an urban setting where space is limited, you can breed ornamental fish in aquariums.
A basic glass aquarium costs between Ksh.10,000 and Ksh.30,000, depending on the size. You will also need a water filtration system and an aerator to keep the fish healthy.
Step 3: Choose the Right Ornamental Fish Species
Ornamental fish come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. The species you choose will determine your market demand and pricing.
Here are some of the most popular types:
✔Goldfish (Ksh.150 per inch) – Easy to breed and popular in home aquariums.
✔Black Molly (Ksh.400 each) – Hardy and adaptable to different environments.
✔Oranda (Ksh.500 each) – Highly valued for their distinctive head growth.
✔Koi Carp (Ksh.800 per inch) – Popular among collectors and pond owners.
✔Betta Fish (Ksh.300 each) – Highly sought after for their vibrant colors.
When starting, you can mix three to four species to provide diversity for your customers.
Step 4: Feeding and Managing Your Fish Farm
Proper feeding and farm management are key to raising healthy and high-quality ornamental fish.
✔ Feeding: Ornamental fish eat specialized flakes, pellets, and sometimes live food like daphnia and brine shrimp. Feeding should be done twice a day in small amounts to avoid overfeeding.
✔ Water Quality Management: Change the water at least once a month to remove waste and maintain proper oxygen levels. Install a filtration system to keep the water clean.
✔ Disease Control: Watch for signs of diseases like fungal infections, fin rot, or white spots. If you notice unhealthy fish, isolate them immediately and treat the water with recommended medications.
✔ Breeding and Growth Cycle: Ornamental fish mature in 1 to 2 years. With proper care, they can live up to 20 years, but most are sold once they reach a desirable size.
Step 5: Marketing and Selling Your Ornamental Fish
Your success in the ornamental fish business depends on how well you market your products. Here’s how to attract customers:
✔ Sell to pet stores and aquarium dealers – Many pet shops in major towns need a steady supply of ornamental fish. Approach them with high-quality stock at competitive prices.
✔ Target homeowners and offices – Many people love aquariums for decoration. Promote your fish as an affordable, low-maintenance option for homes and businesses.
✔ Use online platforms – Advertise your fish on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups. You can also create a website to showcase your available fish and prices.
✔ Partner with interior designers – Many designers recommend aquariums for homes and offices. Collaborate with them to supply fish for their projects.
✔ Sell at shopping malls and exhibitions – High-end malls like Yaya Centre, Sarit Centre, and The Junction attract customers willing to buy premium fish.
Step 6: Costs and Expected Profit
Starting an ornamental fish business in Kenya requires a small initial investment, but the returns can be impressive.
✔ Startup Costs
- Pond construction: Ksh.30,000
- Buying fingerlings: Ksh.20,000
- Fish feed and maintenance: Ksh.10,000 per year
✔ Projected Earnings
If you start with 60 fish and grow them into 10,000 fish in a year, you can sell:
- 5,000 fish at Ksh.500 each = Ksh.2.5 million in revenue.
- With low operational costs, your profit margin could be as high as 80%.
Dos and Don’ts for a Successful Ornamental Fish Business
✔ Dos:
- Train at the National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre in Sagana.
- Consult experienced farmers for advice.
- Maintain high water quality to ensure healthy fish.
❌ Don’ts:
- Don’t overcrowd your pond (1 inch of fish per 4 liters of water is recommended).
- Don’t introduce too many fish at once; start small and expand gradually.
- Don’t use pesticides near your pond as they can harm the fish.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Business for You?
Ornamental fish farming is a unique and profitable business opportunity in Kenya.
Unlike traditional fish farming, it requires less space, minimal maintenance, and has a ready market. Whether you are looking for a side hustle or a full-time venture, this business can provide a steady income with high profit margins.
Now, the decision is yours.
Do you want to seize this opportunity and be your own boss, or will you watch others profit while you wait?
Take action today and start your journey to success in the ornamental fish business!
Frequently Asked Questions: Ornamental Fish Business in Kenya
1. How much capital do I need to start an ornamental fish business in Kenya?
You can start small with around Ksh. 50,000 to Ksh. 100,000. This covers pond construction, buying fingerlings, and initial feeding costs. As your business grows, you can reinvest profits to expand.
2. Where can I buy quality ornamental fish fingerlings?
You can source fingerlings from the National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre in Sagana, Kirinyaga County, or from reputable fish breeders in your region. Always ensure the supplier provides healthy and disease-free stock.
3. How long does it take for ornamental fish to mature for sale?
Most ornamental fish reach a desirable size for sale within 12 to 24 months, depending on the species. Proper feeding, water quality management, and temperature control can speed up their growth.
4. Who are my potential customers for ornamental fish?
Your main customers include pet stores, aquarium shops, interior designers, homeowners, hotels, offices, and schools. You can also market directly through social media or set up an online store to attract buyers.
