Current status of consumer preference for ornamental fish keeping in Tapi district

Introduction

Ornamental fishkeeping, also known as the hobby of aquarium fish keeping, has emerged as one of the most popular and captivating hobbies worldwide (Novák et al., 2020) [1] . Ornamental fishes often referred as "Living Jewels" because of their different shapes, attractive pattern colors and unique behavioural characteristics (Jayasankar 1988). Their vibrant colors, graceful movements, and unique behaviors have contributed to their popularity as household pets and decorative organisms ( (Livengood et al., 2007) [2] . The tradition of keeping ornamental fish in glass tanks dates back to ancient times in countries like China, where it began with goldfish in the year 1163 (Balon, 2004) [3] . Over the centuries, this hobby spread to various countries, and in the 17 th century, goldfish gained popularity in England and Scotland. Over time, the practice of aquarium keeping spread to different regions and developed into a globally important recreational activity and industry on an international scale (Novák et al., 2020) [1] . Today, ornamental fish are among the most popular pets worldwide, with a large and diverse community of aquarium hobbyists contributing to the continued expansion of the ornamental fish sector (Livengood et al., 2007; Rhyne et al., 2023) [2,4] . The global ornamental fish trade has also developed into a substantial international industry involving numerous producing, exporting and importing countries (Evers et al., 2019; Cohen et al., 2020) [6,5] . Consumer preference plays a major role in the ornamental fish industry. The choice of aquatic animals by aquarists is based on their features such as, color, body shape, size, behavior, compatibility with other species, as well as the simplicity of their maintenance (Pargunan et al., 2020) [7] . The demand for attractive, unusual, and distinctive species has contributed to the diversification of ornamental fish available in the market (Borges et al., 2021). Moreover, the rising popularity of aquarism is connected with the fact that the fish requires relatively little space and lower maintenance efforts than most other pets (Laskar et al., 2016) [8] . Gujarat has a well-developed fisheries and aquaculture sector, but research related to ornamental fishkeeping has received comparatively less attention than studies on fisheries production and aquaculture. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess ornamental fishkeeping practices among selected respondents in Tapi district, Gujarat. It examined the demographic profile of keepers, their aquarium management practices, species preferences, expenditure patterns, and sources of fish and accessories. The findings provide baseline information on the status of ornamental fishkeeping in the district and highlight the potential for further development of related activities in the region.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in Tapi District over the period of 2 months from July to August 2026. Target groups were, aquarium users. The simple random sampling method was used for data collection. The sample size was 40 respondents of aquarium users. The responses of each respondent were compiled and tabulated to indicate frequency and percent distribution for different categories of the questionnaires.

Data analysis

The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007. Results were presented in graphical form employing simple statistical measures such as frequency, percentage, and arithmetic mean.

Results and discussion

Profile information of the ornamental fish keepers

To understand the present status of ornamental fish keeping in detail for this study few aspects of the personal details of fish keepers were taken into consideration which is include their age, education, duration of ownership and purpose of keeping an aquarium.

Age distribution

The demographic profile revealed that a majority of the fish keepers (63%) were over 40 years of age. Those in the 30-40 age bracket accounted for 20% of the respondents, while the remaining 17% fell within the 20-30 age group (Figure 1).

Education background

Regarding educational attainment, 43% of respondents held a graduate degree, followed by 35% with secondary-level education. Additionally, 17% (n = 10) had completed higher secondary education, while primary-level education and postgraduate degrees represented 3% and 2% of the sample, respectively (Figure 2). These findings align closely with those of Arif et al. (2018) [9] , who similarly reported that 40% of ornamental fish keepers had attained a graduatelevel education.

Purpose of keeping aquarium

The study revealed that the majority of respondents maintained aquariums primarily as a hobby, while others kept them for decorative purposes (Fig. 3).

Gender of aquarium users

Out of the 60 respondents, approximately 55% were male and 45% were female ornamental fish keepers (Fig. 4). This observation aligns with the findings of Saha et al. (2013) [10] , who also reported a predominance of male aquarium keepers.

Duration of ownership

Regarding the duration of aquarium ownership, 38% of the respondents had maintained their aquariums for 1-3 years or less, 30% for 3-6 years, 15% for 6-9 years, and 17% for 9 years or more (Fig. 5).

These results are comparable to those of Uddin et al. (2019) [11] and Tolon (2018) [12] , who observed that a substantial proportion of aquarium keepers had less than two years of experience, with many possessing less than one year of experience.

Aquarium details

To assess the present status of ornamental fish keeping in the study area, information pertaining to the aquariums, ornamental fishes, and associated management practices was collected and analysed.

Preferable number of aquarium

The majority of aquarium users (88%) owned only one aquarium, while 10% owned two aquariums and only 2% owned three aquariums (Fig. 6).

Preferable size of aquarium

Regarding aquarium size, 67% of the respondents maintained medium-sized aquariums, 23% preferred table-top aquariums, and 10% owned large aquariums (Fig. 7). These findings are in agreement with those of Laskar et al. (2016) [8] , who reported that the majority of respondents preferred small-and medium-sized aquariums.

Prefered species by consumers

The study revealed that goldfish was the most preferred ornamental fish species among the respondents, accounting for 27% of the preferences. This was followed by sharks (15%) and tetras (17%). The remaining 29% of aquarium keepers preferred other species, including guppy, koi carp, dollar fish, flowerhorn, discus, and fighter fish (Fig. 8). These findings are consistent with those of Faruk et al. (2012) [13] , who reported that goldfish, koi carp, angelfish, guppy, fighter fish, parrot fish, and discus were among the most demanded ornamental fish species by consumers.

Type of aquarium

Among the hobbyists surveyed, community aquariums were the most preferred type, accounting for 60 % of the respondents, while 40% preferred single-species aquariums (Fig. 9). This trend is consistent with the findings of Arif et al. (2018) [9] , who reported a higher preference for community aquariums (83%) compared to single-species setups (17%). The greater inclination towards community aquariums in the present study may be attributed to the aesthetic appeal of mixed-species displays and the opportunity to observe diverse fish behaviours within a single tank.

Aquarium maintenance and feeding strategies

Proper aquarium maintenance and feeding practices are essential for ensuring the health and longevity of ornamental fishes. Feeding strategies, in particular, play a critical role in maintaining aquarium.

In the present study, information was collected on the type of feed used, brand preferences, and feeding frequency adopted by aquarium keepers.

Fish feed

All the respondents used formulated feed for their ornamental fishes. Among them, the majority (95%) preferred crumble-type feed, while 3% used powder feed and only 2% opted for other types of feed (Fig. 10). These results are in partial agreement with Gobiraj et al. (2020) [14] , who reported that 72% of respondents used formulated feed in their aquariums. The overwhelming preference for formulated feeds, particularly crumbles, in the present study may be due to their convenience, balanced nutritional composition, and ready availability in the local market.

Name of feed (company/brand) used by aquarium keepers

The study revealed that the majority of ornamental fish keepers (95%) used commercially available Taiyo and Optimum brand feeds, while only a small proportion relied on other brands (Fig. 11). These findings are consistent with those of Chadnee et al. (2019) [15] , who reported that aquarium fish traders and customers commonly used Optimum and Taiyo feeds, along with Nova and Oscar brands. The high preference for Taiyo and Optimum feeds in the present study may be attributed to their wide availability, competitive pricing, and established reputation among local aquarium keepers.

Frequency of feeding

With regard to feeding frequency, 67% of the respondents fed their fishes twice a day, 28% fed once a day, and only 5% followed other feeding schedules (Fig. 12). The predominance of twice-daily feeding suggests that most aquarium keepers adhere to a standard management practice aimed at maintaining optimal fish health and growth while avoiding overfeeding.

Water sources

Good water chemistry is the basis for a healthy aquarium system whether it is freshwater or saltwater. The study revealed that groundwater was the predominant source of water used by aquarium keepers, accounting for 72% of the respondents. Municipal water was used by 18% of the keepers, while only 10% relied on mineral water (Fig. 13).

Aeration

Continuous aeration is an important management practice as it facilitates water circulation, enhances dissolved oxygen levels, and aids in the removal of carbon dioxide from the aquarium. In the present study, 60% of the respondents used aeration in their aquariums, while 40% did not practise aeration (Fig. 14). The relatively high adoption of aeration indicates that a majority of aquarium keepers are aware of its benefits in maintaining water quality and supporting fish health.

Filters used in aquarium

Filters play an important role in aquarium management by removing unwanted particulate matter and introducing desirable substances into the water. Biological filtration is particularly crucial, as it facilitates the conversion of toxic ammonia into less harmful nitrate. In the present study, 62% of the respondents used filters in their aquariums.

Among them, the majority (62%) preferred power filters, while only 3% used trickle filters and (Fig. 15). The high preference for power filters may be attributed to their efficiency, ease of installation, and widespread availability in the local market.

Disease observed by aquarium users

Only three aquarium keepers reported clinical signs of disease in their fishes, including fin rot, white spot, partial loss of appetite, and gill fluke. These observations are consistent with the findings of Faruk et al. (2012) [13] , who reported that aquarium keepers commonly identified diseases such as white ulcers, tail and fin rot, dropsy, ich, and mouth fungus.

Disease treatment

When aquarium keepers noticed any abnormal behaviour or clinical signs in their fishes, they generally initiated immediate treatment by applying drugs and chemicals either directly into the aquarium or in a hospital tank. The drugs used were mostly those recommended by ornamental fish shopkeepers. Similar observations were made by Faruk et al. (2012) [13] , who noted that traders often provided treatment suggestions based on their experience with various drugs.

Issues related to aquarium keeping

The majority of respondents (87%) reported no significant issues related to aquarium keeping, while 13% faced difficulties mainly concerning aquarium cleaning and fish feeding. Providing proper awareness and training programmes on aquarium maintenance, along with the development of paid services such as professional aquarium cleaning, could help address these challenges and improve the overall experience of pet fish keepers.

Monthly expenditure

The study revealed that most aquarium users (80%) spent less than ₹100 per month on their aquariums, 10% spent up to ₹200, and the remaining respondents spent between ₹200 and ₹400 (Fig. 16). These findings are in agreement with those of Saha et al. (2013) [10] , who reported that the majority of aquarium keepers expended ₹50-100 per month on aquarium maintenance. The relatively low monthly expenditure indicates that ornamental fish keeping is generally considered an affordable hobby in the study area.

Conclusion

Ornamental fish keeping has emerged as a popular hobby in Tapi district. The findings of the present study highlight that proper training in fish handling and disease management is a critical need of this sector. Therefore, regular training programmes for aquarium owners are essential to improve their knowledge and management practices. Given the growing popularity of ornamental fish keeping and its potential for entrepreneurship development and income generation, the government should accord greater priority to this sector by organising skill development programmes and promoting the installation of aquariums in public places.

References

1. Novák J, Kalous L, Patoka J. Modern ornamental aquaculture in Europe: Early history of freshwater fish imports. Reviews in Aquaculture. 2020;12(4):2042-2060.
2. Livengood EJ, Chapman FA. The ornamental fish trade: An introduction with perspectives for responsible aquarium fish ownership. EDIS. 2007;2007(16):1-8.
3. Balon EK. About the oldest domesticates among fishes. Journal of Fish Biology. 2004;65(s1):1-27.
4. Rhyne AL, Tlusty MF, Kaufman L, Daly J, Weir K, Morris JA. Survey indicates large proportion of fishkeeping hobbyists engaged in producing ornamental fish. Aquaculture Reports. 2023;29:101503.
5. Cohen FPA, Valenti WC, Calado R. A systematic review of the ornamental fish trade with emphasis on coral reef fishes-An impossible task. Animals. 2020;10(11).
6. Evers HG, Pinnegar JK, Taylor MI. Where are they all from?- Sources and sustainability in the ornamental freshwater fish trade. Journal of Fish Biology. 2019;94(6):909-916.
7. Pargunan D, Alagappan M. Determining and modelling consumers' preferences for ornamental fish keeping. International Journal of Farm Sciences. 2020;10(2):38-47.
8. Laskar B, Saha B, Sarkar A. The extent of knowledge and level of adoption of hobbyists in ornamental fish keeping and aquarium management in Tripura. International Journal of Bio-Resource and Stress Management. 2016;7(6):1330-1335.
9. Arif ASM, Nusrat S, Uddin DMS, Alam MT, Mia MR. Hobbyist's preferences and trends in aquarium fish business at Sylhet Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies. 2018;6(4).
10. Saha MK, Patra BC. Customer's preference for aquarium keeping: Market survey, special emphasis on indigenous ornamental fishes in four districts of West Bengal, India. Research Journal of Recent Sciences. 2013;2(12):43-53.
11. Uddin MS, Akter R, Islam MS, Chadnee FK. Demographic features of aquarium shopkeepers and users in Sylhet Division of Bangladesh. Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University. 2019;6(1-2):71-78.
12. Tolon MT. Determination of hobbyist preferences for livebearer ornamental fish attributes by conjoint analysis. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 2018;18(1):117-125.
13. Faruk MAR, Hasan MM, Anka IZ, Parvin MK. Trade and health issues of ornamental fishes in Bangladesh. Bangladesh journal of progressive science and technology. 2012;10(2):163-168.
14. Gobiraj R, Shobiya P, Sivashanthini K. Keeping fish as pets: Perceptions from fish owners in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. 2020.
15. Chadnee FK, Uddin MS, Dey T, Hossain S, Akter R. Species availability and business trend of ornamental fish in sylhet division. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies. 2019;7(4):182-186.
16. Borges AKM, Oliveira TPR, Alves RRN. Marine or freshwater: the role of ornamental fish keeper's preferences in the conservation of aquatic organisms in Brazil. PeerJ. 2022;10:e14387.
17. Jayasankar P. Ornamental fish culture and trade: Current status and prospects. Fishing Chimes. 1998;17(12):9-13.