Bangladesh, known for its vibrant culture, fertile lands, and abundant water resources, has witnessed remarkable growth in the aquaculture industry over the years. Among the various types of aquaculture, Koi fish farming has emerged as a profitable venture, capturing the attention of both seasoned farmers and enthusiastic newcomers.
In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of Koi fish farming in Bangladesh, discussing its potential, benefits, and the steps involved in establishing a successful Koi fish farm.
Contents
The Rising Popularity of Koi Fish Farming:
Koi fish, with their striking colors and graceful swimming patterns, have gained immense popularity around the world. In recent years, Bangladesh has become a significant player in the global Koi fish market, attracting both local and international buyers.
The combination of favorable climatic conditions, abundant water resources, and affordable labor makes Bangladesh an ideal location for Koi fish farming.
Suitable Climate and Geographic Conditions:
Bangladesh’s subtropical climate, with its warm temperatures and abundant rainfall, provides an ideal environment for Koi fish farming. The country’s numerous rivers, ponds, and wetlands serve as natural sources of water, offering plenty of space for the growth and expansion of Koi fish farms.
Benefits of Koi Fish Farming:
a) Economic Opportunities: Koi fish farming presents a significant economic opportunity for farmers in Bangladesh. The high demand for Koi fish, both domestically and internationally, ensures a steady market and attractive prices for farmers who venture into this industry.
b) Diversification: Koi fish farming can serve as a diversification strategy for farmers who want to expand their income sources. By utilizing their existing land and water resources, farmers can incorporate Koi fish farming alongside traditional agricultural practices.
c) Environmental Sustainability: Koi fish farming in Bangladesh promotes environmental sustainability. It helps reduce pressure on natural water bodies by providing an alternative source for fish production, thus preserving the delicate ecosystems of rivers and wetlands.
Steps to Establish a Koi Fish Farm:
a) Site Selection: Selecting an appropriate site is crucial for the success of a Koi fish farm. Factors such as water quality, availability, and accessibility should be considered when choosing a location.
b) Pond Preparation: Proper pond preparation involves cleaning and disinfecting the pond, ensuring a suitable pH level, and providing adequate filtration and aeration systems to maintain water quality.
c) Stocking and Feeding: Select healthy Koi fish breeds from reliable sources and introduce them into the pond. Ensure a proper feeding regimen with a balanced diet to promote their growth and vibrant colors.
d) Disease Management: Regular monitoring of the Koi fish for any signs of disease or infection is essential. Implementing biosecurity measures, such as quarantine procedures and periodic health check-ups, can help prevent outbreaks and minimize losses.
e) Marketing and Sales: Establish connections with local and international Koi fish buyers, retailers, and exporters. Utilize online platforms, social media, and participation in trade fairs to promote your Koi fish farm and expand your customer base.
Breeding:
Koi fish breeding is a very important process in koi fish farming. To achieve this, you need to have both male and female koi fish. They have to be mature and ready for mating when the time comes. You should always ensure that the water temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit for koi fish breeding. Moreover, you can always use “post” for successful mating of those koi fish.
Classification of koi breed:
Koi fish breeding is a very important process in koi fish farming. To achieve this, you need a classification of koi. two kinds of koi are available in Bangladesh.
- Local desi koi and
- Thai koi
Your home made feed chart is below:
| Ingredients | Percentage | Protein rate |
| Fishmeal | 25% | 60% |
| Bone And Meat Meal | 8% | 50% |
| Blood Meal | 7% | 55% |
| Mustered Cake | 20% | 34% |
| Rice Bran | 17% | 12% |
| Wheat Chaff | 10% | 11% |
| Flour | 5% | 18% |
| Dried Molasses | 5% | 16% |
| Oyster Powder | 1% | – |
| Premix | 1% | – |
| Salt | 1% | – |
Feed-providing rate:
It is the most important thing to know about how much and how time should provide food. Use approximately 8% feed at first month according to the bodyweight of fish, 5% in the second month, 5% in the third month, and 3% in the fourth and fifth month. Every day should Provide the total amount of food twice a day. Food providing rate as the age for 5 months, of 1000 koi fish is blowing:
| Age (Days) | Feed (Grams) |
| 0-03 | No Feed |
| 4-15 | 200 (powder) |
| 16-30 | 400 (powder) |
| 31-45 | 800 |
| 46-60 | 1000 |
| 61-75 | 1200 |
| 76-90 | 1300 |
| 91-105 | 1350 |
| 106-120 | 1400 |
| 121-150 | 1450 |
Other care and management:
Use salt only if the pond has a low level of water. You can use salt for every 5 to 7 days of feeding. To avoid cannibalism, it is very important to provide food in huge amounts and at the right time of feeding. Avoid using any of the harmful animals or cannibalistic fish species available in the pond.
By using this koi fish farming business idea, you can earn a lot of money. You will have to give proper care and management to the koi fish. You need to develop it as a continuous business to generate more profit from it.
10 benefits of Thai koi farming:
1. Thai koi fish is the best food for humans.
2. Thai koi fish can be sold easily as meat foods in common markets.
3. You will become very successful in this business as human demands for Thai koi fish are increasing day by day.
4. If you are not able to develop your feed, then mix commercially available fish feed with good quality organic fish food.
5. the Thai Kois growth rate is very high. this size is very big but desi local koi size is very small.
6. Thai koi fish is a very popular food fish in Bangladesh as well as in other countries around the world.
7. The demand for Thai koi fish is increasing day by day in various parts of Bangladesh.
8. It is a very healthy and strong fish which can live more than 20 years easily.
9. Thai koi fish is developed with artificial selection and hybridization of common carp species
10. You can easily do this business without the need for any big investment, you will have to give proper care.
Tips for Thai koi farming:
- Quality of water and pH are very important for koi fish farming. An acceptable range would be 6.5 to 8.5. Fish have an average blood pH of 7.4.
- Provide food in huge amounts and at the right time of feeding.
- Avoid using any of the harmful animals or cannibalistic fish species available in the pond.
- If you can’t make the pond dry, then ensure there are no harmful animals or cannibalistic fish species available in the pond.
- If you are not able to develop your feed, then mix commercially available fish feed with good quality organic fish food.
- Use net surrounding to grow koi fish pond.
- Do not feed them unless the water temperature is lower than 15oC and higher than 6oC for an extended time.
- Koi fishes have no interest in phytoplankton. So, remove the phytoplankton bloom from the water.
- koi fish farming is a type of freshwater fish farming (aquaponics)
In summary:
Koi fish farming in Bangladesh has emerged as a promising industry, providing economic opportunities and environmental sustainability. With its favorable climate, abundant water resources, and growing demand for Koi fish, Bangladesh has become an attractive destination for both established farmers and new entrants looking to explore this profitable venture.
By following the necessary steps and maintaining proper management practices, entrepreneurs can build successful Koi fish farms, contributing to the growth of the aquaculture sector in the country and satisfying the global demand for these captivating fish.
Some of the ingredients for the feed include wheat flour, sweet potatoes powder, and soybean meal among other things. Another important thing is the pond itself which needs to be made carefully.
