Image Credit: Copilot
BACHOK, June 3: What began as a simple pastime — breeding ornamental fighting fish (Betta) — has grown into a lucrative venture, capable of generating thousands of ringgit overnight, particularly among local youths.
Initially a small-scale hobby, Betta breeding has proven to be a stable source of income when managed with proper systems and techniques, according to a Bernama report.
Entrepreneur Muhammad Izzad Haikal Mansor, 38, said more young people in Kelantan are drawn to the trade because of its low startup cost and easy maintenance.
“With just RM50 to RM100 in capital, anyone can buy a breeding pair. Caring for Betta fish is simpler than for other ornamental species — no oxygen pump is needed. Breeders usually rely on tube or well water,” he told Bernama at the Kelantan Ornamental Fish & Aquaculture Festival 2026 held recently.
He explained that the commercial value of Betta fish depends on grade, colour, and fin quality. Regular specimens sell for RM5 to RM10 each, while hybrid competition breeds such as Multi-colour and Any Other Colour (AOC) strains can fetch RM600 to RM700.
“During the Movement Control Order (COVID-19 pandemic), I sold a competition-winning Betta for RM1,500. Some breeders even earned RM2,000 to RM3,000 in a single night by going live on social media,” he said.
The growing demand has also created side-income opportunities — for instance, selling live feed such as mosquito larvae, which help enhance colour and growth.
“One local resident earned up to RM300 a day collecting mosquito larvae from drains and selling them to breeders at RM10 per pack,” he added.
Producing champion-grade fish, Muhammad Izzad noted, requires patience and care. The grooming process takes about four months, during which breeders treat water with daun ketapang (Indian almond leaves) to mimic natural peat swamp conditions, while alternating pellet feed and mosquito larvae.
“A pair can produce between 100 and 300 fry at a time,” he said.
Despite domestic success, Malaysian breeders face export challenges compared to their counterparts in Thailand and Indonesia.
“Our breeding expertise is well recognised — we have over 260 registered genetic mutation strains. But strict regulations and quarantine rules make exporting difficult. Thailand, for example, imposes fewer restrictions, allowing direct exports to markets like the United States and China. We hope authorities will review these requirements so we can compete more effectively,” he said.
He added that the Department of Fisheries continues to support breeders by providing infrastructure such as racks and fish containers.
With large-scale Betta competitions held almost every weekend nationwide, the industry offers sustainable prospects for digital entrepreneurs and firmly places Malaysia on the global ornamental fish map.