How to Make Money With Aquarium Saltwater Fish

Comprising beautiful marine fish in striking color combinations, a saltwater fish aquarium is a treat to the senses. These fish are also more expensive than freshwater fish and need greater care in their maintenance. This can translate into a good business opportunity for those who master the art of breeding saltwater fish. Most of these fish are sourced from far-away locations. If you identify a few species that are popular in your area and take up breeding of these, it is possible to make a significant profit; your margins can improve even more if you offer your expertise with maintenance of saltwater aquariums as an add-on service to people buying fish from you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the right species. Saltwater fish aquariums are made up of beautiful marine tropical fish in breathtaking color combinations, sourced from exotic locations. Damsel fish, clown fish, cardinals, puffer fish, angel fish, porcupine fish, tangs, bennies, butterfly fish and mandarin fish are a few of the popular species. All varieties of saltwater fish are difficult to breed in captivity; therefore, they are expensive.

      Speak to establishments that sell saltwater aquariums and find out which are the fast-selling species in your area. Check if the species you wish to buy will thrive in captivity and the level of maintenance you should be prepared for. Read up about the breeding patterns for these species: the number of times the parents breed, how many fry are produced at a time and whether fry can stay in the same tank or need to be transferred to another one.

    • 2

      Understand requirements. Learn about the maintenance of saltwater fish, especially aspects like sizing of the tank and maintaining water chemistry in the tank. Since they are larger, you will need more space to grow them. These fish are also highly sensitive to changes in their environment. Investing in multiple tanks is essential because you will have to isolate the fry in a separate tank; check the space you have for storing numerous tanks.

    • 3

      Determine your breeding plan. Although you can buy a bigger tank that allows a larger number of fish, it makes sense to use additional tanks to breed saltwater fish. Select a tank that is large enough to hold your adult fish and smaller tanks where the fry can be transferred to grow until they are big enough to sell.

      Determine the number of smaller tanks you need based on the number of species you are breeding. If each individual variety has its own special requirements, you will need to breed the fry separately. Have a system of retaining some of the fry to grow into adults that can be used for the next breeding cycle; this is less expensive than buying new parent fish every time you breed a batch.

    • 4

      Locate your target customers. Speak to your local pet store staff and find out offices and homes that have a saltwater aquarium. Approach these people and provide them with details of the saltwater fish you are planning to breed. Check if they are receptive to buying from you. Many medical and dental offices also keep saltwater aquariums. Speak to them about buying fish from you.

      Saltwater aquariums are difficult to maintain. See if you can offer maintenance services to customers who buy from you. This kind of a package deal can be more lucrative to people who are hard pressed for time. Decide your operational details based on the feedback you receive and begin the process of setting up your saltwater fish aquarium.