Nemo’s profit party: Clownfish breeding makes 1 million baht splash

The Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre in Trang has successfully bred over 20 species of clownfish, commonly known as Nemo fish, this year, resulting in sales surpassing those of the previous year and generating nearly 1 million baht in revenue.

Trang Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre director Patcharee Soonsan announced yesterday, September 23, the achievement of breeding 20 species of clownfish, including local species from the East Coast, the Gulf of Thailand, the Andaman coast, and imported and hybrid species.

These include the banded clownfish, orange-white clownfish, saddleback clownfish, Indian clownfish, tomato clownfish, red-black clownfish, red clownfish, black clownfish, golden clownfish, percula clownfish, and Picasso clownfish, among others, each displaying a variety of vibrant colours.

Farmers interested in breeding clownfish for supplementary income or for keeping in marine tanks can purchase these fish from the centre. Some customers also buy the fish to release them back into their natural coral reef habitats. The fish, which are 3 to 4 centimetres in length, are priced between 70 and 350 baht each, with larger sizes fetching higher prices.

Annually, the centre sells between 30,000 and 40,000 clownfish. However, this year, sales have exceeded 50,000 fish, generating almost 1 million baht in revenue. Middlemen purchase the fish to resell both domestically and internationally, particularly in countries like Vietnam and Malaysia.

The best-selling species are the orange-white clownfish and the Picasso clownfish, known for their striking colours and graceful movements.

Customers interested in purchasing clownfish can visit the centre to select their fish directly from the ponds. Experts are available to provide information on clownfish care. Currently, the centre has 2,000 to 3,000 clownfish from the 20 species available for sale, making it one of the largest clownfish breeding centres in southern Thailand.

The orange-white clownfish is the primary species sold at 70 baht per 3 to 4-centimetre fish. The Picasso clownfish, with its unique pattern, is another popular and higher-priced option at 350 baht per 3 to 4-centimetre fish. Other species are also available, each with its distinct beauty.

The centre encourages anyone interested in breeding or keeping clownfish to visit and learn more about the process. This year has seen an increase in sales, and the Trang centre is one of the few significant clownfish producers in southern Thailand, reported KhaoSod.

Interested individuals can contact the Trang Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre via their Facebook page or by calling 075-274077-8 during business hours.