Just few households in Yen Phu Village, which is famous for ornamental fish breeding, have maintained their traditional industry, while the majority has turned to importing fish for higher profits.
Previously, households in the village often raised fish which were sold at reasonable prices. The village has been known as one of the biggest ornamental fish distributors.
However, due to the increasing demand for ornamental fish, and complicated breeding process, the households have imported varieties of fish for distribution in the domestic market.
Many kinds of imported fish such as cá la hán (flower horn fish) and cá rồng (dragon fish) are expensive and often sold to rich people at between VND700,000 (USD33.3) and tens of millions of VND.
Mr. Tuan, one of few ornamental fish breeders, said, “Now people have turned to importing fish. Just some households in the villages have still maintained traditional breeding. They often buy fish from Saigon and China, Japan and Singapore. Due to high transport fees, the imported fish prices are much higher compared to their real prices.”
According to the local households, raising ornamental fish gives them only VND3-4 million (USD142.8-190.4) per month, but taking much time and effort as well as posing risks. Meanwhile, the imported fish offers them far greater profits.
Nguyen Van Son, a local ornamental fish breeder said lots of traders have flocked to the village. His shop earns an income of roughly VND1 million (USD47.6) per day.
The level of profits depends on scale and different seasons. Ornamental fish have highest prices at the end of the year and at the beginning of spring when it is warm. Currently, only 2-3 households have continued breeding, posing a risk of losing a traditional craft.
Mrs. Yen, a local breeder, said, “Experienced ornamental fish breeders have become old, while the young opt to do other jobs. Most of the local breeders import fish due to higher profits. I’m not sure whether Yen Phu ornamental fish village can continue”.
