To support the livelihoods of fish keepers in Batangas, the Department of Agriculture- National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), through the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), facilitated a two-day training on freshwater aquarium fish propagation and management on August 27-28, 2024.

Hosted by the City Veterinary Office of the local government of Batangas City, the training featured a series of lectures on the breeding and culture of various ornamental fish species, along with an educational tour at the FFRDC, which provided participants with firsthand experience in fish breeding operations.

The training was attended by pet shop owners, hobbyists, and enthusiasts from Batangas City, who showed great interest in the ornamental fish business.

Janet Baral, Science Research Specialist I, provided an overview of the Philippine ornamental fish industry, highlighting the various types of ornamental fish farms, major producers in the country, and market opportunities and challenges. She also shared her expertise on the breeding and culture of egg layers including Japanese koi, goldfish, angelfish, tetra fish, fighting fish, danio, and standard protocols on fish health management.

Meanwhile, Raffy Clemente, Science Research Specialist I, presented best practices on culturing natural food such as Artemia, moina, and infosuria, which are vital to the production of ornamental fish He also discussed the breeding and culture techniques of livebearers including guppy, molly, platy, and swordtail.

Participants were given a practical demonstration of standard fish breeding and culture protocols during their visit to the hatchery and laboratory facilities at the FFRDC. They also toured the fish farm of Johnny Manalo, one of FFRDC’s successful ornamental fish beneficiaries, who converted his idle pig pen into fish breeding tanks.

For several years, FFRDC has served as a central breeding facility for freshwater ornamental fish, producing hundreds of thousands of fish annually. It is staffed with experts who have extensive experience in fish breeding and culture, making it an ideal venue for training and educational services. ### (Louie Jim Gayacan)