The ornamental hub in Kolathur supports a plethora of economic activities ranging from large and small scale production of ornamental fishes, their distribution to domestic and international markets, related logistical activities, production and distribution of aquarium and its accessories, live and formulated ornamental fish feed, etc. together constituting an elaborate business network. It's all started in a small way in the early 1980s, when a few breeders initiated the trade.
Kolathur in Chennai is a nationally recognized hub for ornamental fish trade, with a thriving ecosystem of breeders, traders, exporters, and support industries. To capitalize on this potential and align with global market trends, an International Standard Ornamental Fish Trade Centre was envisaged to facilitate the ornamental fish marketing activities and to increase the fish trade of the State.
The Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Fishermen Welfare and Animal Husbandry made an Announcement in the Budget Session 2021-2022 for an International Standard Ornamental Fish Trade Centre is being established at Villivakkam, Kolathur in Chennai, Tamil Nadu at an estimated cost of Rs 53.50 crore.
The Trade centre is being established in a total land area of 3.94 acres belonging to Hindu Religious & Charitable Department. The land has been acquired on a long-term lease basis for 30 years.
The ornamental fish trade centre is being established with 188 shops (215 sq.ft each), which includes retail and wholesale ornamental fishes/ accessories shops. The Trade center also have facilities like, Oxygen supply stalls. The additional infrastructures like Over Head Tank, Water supply arrangement, Facilities like Power backup, Fire safety equipments, Toilets and parking area facilities are also being established in the Trade Centre.
