Overview and Statistics
Ornamental fish for the home aquarium and water garden are Florida's most valuable aquaculture products, accounting for 40% of total aquaculture sales in 2018. Over 800 species and varieties are produced. Well-known aquarium fish include guppies, mollies, swordtails, tetras, gouramis, koi, goldfish, angels, barbs, plecos, bettas and variety of cichlids.
Florida's freshwater tropical fish production is concentrated in Hillsborough, Polk and Dade counties. These locations allow producers to take advantage of nearby international airports. Farms can be found throughout the state, but they are located primarily in the southern half, where winter temperatures are favorable.
The most recent Census of Agriculture, conducted in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reported 188 ornamental fish producers in Florida with farm gate sales of $62.4 million.
Licenses and Permits
If you are interested in commercially culturing ornamental fish and invertebrates in Florida, you must apply for an Aquaculture Certificate of Registration and comply with
Aquaculture Best Management Practices
[
960.9 kB
]
.
Technical Assistance
The University of Florida has strengthened its role in Florida's ornamental fish industry through sustained expansion and technological improvements at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin. Staff continually test a variety of production systems to conserve water, increase yields, and reduce on-farm mortality. The laboratory also offers diagnostic and production-related services.
Contact the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory for more information and assistance.
