Tehran – Iran's ornamental fish sector is showing promising growth, with exports in the Persian calendar year 1403 (roughly corresponding to 2024) reaching approximately $907,000, significantly exceeding imports of $643,000 for the same period, according to the Deputy Head of Aquaculture Development at Iran Fisheries Organization.

 

Mehdi Shakouri noted that while these figures are encouraging, they still fall short of the nation's peak export of over $2.5 million recorded by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration in the mid-2010s.

 

He underscored the immense potential of ornamental fish production within Iran, describing the industry's flexibility in terms of investment and output as a "turning point" for expanding its reach into both regional and international markets.

 

The deputy minister also emphasized the critical need for Iran to meet international standards to effectively compete in these highly competitive global arenas.

 

Shakouri further provided a global overview of the ornamental fish trade, revealing that approximately 7,000 species of ornamental aquatic animals are traded across 125 countries. “This diverse market includes freshwater fish, crustaceans, saltwater species, and other aquatic life.”

 

Referencing 2019 statistics, he said that around 2,500 ornamental fish species were traded worldwide, with a commercial value estimated between $15 billion and $30 billion. 

 

“Freshwater fish dominated this trade at 60%, followed by saltwater fish at 30%, with other aquatic species making up the remainder. He further noted that the international trade value of ornamental fish in 2019 was reported at $6 billion, projected to soar to $11.5 billion by the end of 2030.”

 

Currently, major players in the aquatic animal trade include Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Japan. Iran, along with other nations, holds a 2% share in the global ornamental fish market, the senior official said.