Nithila Fish Farm operates through a well-organized system divided into five dedicated sections, designed to ensure fish health, quality consistency, and compliance with international export standards.
This section focuses on the selection and management of high-quality bloodstock. Healthy male and female fish are maintained under optimal conditions to ensure strong genetics, vibrant coloration, and consistent reproduction. Controlled breeding practices are followed to maintain purity and quality.
Newly born fry are transferred to the nursery section, where they receive specialized care during their most sensitive growth stage. Water quality, temperature, and feeding schedules are carefully controlled to achieve high survival rates and healthy early development.
In the growing section, juvenile fish are raised to export size. Fish are regularly graded by size, quality, and color development. Balanced nutrition and optimal environmental conditions are provided to ensure uniform growth, strength, and vitality.
All fish selected for sale are moved to a dedicated quarantine section prior to shipment. Fish are closely observed, conditioned, and health-checked to ensure they are disease-free and stress-free. This step ensures full compliance with international biosecurity and animal welfare standards.
The packing section is designed specifically for live ornamental fish export. Fish are carefully conditioned and fasted before packing, then packed using high-quality materials with clean water and oxygen to ensure maximum survival during transport. All packing procedures follow international shipping standards to maintain fish health throughout transit.
1️⃣ BROODSTOCK SELECTION
Healthy male and female breeders are selected
Fish must have:
Bright color
Correct shape
No deformities or disease
Usually kept in separate breeding tanks
Ratio used:
Guppies / Endlers: 1 male : 2–3 females
Mollies: 1 male : 2 females
2️⃣ BREEDING PROCESS
These fish are livebearers
Females give birth to live fry, not eggs
Gestation period:
Guppies & Endlers: 21–30 days
Mollies: 28–45 days
Breeding tanks:
Clean freshwater
Gentle aeration
Aquatic plants or breeding traps to protect fry
3️⃣ FRY COLLECTION & CARE
After birth, fry are:
Separated to prevent being eaten
Placed in nursery tanks or cement ponds
Feeding fry:
First 7 days: Infusoria / liquid fry food
After 1 week: Powdered feed / crushed flakes
Regular feeding 3–4 times daily
4️⃣ GROW-OUT STAGE
Fry are raised for 6–10 weeks
Kept in:
Cement tanks, fiberglass tanks, or ponds
Water quality is closely monitored
Key factors:
Temperature: 26–28°C
Regular water changes
Proper stocking density
5️⃣ GRADING & COLOR DEVELOPMENT
Fish are graded by size and color
Poor-quality fish are removed
Males and females are separated early to:
Improve color
Prevent uncontrolled breeding
Color enhancement:
High-quality feed
Natural sunlight
Clean water
6️⃣ HEALTH MANAGEMENT & QUARANTINE
Fish are kept in quarantine tanks (7–14 days)
Observed for:
Disease
Stress
Injuries
Light salt treatment sometimes used (industry practice)
Sick fish are never exported
7️⃣ EXPORT SIZE & FINAL SELECTION
Fish reach export size:
Guppies & Endlers: 2.5–3 cm
Mollies: 3–5 cm
Final check:
Color quality
Body shape
Active swimming
8️⃣ PRE-EXPORT FASTING
Fish are not fed for 24 hours
Purpose:
Reduce waste in transport water
Improve survival rate
9️⃣ PACKING FOR EXPORT
Fish are packed in:
Strong polythene bags
Clean water + oxygen
Bag ratio:
1/3 water
2/3 oxygen
Packaging includes:
Styrofoam boxes
Temperature control
Shock-absorbing material
🔟 DOCUMENTATION & CERTIFICATION (Sri Lanka)
Required for export:
Health certificate
Export permit
Invoice & packing list
Airline approval
Issued by:
Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources
Veterinary authorities
1️⃣1️⃣ AIR TRANSPORT
Shipped by air cargo
Usually reach destination within 24–48 hours
Importer acclimatizes fish on arrival
