Breeding fighting fish proves a money-spinner for housewife

A33-YEAR-OLD housewife, who started off collecting fighting fish as a hobby, has turned it into a profitable source of income. Never in her wildest dreams did Norhidaya Shafinaz Md Yunus, from Taman Seri Serting near here, ever thought she would one day run a stall selling fighting fish to support her family.

When met at her stall at Medan Terbuka Bandar Seri Jempol, the mother of four said she began collecting fighting fish, also known as “betta fish”, until the living room of her house was filled with containers of the popular fish.

Norhidaya said it was her friend who gave her the idea to sell the fish, which had good commercial value and constant demand.

Having discussed the idea with her husband, Mohd Irfan Zainal, 43, she took her first tentative step to venture into selling the fish, which is famed for its varied and vibrant colours.

“My husband did not object and supported my wishes and even helped in the breeding process after learning from contacts and picking up ideas on the Internet.

“The sale of fighting fish, although initially only around Jempol, was not enough to meet demand. Some customers even had to return home disappointed, especially during the Movement Control Order, when demand for the fish was high.”

She said at first, she failed three times in her attempt to breed the fighting fish.

Norhidaya said nevertheless, she was fortunate that with her husband’s support, the fourth attempt to breed 15 pairs of fighting fish turned out to be successful.

“Previously, most of the fighting fish I sold were hybrid species. So, I am now trying to breed wild fighting fish from the Allien, Splenden and Imbellis species, and the price of these species can reach hundreds to thousands of ringgit,” she said.

She is hopeful that the wild fighting fish would not become extinct. Norhidaya added that although it was difficult to breed the species, she hoped to carry it out successfully.

The fighting fish business has proven to be profitable, providing Nohidaya with an income of up to RM2,000 a month.

PIX BY ABNOR HAMIZAM ABD MANAP Norhidaya Shafinaz Md Yunus (left) showing one of her fighting fish collection at her kiosk in Medan Terbuka Bandar Seri Jempol yesterday. (Right) Some of the colourful fighting fishes found at her kiosk.