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    23 August 2012| last updated at 11:51PM

    Wooing ornamental fish lovers

    By Mohd Yusoff Ahmad | johor@nst.com.my

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    PETS: A trader is doing brisk business selling freshwater specimens for the aquarium

      PONTIAN: A 49-year-old trader and his wife have been winning over  ornamental fish lovers  by selling various freshwater  specimens at their stall in Kampung Jasa Sepakat, Pekan Nanas, near here.

      Jamal Othman and Marzinah Mohamed, 48, have been selling freshwater fish  suitable for aquariums.

      Some customers also buy fish to eat.

      Among Jamal's bestsellers are  toman, haruan and a blue lobster known locally as udang kara.

      Jamal said he began selling  his fish four years ago  as a means to supplement his family's income.

      He said many customers stopped by his stall because they were curious and wanted to check out the various fish and other creatures that they didn't know could survive in freshwater aquariums.

      For those who own such aquariums, they are interested in keeping udang kara as part of their collection.

      These lobsters  can grow up to 30cm in length within a month.

      Jamal said besides having a lovely colour,  udang kara are  resilient, and are able to survive by eating algae.

      Because of the increased demand for ornamental fish at his stall, Jamal  recently opened a hatchery for fish and udang kara.

      "This would hopefully help to breed more fish for my business," said Jamal.

      He added that his business has helped people to become more familiar with the different types of ornamental fish.

      Other  fish species available at Jamal's stall are ketutu, bujuk, and some types of fighting fish.

    Local freshwater fish suchas ‘ikan sepat’ (common gouramy) are also sold at Jamal Othman’s stall in Kampung Jasa Sepakat, Pekan Nenas.

    Jamal Othman, 49 have has been selling freshwater lobsters or ‘udang kara’ for four years to supplement his income. Pix by Mohd Yusoff Ahmad

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