Aquarium Fish

[Anchor Lead]

When it comes to aquariums, tropical fish rule the market, but Korean rose bitterling are just as beautiful as their tropical counterparts. Korean has succeeded in farming the fish and is looking to introduce them to the local aquarium fish market.

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The iridescent colors on these small fish are just as beautiful as those of tropical fish. These are Korean rose bitterling, a native fish species whose was inspired by the distinct, beautiful colors. After eight months of research, the Gyeongbuk Native Fish Business Center has succeeded in raising this indigenous fish in an artificial environment for the first time in Korea.

[Soundbite] Seo Yeong-ju(Gyeongbuk Native Fish Business Center) : "The successful farming of the Korean rose bitterling means that Korea's native fish can replace the tropical fish taking up most of the local market."

The Korean rose bitterling's competitiveness has already been recognized, having been named the third favorite fish at Aquarama held in Singapore last year. The Korean native fish aims to take a big share of the 365-million-dollar-plus local ornamental fish market, which has relied entirely on foreign species. The center is carrying out studies on the mass production of other native fish species as well.

[Soundbite] Moon Seong-jun(Dir., Gyeongbuk Native Fish Business Center) : "The complete cultivation allows the Gyeongbuk Native Fish Business Center to provide new income sources for rural and fishing communities."

Successful mass cultivation of the Korean rose bitterling may be the first step toward commercializing native ornamental fish.