JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian ornamental fish industry has great potential to be among the best in the world, says the Fisheries Department.

       Its aquaculture division senior director Datuk Azahari Othman said Malaysia was currently among the top producers and exporters of ornamental fish in southern Asia and the world.

       "In 2022, a total of 234 million ornamental fish worth about RM453mil were produced in Malaysia.

       "Although the Covid-19 pandemic affected the industry, we can see that it is bouncing back and has great potential," he said during the Johor Aqua Fair exhibition at a mall here on Friday (April 19).

       He added that among the ornamental fish produced in Malaysia are goldfish, betta, discus and arowana.

       "About 60% of the ornamental fish produced in Malaysia are goldfish. Anther famous fish from here is the Malaysian golden arowana," he added.