How to Start a Fish Farm

Fish farms operate for the purpose of raising fish for commercial and residential sales. Many different kinds of fish can be raised in controlled environments, from table fare to exotic tropical species. In addition to growing fish for the purpose of harvesting and selling them to restaurants, many fish farms also serve as fun places where families and individuals can go to fish in the ponds and catch their own supper. 

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a fish farm by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Fish Farm
  2. Form your Fish Farm into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Fish Farm for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Fish Farm
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Fish Farm
  7. Get Fish Farm Insurance
  8. Define your Fish Farm Brand
  9. Create your Fish Farm Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your fish farm. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Fish Farm Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a fish farm?

Costs will range, depending on the size and scope of the operation you are starting.

If you are starting an aquarium-based farm, you will need:

  • Tanks and pumps
  • Fish food and refrigerators
  • Water aerators
  • Water testing kits and equipment
  • An investment in the initial parent fish or eggs/frye

If you are running at a commercial fish farm you will need:

  • Land for ponds
  • Equipment for excavating ponds
  • Commercial-sized pumps, aerators, and water sources/reclamation devices
  • Boat, motor, and equipment for cleaning and managing the pond.
  • Industrial fish food supply
  • Fish processing equipment for shipping and exporting

What are the ongoing expenses for a fish farm?

Fish farming will have some variation in expenses, depending on what kind of fish and how many you are raising. Average associated costs will stem from:

  • Buying eggs and/or fingerlings for your re-stock purposes.
  • Food and maintenance of the fish.
  • Replacing pumps and oxygen/aeration systems.
  • Digging new ponds or buying additional tanks.
  • Electricity per month.
  • Plumbing maintenance.
  • Insurance for employees and the business.
  • Transporting/shipping of fish in and out of your farm.

Who is the target market?

Customer types will vary, depending on the types of fish you are raising. If you are raising fish for sport, re-stocking, or commercial food products, your base will consist of larger businesses, which need a higher volume of fish. Some customers may even consist of state or federal organizations who re-stock depleted natural resources.

If you raise fish for aquariums or as pets, your customer group will be pet shops and specialty fish dealers. You may even choose to have customers contact you directly, in order to expedite sales and cut the cost of the middle man.

How does a fish farm make money?

Fish farms make money through the sales of their farm raised livestock. If your fish farm offers customers the opportunity to catch their own fish, you can also charge for fishing equipment, access to the fishing ponds, and fish cleaning services. 

How much can you charge customers?

For fish re-stocking or for commercial food services, you will sell fish by quantity or by the pound. Depending on the species, prices can range between $10-$30 per pound or ranging from $40 to upwards of $500 per 100 count.

If you are raising exotic or specialty fish, the pricing will fluctuate, depending on the market. Some exotics are sold for upwards of $1,000 per fish. This is, of course, a high end buying group, and you will need to research potential buying group(s) in order to determine which species of fish are most profitable to farm in your area.

How much profit can a fish farm make?

Depending on what kind of fish you’re farming and how large the operation, the annual salary can range between $35,000 to upwards of $150,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Some fish farm owners also choose to expand their market base by selling fish related products, such as food, pumps, aeration units, water testing supplies, or harvesting devices. By offering these additional items, fish farmers stay in contact with potential customers, even when not selling fish.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your fish farm is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your fish farm were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

Federal Business Licensing Requirements

There are federal regulations regarding what can and cannot be added to, sold as, and processed with food. Attached is a resource from the Food and Drug Administration detailing the process of starting a food business: How to Start a Food Business

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a fish farm business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A fish farm business is generally run out of a plot of land or large building. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a fish farm business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your fish farm business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Food Regulations

When selling food, you will need licensing from a local health department; all establishments serving food are required to pass a health inspection. Tips for faring well on a health inspections

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Fish Farm needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Fish Farm.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a fish farm

Fish farming can be an exceptionally profitable business. Find out which local and regional restaurants offer fish on their menus. Contact the owners or managers directly or advertise in restaurant trade magazines or related websites. Becoming known amongst the restaurant community can be essential for continued success.

Having your own website is also a great way to reach an audience. You can advertise through direct marketing or link your website to fish wholesalers, pet shops or farmer’s markets.

If you specialize in ornamental or exotic fish, become aware and active in that community. There are often trade shows and exhibitions where you can show off your fish and attract new customers.

How to keep customers coming back

Make your reputation in the industry as being thorough, of high quality, and consistent in your product. Whether for food or for pets, your fish need to be healthy and hearty. Once customers know your reputation, word of mouth will become much of your advertisement. Additionally, advertising within the industry and attending seminars and trade shows will create new contacts and strengthen existing networks amongst buyers and fellow farmers.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Fish farm entrepreneurs should have a background in farming and have familiarity with basic biology of fish. This job will also involve some manual labor from time to time. In addition, since you’re running your own farm, knowledge of the economics and business of farming is also helpful.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a fish farm?

Overseeing this type of operation, either small scale or large, will require hands-on management of your livestock. Depending on the type of fish you’re raising, you will be carefully monitoring the living conditions and water quality regularly. Other things you may have to do include:

  • Check and service pumps for tanks and ponds.
  • Test pH of water and adjust accordingly
  • Feed fish and check water levels.
  • Extract fish for sale and shipment
  • Contact customers and distributors about inbound and outbound shipments.
  • Train staff on proper farming techniques

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful fish farm?

Having knowledge or experience in the business and industry of livestock rearing is important. In particular, understanding fish and how to take care of them is critical. You will also need to be able to connect with and maintain positive business contacts, in order to market and sell your product. Being personable and pleasant, yet shrewd in business, is necessary to continue to be profitable. Immerse yourself in the industry and stay up to date on the trends and moves of the market.

What is the growth potential for a fish farm?

Fish as a food source is growing in popularity. Fish farms for commercial output are replacing some of the land once used for traditional plant crops. For aquarium enthusiasts, the desire for new and unique, as well as healthy, species is always strong. With the popularity of custom fish tanks also expanding, there will be a need for fish to fill them.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a fish farm?

Fish farming, like most farm operations, requires hard work and exists in a supply and demand market. Finding a niche or becoming essential to an industry or market is key.

  • Choose species of fish which are popular and hearty to start out. This way you can become familiar with the ins and outs of the business, without the concerns of inconsistent sales or delicate livestock dying off.
  • Gain recognition for being consistent and of high quality in your product. Once you are established as a trusted source, you’ll be able to expand your types of fish and potential customers.
  • Stay aware of market trends and be flexible. The customer will always determine your successes. It is your job to anticipate buyer trends and make the proper business adjustments.
  • Stay aware of new industry innovations and trends. Maximizing the profitability of your company also means understanding your competition.

How and when to build a team

Depending on the size of your operation, you will more than likely need a few additional employees to assist with the feeding and maintenance of the fish and ponds. If you are operating a large scale commercial fish farm, you will need a few full-time employees. Ideally, they should have knowledge about livestock farming and fish nurturing and care. If you have a smaller operation, say for exotic or tropical fish farming, you may only need one or two additional employees. Base your employee needs on the demand for your product.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading