Start a home-based pond fish business

Garden owners setting up or restocking a pond, plus the occasional local landscaper.

You buy young fish from breeders or wholesalers, look after them until they are healthy and sell them at a markup, with extra income from small add-ons such as fish food.

• Understanding fish health and water quality
• Patience and consistent daily care
• Friendly, honest advice for new pond owners

• Check with the Fish Health Inspectorate (Cefas in England and Wales) whether you need to register or be authorised to keep and sell live fish
• Check whether your local council requires any licence for selling animals from your address
• Check your landlord, mortgage lender or council if customers will visit your home
• Buy only from sources with good health records, as diseases like koi herpesvirus can wipe out stock
• Never release fish into the wild or sell species that are restricted, check the current rules
• Public liability insurance is worth checking, especially with visitors to your property

Our estimates put startup costs typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the tanks or stock pond you set up, the filtration you need and how much stock you buy. Buying only from sources with good health records is advised.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on how many fish you keep, the season and how many local pond owners you reach. This is revenue rather than profit, so your costs still need covering.

Check with the Fish Health Inspectorate (Cefas in England and Wales) whether you need to register or be authorised to keep and sell live fish. Also check whether your council requires a licence for selling animals, and your landlord or lender's view on customers visiting.