At 28 years old, Vo Thanh Hai has built a successful business breeding betta fish - an exotic species prized for its vibrant colors and fierce temperament. Dubbed "Oriental jewelry" by enthusiasts, these fish sell for anywhere from a few hundred thousand to several million dong per pair.

Born and raised in Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City, Hai left school after the ninth grade and later started a family. With a deep passion for ornamental fish, particularly bettas, he initially kept them just for fun. However, as more people admired his collection, they began asking to buy them.

Realizing the business potential, Hai decided to turn his hobby into a career. In 2017, with just 5 million VND (about $200), he launched his betta farm, investing in high-quality breeding stock, plastic containers, and cement tanks.

The betta: A stunning yet aggressive beauty

Betta fish are famous for their strikingly colorful fins, often compared to "Oriental jewelry" by collectors. However, their beauty comes with an aggressive nature, earning them the nickname "fighting fish."

According to Hai, their territorial and combative instincts actually enhance their beauty. "When bettas get agitated or prepare for battle, their fins flare wide, and their colors become even more vivid and dazzling," he explains.

Determined to produce the highest-quality bettas, Hai spent years studying breeding techniques, experimenting with crossbreeding, and learning from top fish farms in Vietnam and abroad.

"I started by reading articles and watching videos, then visited experienced breeders to gain hands-on knowledge. The more I learned, the more I realized the economic potential of these fish," Hai shares.

His dedication paid off - as his reputation grew, demand for his bettas soared.

A thriving betta fish farm

Today, Hai's farm covers 200 square meters, housing 5,000–6,000 betta fish at any given time. He focuses on six main betta varieties, including: Galaxy, Nemo Multicolor, Metallic, Black Nemo.

These fish are particularly popular among young collectors due to their vivid colors and ease of care.

Betta fish are relatively small, growing to about two finger joints in length. They thrive on a diet of bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp.

Once a betta fry reaches 2.5 to 3 months old, it is separated into individual jars to ensure optimal development. After another month, when the fish reach their peak size and coloration, they are ready for sale.

With an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years, bettas are commonly kept in glass tanks, plastic containers, or jars.

Betta fish business brings steady income

The value of a betta fish depends on color, fin shape, and overall appearance. By 3–4 months old, bettas have fully developed their colors and form, making it easier to select the best specimens for breeding.

Each month, Hai sells thousands of pairs, with prices ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 VND ($8–$20) per pair. However, high-quality breeding pairs can fetch several million dong ($100+) each.

To promote his business, Hai films videos and shares them in online communities, reaching customers nationwide.

"I earn between 20 and 30 million VND ($800–$1,200) per month from my fish farm," he reveals.

In addition to running a successful business, Hai has won several prestigious betta fish competitions, including the "Betta Friendship Cup 2024", held in Dong Nai in April 2024, where his bettas were crowned champions.

Hoai Thanh