Betta fish ornamental business at Slipi Ornamental Fish Promotion Center, Jalan KS Tubun III Dalam, Slipi, Palmerah, West Jakarta continues to squirm amid COVID-19 pandemic. Various types of betta fish and the beauty of new color patterns are the main attraction for visitors to buy it.

My income is still the same at Rp 5 million per month

Uki (55), one of the ornamental betta fish breeders revealed, betta fish sales are still the same compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. But, the number of visitors is limited to avoid crowds and implement health protocols such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing.

"My income is still the same at Rp 5 million per month. I sell the fish from ranging at Rp 50-150 thousand," he expressed, when being interviewed by Beritajakarta.id, Thursday (5/14).

He assessed there are currently several types of betta fish that are the most hunted by buyers. One of them is namely giant betta, which has the largest size and nice color pattern compared to other betta fish species.

There is also serit or crowntail whose tail is shaped like a comb and plakat that has a very beautiful color pattern and elegant one of them that resembles the color of koi fish.

"Giant betta is sold at R 100-150 thousand per fish, serit betta at Rp 50-100 thousand per fish and plakat at Rp 50 thousand per fish, depending on quality and color," he told.

West Jakarta Maritime, Agriculture and Food Security Sub-agency Head Iwan Indriyanto said betta fish sales have its own market share, as it includes a hobby.

"So the income is not really going down. Moreover, to serve the customer, the sellers also provide online sales or use online motorcycle taxi services," he stated.