At least five people surround a small table on the roadside at Karaparamba in Kozhikode. On the table are kept small plastic cups with fighter fishes in myriad colours. Beside them is a small aquarium and a few fish bowls, all in great demand these days.
“I started this business two months ago, as my light and sound business has been temporarily shut down due to the lockdown. This one helps me earn a livelihood,” said roadside vendor Siraj amid handling customers.
He is just one among hundreds who have taken up ornamental fish business post-lockdown. Small stalls similar to that of Siraj can be found almost anywhere in the city. “The fighters are in great demand. Some buy them as pets, while some breed them. Anyway, there is huge demand for fish in general,” said Siraj.
The fighter fishes, being imported from Thailand, are very attractive thanks to their colour and shape….