About
Fish Designs is the largest ornamental, freshwater fish wholesaler in KwaZulu-Natal and, the third biggest, in South Africa. From a humble beginning 19 years ago, it has grown into a medium-sized business with 14 staff, 1500 glass tanks and over 700 ponds supplying the retail pet trade. A wide range of over 150 types of fish are sourced from:
- Own production
- Local producers throughout South Africa
- Imports from Singapore, Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, Peru and Israel.
TWO FUNCTIONS
1. Retail trade
The regular mode of operation comprises a weekly price list/order form that is faxed or emailed to retail outlets in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Eastern, Cape and Free State provinces of South Africa. A range of pet hardware and fish food complement the price list. Orders are carefully entered onto a computerized system, with a packing slip generated for each customer, and supplied to the catching and packing teams.
Each fish bag has a computer generated label, identifying the customer, fish type, fish size and quantity.
Different areas are processed on different days. Fish are hand counted and packed into clear plastic bags with water and compressed oxygen. A quality check is conducted and the results marked on the packing slip for finalising invoices. The bags are then placed into cardboard boxes lined with a dark plastic bag. Polystyrene boxes are used in winter and, where necessary, accompanied by heat packs. Delivery takes place via road or airfreight and payment is either cash on delivery or payment before the order is processed. In the unforeseen situation of a death in transit, credit claims may be issued, provided it is within 24 hours of receipt of shipment.
2. Breeding
Concurrent with processing imports and supplying retail outlets, Fish Designs is responsible for high quality breeding of certain species of freshwater fish. Eight greenhouse tunnels regulate the temperature where four species of guppies, gouramis and cichlids grow in plastic porta-pools. A further fish building contains tanks for grow-out and breeding rooms for certain species of tetras.
Feeding takes place twice a day and can take up to two hours per shift. This is an important time for employees to assess the condition, growth rate and health in each tank or pond. Fish are fed a variety of diets from flake to pellets or live food such as artemia for the fry, and snails or bloodworm.
Ponds and tanks have individual biological filters which may appear labour intensive but reduce the risk of disease spread, potentially associated with re-circulating systems.
Regular water changes from the property's own bore-hole ensures an optimum climate for healthy, fast-growing fish.
COLLABORATION
Fish Designs is committed to, and passionate about, ornamental fish breeding and trade in South Africa. In order to help represent the industry to government and key role players, Fish Designs helped with the formation of the South African Pet Traders' Association (SAPTA).The owner and partner, Neil Stallard, serves as a committee member for the Aquaculture Association of South Africa (AASA), flying the flag for the ornamental fish trade.
In support of local economic development and upliftment of communities, Fish Designs has offered consultancy to rural fish farmers in the South African provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Relationship building and time invested has helped with the transfer of fish husbandry skills and basic business management principles.
