Industry news: the business factors behind rising prices
Rising Operating Costs Drive Prices Up
Running a UK aquatics business is energy-intensive. Heated systems, filtration, water treatment, and quarantine facilities must run continuously. According to the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA):
“Some UK aquatic retailers saw energy bills rise from around £4,000 to over £15,000 per month in recent years, putting pressure on livestock pricing.” (Davey, 2025)
Fewer Local Breeders and Retailers
The number of live-fish sellers has declined. OATA reports:
“Approximately 20 % of UK aquatic businesses that previously sold live fish have stopped doing so over the last nine years.” (Davey, 2025)
Fewer retailers reduce domestic supply, meaning higher costs per fish for remaining sellers.
Welfare Expectations Are Higher
UK hobbyists now expect fish to be kept in larger Betta fish tanks, with proper stocking densities and quarantine. These practices improve health and survival rates but also increase the time, space, and labour required per fish, further supporting higher prices.
FAQ: Understanding UK Betta Fish Pricing
Q1: Are imported Bettas cheaper than UK-bred fish?
A1: Often they appear cheaper upfront, but import compliance, health certifications, and biosecurity checks increase costs, making many imported fish less profitable for sellers.
Q2: Why do rare or selectively bred Bettas cost more?
A2: Maintaining specific genetics over generations requires careful pairing, long-term care, and higher-quality infrastructure, which raises operational costs.
Q3: Will Betta fish prices continue to rise?
A3: Industry trends suggest prices will remain stable or slowly increase due to energy costs, welfare standards, and a smaller number of professional breeders in the UK.
