Speaking with Bernama recently, the 37-year-old shared that he earns up to RM10,000 a month – far exceeding his salary as a lorry driver – by selling exotic fish.

He said species such as the red mahseer and spotted mahseer from Terengganu are in high demand among those who collect ornamental and exotic fish, fetching up to RM1,000 per individual.

“There are indeed buyers willing to pay a high price, especially if the fish is unique – for example, its head might be round or, in market terms, deformed,” Elmie said.

He was speaking at his home in Banggol Kapas, Marang, which houses more than 500 river and exotic fish in several aquariums.

“The red mahseer in Terengganu is more attractive than those from other other places as its colour is brighter and more intense, which attracts the interest of fish collectors,” he added.

Elmie also rears an albino catfish (ikan patin), but has no intention of selling it even if he receives a high offer because the fish was a gift from a friend.

The father of three said since running his 10-year-old aquatic business, he has sold over 1,000 river and exotic fish.

His customers consist of collectors and fish-store owners in the state, as well as those who travel from as far as Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan.

“Leading up to Aidilfitri, many people sought exotic fish to decorate their ponds or aquariums at home,” said Elmie, who also arranges deliveries for customers outside of Terengganu.

“Most customers find out about my business through social media like Facebook. Sometimes, I also sell fish live on TikTok. The response has indeed been encouraging.”

Elmie, who obtains his supply from river-fish hunters and other contacts, is assisted by his wife Rosmaria Mas Hassan, 36, who helps feed and sell the fish if her husband has to work outside the area.

He, however, admitted that he also faces challenges such as having to bear losses if any fish sent by post die.

He also noted that fish bought from river fishermen cannot be sold directly because most of them need to be treated first.

“There are fish with severed tails, injured bodies as a result of being caught in nets, and faded colours due to the pollution in the rivers,” Elmie explained.

“Therefore, I need to take two to three months to treat each fish and clean them first until their condition improves before selling them.”