Sri Lanka is often referred to as “the pearl of the Indian Ocean” considering the fact that country’s rich biodiversity. This tropical island lies in the vicinity of the south-east of India between the tropic of cancer and the equator. Its inland waterways are home to more than 95 species of freshwater habitats out of 53 species endemic. Also, The continental shelf of Sri Lanka supports many reef habitats which house nearly 158 species that can be seen both on coastal and offshore reefs.

The island has a 1700 km long coastline and 30,000km2 continental shelf area up to 120 m depth. And with the sovereign rights over 517,000 km2 of ocean, which is around 7.8 times than the land area of the country, Sri Lanka considered for socio-economic significance with its coastal and marine areas. The ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka has a history of nearly 100 years when a group of hobbyist and collectors started exploring and discovering exotic fish varieties in the rivers, lagoons, and marine habitats around the country. Sri Lankan exporters gain a competitive advantage over its competitors due to the fact that the country has fished with exuberant colours which are bio-diversified, hence the industry is sustainable. which makes the country one of the most sought-after aquarium fish exporter destinations to the world.