WHO would have imagined 10 years ago that the decision by Low Kheng Keat to shift from selling arowana fish to freshwater stingrays at his shop would prove a success today?
Indeed, Low, 37, has the distinction of being the only freshwater stingray breeder in Penang.
During normal times, before the movement control order was implemented, his business was brisk. He then received a steady flow of customers for his unique stingrays at his shop located in Sungai Bakap.
He said freshwater stingrays can be bred as an ornamental fish in an aquarium or a pond in the house just like the arowana fish.
According to Low, it was a chance encounter that inspired him to be interested in freshwater stingrays when he visited a friend in Taiwan.
“When I saw he had one of those rays in his aquarium, I was fascinated by this unique and beautiful creature.
“And since the market price of arowana fish had started to fall, I began to think of an alternative.
“At that time also, there was no one in Malaysia selling this type of stingrays. And I saw the potential that these rays have.
“When I asked my friend for advice, he suggested that I buy stingrays from Brazil. He said the best quality stingrays come from Brazil. So, the rest is history,” Low told Buletin Mutiara during a recent interview at his shop.
He then began learning more about the freshwater stingrays, such as its life cycle, water requirements, behaviour and food.
Freshwater stingrays are native to South America, with most species coming from the Amazon River. There are also found in the river systems in Southeast Asia, Australia and Africa.
They are carnivorous and they like to feed on small fish, worms, clams, oysters, snails and shrimp.
Low said it is not easy to take care of these stingrays because it requires many equipment and a lot of time to ensure that the water parameters are good in terms of pH value and fresh water.
“The life span of a stingray is about 30 years but if the person does not know how to take care of it, then it can die within a year. The stingrays are very sensitive to the pH value and fresh water.
“Usually, my customers are knowledgeable about this but if the buyer is a novice, then I will give tips on how to provide proper care,” he said.
Low said the prices for his stingrays range between RM2,000 and RM20,000 depending on the species and the skin patterns. He also sells them on Facebook.
“The more beautiful and rare the skin patterns, the more expensive they are.
“Currently, my shop has more than 200 stingrays from five rare species.
“They are super white, super white hybrid, black diamond stingray, marbled stingray and albino stingrays.
“And the most expensive species is super white stingray because of its beautiful skin patterns,” he added.
Some hobbyists buy the freshwater stingrays as pets and others for display at restaurants or commercial centres.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who was also present during the interview session, urged the Penang government to help the breeders who are involved in this unique industry.
“As we know, Mr Low here is the only freshwater stingray breeder in the state. So, it will be good to help him expand his business.
“This is part of creative economy and I believe anyone who would like to venture into this field and need some financial help should be assisted,” he said.
Goh also suggested that the state government hold an exhibition or a competition related to freshwater stingray.
“As far as I know, such exhibition or competition has never been held in the country. Thus, it will be nice to see Penang become the first state to do so.
“It can also boost the local tourism industry since many people still have never heard about these unique stingrays,” he added.
Goh also felt Low’s freshwater stingray shop could be promoted as a tourist attraction.
“This can help to transform the shop to become one of the tourism products in Sungai Bakap.
“This will also help to make the place popular through showcasing the beauty of freshwater stingrays,” said Goh.
For more details, visit https://m.facebook.com/ornamentalfishpenang/
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Yap Lee Ying