Pisciculturist
Specialises in fish culture — breeding, rearing and researching fish, and supervising fish preservation.
Overview
A Pisciculturist specializes in fish culture. Their responsibilities include directing activities connected with development of fisheries, assisting in breeding and rearing of fish by artificial methods, conducting research concerning their habits, migration, growth, food, enemies, places of breeding and spawning and supervising activities of fish preservation or marketing among others.
Where they work
- Central labs
- Fish processing industries
- Aquaculture farms
- Aquaculture hatcheries
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 7 to 8 hours per day. Shift system is applicable.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like working outdoors
- You like to analyse and solve problems
- You enjoy Science
- You like to work in a team
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Industrial Fish and Fisheries/Zoology/Fisheries.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree (B.F.Sc.), followed by M.F.Sc. in Aquaculture/Fish Processing/Fisheries Extension/Fisheries Hydrography.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Diploma in Aquaculture Management/Fish Products Technology.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the department of Fishery Sciences.
Government institutes
- Asutosh College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Government Holkar Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Government College of Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
- Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
- Dr. Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (MGR) Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu
- Ramdayalu Singh College, Muzaffarpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Government Degree College Boys, Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir
- College of Fisheries, Agartala, Tripura
- College of Fisheries, Dholi, Bihar
- College of Fisheries, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Sacred Heart College, Kochi, Kerala
- Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- St. Alberts College, Ernakulam, Kerala
- Muslim Educational Society (MES), Asmabi College, Thrissur, Kerala
- Karim City College, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
- Doon PG College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Phonics Group of Institutions, Roorkee, Uttarakhand
- Jawahar Bharati Degree and PG College, Kavali, Andhra Pradesh
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Supporting Staff
- 2Fisheries Inspectors
- 3Pisciculturist Fisheries Development Officer/Fisheries Project Officer
- 4Assistant Director Fisheries
- 5Deputy Director
- 6Fisheries Director
Related careers to explore
Fisheries Officer
Investigates and prevents water pollution to protect aquatic environments, and develops inland fisheries.
Aquaculture Worker
Assists in cultivating aquatic organisms — preparing farms, maintaining species, equipment and water systems, and harvesting fish.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo — Appointed as Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga. Dr. Sahoo worked as a Principal Scientist at the same institute. He has also been bestowed with the prestigious ICAR National Professor Award by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. Dr. Sahoo, a world renowned researcher, has been working in the area of fish health management for past three decades.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 33 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3GesUqc
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.