Thiam Habib looks over koi fish at a breeding base in Huzhou. [Photo/Tide News]

In a koi fish breeding base located in Nanxun district, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, a young man named Thiam Habib from Guinea is deeply engrossed in his work. Since January 2023, he has been tirelessly involved in the demanding task of artificial koi breeding at this base.

Habib's journey with Huzhou commenced in 2019 when he ventured to Huzhou University to pursue a master's degree in Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, a specialized discipline at the university focusing on freshwater aquaculture.

Hailing from Guinea, a coastal nation in Africa where fish consumption heavily relies on sea fishing due to limited aquaculture, Habib aspires to take Chinese aquaculture practices back to his hometown, ensuring a consistent supply of fish for the local populace.

The time-honored freshwater fisheries of Huzhou, including the traditional Mulberry-Dike-Fish-Pond model and innovative breeding techniques, captivated Habib. An internship at the koi breeding base further exposed him to the advanced methods of aquaculture in China.

Going from routine care to the intricate processes of breeding and selection, Habib has embraced the challenges in stride. Learning under the guidance of his mentor, Li Yifan, he has gradually taken on the role of a "fish beautician", honing his skills in enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the koi.

Despite the physical demands and technical intricacies of the work, Habib remains undeterred in his pursuit of knowledge and expertise, envisioning a future where he can contribute significantly to the aquaculture industry in his homeland, nurturing fish of exceptional value and quality.

Editor: Zhong Xinyi