UAE flag painted parrotfish attracts Sharjah residents

Parrotfish with the UAE flag painted on them at the Sharjah ornamental fish market. -Photo by M.Sajjad

A novel new addition to the ornamental fish market in Sharjah is catching the fancy of residents looking to be part of the festivities of the 44th UAE National Day. Parrotfish with the UAE flag painted on its body is all yours for a cool Dh100 a piece.
The most surprising part, perhaps, is that the fish were not specifically requested or ordered. They just came in from Thailand sporting the UAE's national colours. Traders at the market said exporters in Thailand may have learnt about the National Day celebrations and taken the initiative to give people an outlet to express their love for the country.
Sherif Omar, manager of Green Oasis birds and ornamental fish shop, said traders at the market had put the order for the parrotfish as usual, but were pleasantly surprised to see the fish painted with the national colours.
"We did not place any special order. But we were happy and set the price at Dh100 for a small fish," said Omar. "We talked to the company that exported the fish. They said they were aware of the fact that the UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2 and wanted to add to the festivities."
Popularity of the fish has soared through word of mouth and customers are flocking the market to buy them.
Inshrah, a shopkeeper at the market, said he sold all the parrotfish he had stocked. He felt the idea was a good one, and said he would like to see more fish decorated in honour of different occasions.
"(In future), we will put in the orders for specially decorated fish much earlier than the actual date of a special day so as to attract customers. We have run out of the parrotfish painted with the UAE flag," said Inshrah.
A resident, Maha Khamees, said a friend told her about the special parrotfish. "I rushed to the market to buy them to celebrate the national occasion. I have many UAE flags in my house and even my car has been decorated with flags and photos of the Rulers. The fish seemed to be a unique idea to celebrate the day."
Another resident, Mohammed Al Jasmi, said: "I just came to the market to buy a German falcon when I found people crowded around the parrotfish. I loved the idea and immediately bought them."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah

Afkar Ali Ahmed

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com