FISH FARMING

India's Freshwater Fish

The economic importance of Indian aquatic ecosystems can be seen from their

contribution to fishery production.

Fish Seed Production

In past years the major source of fish seeds was wild collection. Seed was collected

from natural water resources after breeding season and used as stocking material.

These seed were of low quality and mixed with wild species of fishes. There was

another problem related to quantity of seed, required amount of seed was not

available, so the development of seed production technologies started in early years of

the 16th century.

In order to bring all the available effective water spread area under scientific fish

culture with optimum stocking density, 368.5 million fingerlings shall be required

every year. This would demand seed production of 4865 million spawn and 1216

million fry every year. The total average seed supply is only 30% of estimated seed

requirement.

In Haryana is February-March every year where as the breeding season of other

species is monsoon season. Brood stocks of required fish are maintained and sex-

wise segregate is made two month before. The pairing is made and injected with

calculated dose of pituitary gland or ova prim, ova tide or ovpal is injected to male

and female fish. Within the 6-8 hours of the injection eggs from female and sperm

from male are released in the water. The fertilizer is external. Normally one kg fish

releases about one lakh eggs. The hatchlings are known as spawn. The spawn is reared

in the nursery pond. After 15 days, the spawn attains the size of 25 mm and ready for

stocking in the pond. More than 50 lakh fry can be produced per hectare fish seed

farm in both the seasons in a year.

Criteria for selection of suitable fish species

Adaptability to undrainable pond environment

Faster growth rate

Efficient utilizers of natural food resources of the pond

Efficient converter of artificial feed

Hardy and not easily susceptible to disease

Easy to breed and rear the seed

Prolonged breeding period or multiple breeding frequency

Non-predaceous, planktophagous and preferably herbivorous and detritus feeder

Compatability with other cultivable species of fish

Palatable with high nutritive value

High market demand and high price.

Groups of Freshwater Species

Indian freshwater fish species are grouped below into:

Indigenous major carps

Exotic carps

Common-type carps

Hill stream fishes

Air-breathing fishes

Ornamental fishes

INDIGENOUS MAJOR CARPS

"Major" carps are larger and faster-growing than the "minor" carps.

Catla catla: Found on the surface of lakes, ponds, tanks, reservoirs, and other bodies of

water.

Lebeo rohita: Found in the column (that is, at various depths) in lakes, ponds, tanks,

reservoirs, and other bodies of water.

Cirrhinus mrigala: Found at the bottom of lakes, ponds, tanks, and reservoirs.

Lebeo bata: Found at the bottom of bodies of water.

Labeo calbasu: Found at the bottom of bodies of water.

CATLA CATLA

Catla (Catla Catla or Gibelion Catla), also known as the major (Indian) carp, is an

economically important South Asian freshwater fish in the carp family Cyprinidae. It

is commonly found in rivers and lakes in northern India, Nepal, Myanmar,

Bangladesh and Pakistan. Catla is a fish with large and broad head, a large protruding

lower jaw and upturned mouth. It has large, greyish scales on dorsal side and whitish

on belly. It has broad and stout body, broad head with upturned mouth, prominent

lips and elongated fins. The dorsal side of the body is more concave than ventral side.

It occurs in surface water. It matures by second year. Slender fish, Body is silvery but

dark gray along its back.

LABEO ROHITA

This fish is commonly called rohu. In Hindi it is called rehu (rawas is the Indian

Salmon, which is quite different). It is called rohi in Oriya, rui in Bengali, rehu in Latin

Nepali (now deceased), rou in Assamese and Sylheti, rohu itself in Madhesh

of Nepal as well as in Thailand, Bangladesh, northern India, Pakistan and Myanmar. It

is a non-oily/white fish in Nepal and India. It has an elongated body. Head is small

but it is with a prominent terminal mouth, thick lips with short barbells. Colour is

bluish or brownish gray above. Scales are gray and red or black. It grows to about

90cms. This carp occurs in column waters of all rivers and canals. It is an

important aquacultured freshwater species in South Asia. When cultured, it does not

breed in lentic environments, so induced spawning becomes necessary.

MRIGAL

The Mrigal carp (Cirrhinus Cirrhosus, also Cirrhinus Mrigala), also known as

the mrigal and the white carp, is a species of ray-finned fish in the carp family. Native

to streams and rivers in India, the only surviving wild population is in the Cauvery

River, leading to its IUCN rating as vulnerable. It is

widely aquafarmed and introduced populations exist outside its native range. It

reaches a maximum length of 1m (3.3ft). Mrigal inhabits all the major river systems of

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Burma. The adult fish feeds upon filamentous green

algae, diatoms, pieces of higher plants, decayed vegetable, mud and detritus. It is

basically a bottom feeder and hence suitable for cultivation with column and surface

feeder carps in ponds.

LABEO BATA

Labeo bata is fish in genus Labeo. It is commonly known as bata, and is a native fish

to India and Bangladesh. It is a popular game fish and is popular for its taste. It lives in

ponds, rivers, etc. Its maximum length is 25–35 centimetres (9.8–13.8 in). It eats

protozoa, algae, and tiny fishes. It is a slow-moving fish, so with any active and

aggressive it will be nervous. The age and growth of Labeo bata (Ham.) was studied

by the analysis of annuli found on the scale and by length-frequency distribution.

LABEO CALBASU

It is commonly found in fresh water ponds and tanks of India. The body is bluish

green in colour with small head and folded lips. The snout consists of four black

coloured long barbs. It is cultivable in ponds. It reaches to a size of 1 m and l .5 to 2 kg

in weight.

EXOTIC FISHES

When the indigenous fishnets are not favoured for culture due to economic viability,

exotic breeds are selected and cultured. These fishes yield nutritious food and earn

foreign exchange.

CYPRINUS CARPIO (COMMON CARP)

This fish was imported from China and introduced into Nilagiri lakes. The growth of

the fish is higher and grows to a length of 75cm and 6.5 kg weight. It breeds thrice in a

year. When cultured under extensive system, the productivity was at 1500 kg/ha.

OSPHRONEMUS GORAMY (GOWRAMY)

The Giant gourami (Osphronemus Goramy), is a species of gourami believed to be

originally native to Southeast Asia, with its occurrence in other locations due to

introductions. This species is commercially important as a food fish and is

also farmed. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. The species has also been used

for weed control, as it can be a voracious herbivore. It lives in fresh or brackish water,

particularly slow-moving areas such as swamps, lakes, and large rivers. It is capable of

breathing moist air, so can survive out of water for long periods. It is much larger than

most gouramis, growing to a maximum length of 70 cm (28 in), though most are only

around 45 cm (18 in). In colour, it is a pale to golden yellow, with silvery, pale blue

stripes running vertically along its body. Females can be identified by their thicker

lips. Giant gouramis build nests using weeds and twigs. It was imported from Jawa

and Maritius and introduced into fresh waters of Madras and Calcutta. The rate of

growth is very slow.

CTENOPHARYNGODON IDELLA (GRASS CARP)

The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella) is an herbivorous, freshwater fish species

of the family Cyprinidae, and the only species of the genus Ctenopharyngodon. It is a

large cyprinid native to eastern Asia, with a native range from northern Vietnam to

the Amur River on the Siberia-China border. It is cultivated in China for food, but

was introduced in Europe and the United States for aquatic weed control. It is a fish of

large, turbid rivers and associated floodplain lakes, with a wide degree of temperature

tolerance. Grass carp will enter reproductive condition and spawn at temperatures of

20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). Grass carp have elongated, chubby, torpedo-shaped body

forms. The terminal mouth is slightly oblique with non-fleshy, firm lips, and no

barbels. The complete lateral line contains 40 to 42 scales. This species occurs in lakes,

ponds, pools, and backwaters of large rivers, preferring large, slow-flowing or

standing water bodies with vegetation. In the wild, grass carp spawn in fast-moving

rivers, and their eggs, which are slightly heavier than water, develop while drifting

downstream, and kept in suspension by turbulence.

HYPOPHTHALMICHTHYS MOLITRIX (SILVER FISH)

The silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a species of freshwater cyprinid

fish, a variety of Asian carp native to China and Eastern Siberia. It is cultivated in

China. Pound for pound, more silver carp are produced worldwide

in aquaculture than any other species. They are usually farmed in polyculture with

other Asian carp, or sometimes Indian carp or other species. It has been introduced to,

or spread by connected waterways, into at least 88 countries around the world. The

most common reason for importation was for use in aquaculture, but enhancement

of wild fisheries and water quality control were also important reasons for

importation. The silver carp reaches an average length of 60-100 cm (24-39 inch) with a

maximum of 140 cm (55 inch) and about 45 kg (99 lb).

TILAPIA MOSSAMBICUS

The Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis Mossambicus, is a tilapiine cichlid fish native

to southern Africa. It is a popular fish for aquaculture. Dull colored, the Mozambique

tilapia often lives up to a decade in its native habitats. Due to human introductions, it

is now found in many tropical and subtropical habitats around the globe, where it can

become an invasive species because of its robust nature. This makes it an optimal

species for aquaculture because it readily adapts to new situations. It is known

as Black Tilapia in Colombia and as Blue Kurper in South Africa. It was imported

from East Africa in 1952. The upper jaw in males is larger. It breeds even at the age of

two months.

MURREL FISHES (AIR-BREATHING FISHES)

These are air breathing fishes with long cylindrical body, flattened head and

protractile mouth. These can grow in fresh water ponds, irrigation canals, wells and

marshy areas. They breed even before the onset of monsoons.

CHANNA PUNCTATUS OR OPHIOCEPHALUS (SNAKE HEAD)

It is a long fish with snake like body and accessory respiratory organs. As it lives

outside the water also, it is commonly called Live fish. It is coloured differently. It

grows to an average length of 30 - 35 cm. It is a common food fish of high demand.

CATFISHES

Catfishes (order Siluriformes) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their

prominent barbels, which resemble a cat’s whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior

from the heaviest and longest, the Mekong giant catfish from Southeast Asia and the

second longest, the wels catfish of Eurasia, to detritivores (species that eat dead

material on the bottom), and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called

the candiru, Vandellia cirrhosa. There are armour-plated types and there are also

naked types, neither having scales. Despite their name, not all catfish have prominent

barbel. Members of the Siluriformes order are defined by features of the skull

and swim bladder. Catfish are of considerable commercial importance; many of the

larger species are farmed or fished for food. Many of the smaller species, particularly

the genus Corydoras, are important in the aquarium hobby. Many catfish

are nocturnal, but others (many Auchenipteridae) are crepuscular or diurnal. The cat

fishes are predatory fishes. Their skin is devoid of scales. Two pairs of barbels are

present on upper and lower jaw. Most of the fish body is utilized as food due to

absence of scales and spines.

CLARIAS BATRACHUS (WALKING CATFISH)

The walking catfish (Clarias Batrachus) is a species of freshwater air breathing

catfish native to Southeast Asia, but also introduced outside its native range where it is

considered an invasive species. It is named for its ability to "walk" across dry land, to

find food or suitable environments. While it does not truly walk as

most bipeds or quadrupeds do, it has the ability to use its pectoral fins to keep it

upright as it makes a sort of wiggling motion with snakelike movements. It can

survive using this form of locomotion as long as it stays moist. This fish normally lives

in slow-moving and often stagnant waters in ponds, swamps, streams and rivers,

flooded rice paddies or temporary pools which may dry up. When this happens, its

"walking" skill allows the fish to move to other sources of water. Considerable

taxonomic confusion surrounds this species and it has frequently been confused with

other close relatives.

HETEROPNEUSTES FOSSILIS

The Asian stinging catfish or fossil cat, Heteropneustes Fossilis, is a species of airsac

catfish found in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand,

and Myanmar. In India in the state of Kerala it is locally called as kadu (Malayalam :

kadu). It is highly preferred in Assam and locally known as xingi. In Bangladesh this

fish is called Shing Mach, In SriLanka; this fish is called hunga by the Sinhala-speaking

community. It’s found mainly in ponds, ditches, swamps, and marshes, but sometimes

occurs in muddy rivers. It can tolerate slightly brackish water. It is omnivorous. This

species breeds in confined waters during the monsoon months, but can breed in

ponds, derelict ponds, and ditches when sufficient rain water accumulates. It is in

great demand due to its medicinal value. The stinging catfish is able to deliver a

painful sting to humans. Poison from a gland on its pectoral fin spine has been known

to be extremely painful.

CLARIAS MACROCEPHALUS (BROADHEAD CATFISH)

The broadhead catfish (Clarias Macrocephalus) is an economically important air-

breathing catfish that is a native of Southeast Asia. The fish is farmed in ponds for use

in human consumption in countries such as Thailand and the Philippines. However,

native populations now face extinction due to man-made activities and genetic

introgression due to interbreeding with escaped aquaculture hybrids. The broadhead

catfish is identified by its large dorsal fin and its short and rounded occipital

process. The occipital process is pointed in Clarias batrachus, a closely related species.

Another identifying feature for the broadhead catfish is the white spots on the side of

its black body.

ANABAS TESTUDINEUS (CLIMBING PERCH)

Anabas Testudineus, the climbing perch, is a species of fish in the family

Anabantidae, the climbing gourami. It is native to Asia, where it occurs

from India east to China and to the Wallace Line. It has also been established in some

countries outside of its native range. This species grows to 25 cm (9.8 inc) in total

length. This species is important as a food fish in certain areas of India and

in Southeast Asia, where its ability to survive out of the water for extended periods of

time, provided it is kept moist, improves its marketability.

ETROPLUS SURATENSIS (GREEN CHROMIDE)

The Green Chromide (Etroplus Suratensis) is a species of cichlid fish from freshwater

and brackish water in southern India and Sri Lanka. It can be a perfect fish

for Pisciculture. In India, it is found throughout Kerala, especially in Kerala

Backwaters around Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kottayam, Quilon (Kollam), and in

western flowing rivers in Karnataka, backwaters of Andhra Pradesh and Chilika lake.

It feeds on algae, plant material and insects. The fish, known locally in Kerala

as Karimeen, is considered a delicacy. Some of the prominent dishes are the

Karemeen Fry, Karemeen Molly and Karemeen Pollichathu. This fish is fairly

expensive and is available throughout the year. It is caught mainly using gillnets. It is

commonly called pearl spot due to presence of transparent patches shining like pearls.

The body is greenish, light pink and possesses eight black stripes. It is regarded as a

good food fish due to delicious smell. It is not a predator, builds nests during the

breeding season and hence regarded as most suitable for culture in ponds and lakes.

WALLAGO ATTU

Wallago Attu is a species of catfish in the family Siluridae, or "sheatfishes". The fish is

commonly known by its genus name, wallago or 'lanchi'. It is found in large rivers and

lakes in much of the Indian Subcontinent and in parts of Southeast Asia. The species

can reach 2.4 m (8 feet) total length. It ranges mainly across India, Nepal, Bangladesh

and SriLanka, but is also found in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia, and is

also reported from Afghanistan. It is a cat fish found in all rivers and lakes of India.

Head is larger than trunk. The body is laterally compressed. Tail is extraordinarily

long and slender. Two pairs of barbells are present on the head. Mouth is large with

large jaws having teeth for feeding on fresh water. Hence it is called fresh water shark.

As it is a predator fish, it is not suitable for artificial culture.

MYSTUS SEENGHALA

Mystus is a genus of small to medium-sized bagrid catfishes that occur

in South and Southeast Asia. Four pairs of barbs elongated upper jaw, long maxillary

barbs, and deeply divided caudal fin are the main features of the fish.

COLDWATER FISHES

Coldwater fish, in the context of aquariums, refers to fish species that prefer cooler

water temperatures than tropical fish, typically below 20 °C (68 °F). Some examples

are koiand goldfish. These fishes are commonly called sport fishes. These species tend

to grow more slowly and live longer than fish that live in warmer waters, and are

generally felt to be easier to keep. Coldwater fish are fish such as goldfish, koi, and

other members of the carp family that are able to survive in cold water temperatures.

When kept in a household aquarium, they do not require a heater and are quite

comfortable at around 60°F (15°C). These fish are also desirable choices for outdoor

ponds and can stand temperatures down to 10°C.

SALMOGIARDNERI (RAINBOW TROUT)

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a species of salmonid native to cold-

water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America. The steelhead

(sometimes "steelhead trout") is an anadromous (sea-run) form of the coastal rainbow

trout (O. m. irideus) or Columbia River redband trout (O. m. gairdneri) that usually

returns to fresh water to spawn after living two to three years in the ocean. Freshwater

forms that have been introduced into the Great Lakes and migrate into tributaries to

spawn are also called steelhead. Adult freshwater stream rainbow trout average

between 1 and 5 lb (0.5 and 2.3 kg), while lake-dwelling and anadromous forms may

reach 20 lb (9.1 kg). Coloration varies widely based on subspecies, forms and habitat.

Adult fish are distinguished by a broad reddish stripe along the lateral line,

from gills to the tail, which is most vivid in breeding males.

TOR TOR (MAHSEER)

Mahseer is the common name used for the genera Tor, Neolissochilus, and Naziritor

in the family Cyprinidae (carps). The name mahseer is however more often restricted

to members of the genus Tor. The range of these fish is from Malaysia, Indonesia,

across southern Asia including the Indian Peninsula and Pakistan. They are

commercially important game fish, as well as highly esteemed food fish. Mahseers

inhabit both rivers and lakes, ascending to rapid streams with rocky bottoms for

breeding. Head possess short rostral and long maxillary barbs. Dorsal ride of the body

is grayish green, lateral sides are gold and belly is silvery white. Even though it is

adapted to grow well in canals but now it is cultured in reservoirs like Bakranangal. It

grows to a size of 1mt.

TINCA TINCA (DOCTOR FISH)

The Tench or Doctor fish (Tinca Tinca) is a fresh- and brackish-water fish of

the cyprinid family found throughout Eurasia from Western Europe including

the British Isles east into Asia as far as the Ob and Yenisei Rivers. It is also found

in Lake Baikal. It normally inhabits slow-moving freshwater habitats, particularly

lakes and lowland rivers. In Germany, the tench is called Schlei. Trout are predators

and the natural enemies of the tench. It has a stocky, carp-like shape and olive-green

skin, darker above and almost golden below. The caudal fin is square in shape. The

other fins are distinctly rounded in shape. The mouth is rather narrow and provided at

each corner with a very small barbel. Maximum size is 70 cm, though most specimens

are much smaller.

CULTIVABLE FISH SPECIES

Amongst the cultivable carps, there are two groups of fish which are highly

recommended for pond fish culture; i) Indigenous which includes Rohu, Mori and

Thaila and ii) Exotic which includes Silver Carp, Grass Carp and Bighead Carp. The

former group of fish are widely distributed throughout the Indian Sub-Continent

therefore, they are called Indian Major Carps and later group of fish are widely

distributed in China, therefore, they are called Chinese Carps.

GUPPY

The guppy (Poecilia reticulata), also known as millionfish and rainbow fish, is one of

the world's most widely distributed tropical fish, and one of the most

popular freshwater aquarium fish species. It is a member of the Poeciliidae family and,

like all other members of the family, is live-bearing. Guppies, whose natural range is

in northeast South America, were introduced to many habitats and are now found all

over the world.

GAMBUSIA

Gambusia is a large genus of fish in family Poeciliidae (Order Cyprinodontiformes).

Gambusia contains over 40 species, most of which are principally found in freshwater

habitats, though some species may also be found in brackish or saltwater habitats.

These can be introduced into ponds to eat mosquito larvae. As a consequence, they

have been introduced widely outside their native range, and sometimes

become invasive, threatening the local species.[3] They are very important in aquarium

trade, desired for small size, ease of breeding, and charming gracefulness. They are

viviparous—they have live young.

BUTTERFISH (STROMATEIDAE)

The family Stromateidae of butterfishes contains 17 species of fish in three genera.

Butterfishes live in coastal waters off the Americas, western Africa and in the Indo-

Pacific. A family of very deep bodied fish, many of which are called something else

and other fish which are not butterfish are called butterfish.

SKATES & RAYS

Rays and skates are dorsoventrally flattened fish that are closely related to sharks. All

are considered to be within a closely related group of fish called elasmobranchs. Rays

belong to three scientific orders - Pristiformes, Myliobatiformes, and Torpediniformes

while skates are classified in the order Rajiformes. These mostly bottom dwelling fish

are related to sharks but have pectoral fins so enlarged they are referred to as "wings".

Like sharks skates have no bones but a skeleton of cartilage. Skate is generally sold as

cuts from the wings and is prepared quite differently from other fish. There are many

different types of rays including stingrays, electric rays, butterfly rays, round rays,

manta rays, guitarfish, and sawfish.

TUNA (MACKERELS)

Tuna include the largest members of the Mackerel family. Unlike those called

"Mackerel", tunas have deep flattened bodies. Most have scales only in a few places

but that's enough to be kosher. Bluefin Tuna (all varieties) is to be avoided as all

Bluefin’s are critically endangered. The tuna is distributed throughout the Atlantic

and Pacific Oceans in subtropical and temperate waters. In the western Atlantic

Ocean, it is found from Labrador, Canada, to northern Brazil, including the Gulf of

Mexico. In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, it is found from Norway to the Canary Islands.

In the western Pacific Ocean, it is distributed from Japan to the Philippines. This tuna

is epipelagic and oceanic, coming near shore seasonally. It can tolerate a considerable

range of temperatures and has been observed both above and below the thermocline,

down to depths of greater than 3000 feet (9,850 m).

GOLD FISH

The goldfish (Carassius Auratus) is a freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae

of order Cypriniformes. It was one of the earliest fish to be domesticated, and is one

of the most commonly kept aquarium fish. A relatively small member of

the carp family (which also includes the koi carp and the crucian carp), the goldfish is

a domesticated version of a less-colorful carp (Carassius auratus) native to East Asia. It

was first domesticated in China more than a thousand years ago, and several

distinct breeds have since been developed. Goldfish breeds vary greatly in size, body

shape, fin configuration and coloration

FISH CUM DUCK FARMING

Fish cum Duck Integration is most common in the developing countries. This type of

integration is not popular in northern states of India. Ducks are of several types and

Khaki Campbell is recommended for fish-cum-duck integration Fishpond being a

semi-closed biological system with several aquatic animals and plants provides an

excellent disease-free environment for the ducks. In turn, ducks consume juvenile

frogs, tadpoles and dragonfly etc. there by making a safe environment for fish. Duck

droppings go directly into the pond, which in turn provide essential nutrients such as

carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus that stimulate growth of natural food organisms.

Fish Seed Production

Groups of Freshwater Species

CatlaCatla

LabeoRohita

Mrigal

Labeobata

Labeocalbasu

CyprinusCarpio (Common Carp)

OsphronemusGoramy(Gowramy)

Ctenopharyngodon Idella (Grass Carp)

HypophthalmichthysMolitrix (Silver Fish)

Tilapia Mossambicus

Murrel Fishes

ChannaPunctatusor Ophiocephalus(Snake head)

Catfishes

Walking Catfish (ClariasBatrachus)

HeteropneustesFossilis

ClariasMacrocephalus(Broadhead Catfish)

Anabas Testudineus(Climbing Perch)

EtroplusSuratensis (Green Chromide)

Wallago Attu

MystusSeenghala

ColdWater Fishes

Salmogiardneri(Rainbow Trout)

Tor Tor (Mahseer)

TincaTinca (Doctor Fish)

Guppy (Poecilia Reticulata)

[

Gambusia

Butterfish (Stromateidae)

Skates & Rays

Tuna Fish (Mackerels)

Gold Fish

Fish cum Duck Farming