What are the freshwater organisms used for aquaculture in India?......(Freshwater Resources of India)

 

Freshwater Resources of India

Overview

• India has a variety of freshwater resources that can be utilized for fish culture.
• Currently, only 45% of ponds and tanks are used for fish culture, indicating potential for expansion.

Inland Fish Production

• Fish production from inland fisheries and aquaculture has significantly increased:
• From 2.18 lakh tons in 1950-51 to 121.12 lakh tons in 2021-22
• Doubled from 61.36 lakh tons in 2013-14 to 121.12 lakh tons in 2021-22
• India ranks as the 3rd largest fish-producing country, contributing about 8% to global fish production.
• It is the 2nd largest in aquaculture and a leading producer of cultured shrimp.
• Record fish production reached 162.48 lakh tons in 2021-22.

Biological Resources (Fish Species)

• India has a rich biodiversity of fish, but only a few species are suitable for fish culture. Key species include:

Major Carp Species

• Catla – Catla catla
• Rohu – Labeo rohita
• Mrigal – Cirrhinus mrigala
• Calbasu – Labeo calbasu
• Fringed lip carp – Labeo fimbriatus
• Common carp – Cyprinus carpio

Other Notable Species

• Murrel – Channa striatus, Channa marulius, Channa punctatus, Channa gachua
• Giant freshwater prawn – Macrobrachium rosenbergii
• Chocolate Mahseer – Acrossochelius hexagonolepis

Considerations for Species Selection

When selecting fish species for culture, consider the following factors:

1. Rate of Growth
• Fish that grow quickly are preferred (e.g., Indian Major Carps).
2. Short Food Chain
• Fish that feed on plankton are often preferred (e.g., Silver carp and Catla).
3. Adaptation to Climate
• Species that can thrive in various climates are more versatile (e.g., Common carp).
4. Tolerance to Water Conditions
• Fish with a wide tolerance to water conditions can be cultured more easily (e.g., Common carp tolerates 2-3 ppm DO).
5. Acceptance of Artificial Feed
• Species that readily accept artificial feed are preferred in intensive aquaculture.
6. Resistance to Diseases
• Fish that are resistant to common diseases and parasites are favored.
7. Easy Recruitment
• Species that breed easily under controlled conditions are preferred for continuous culture.
8. Amiability to Live Together
• Fish should coexist without competition, especially in polyculture systems.
9. Compatibility
• Species should not compete for space and food, ensuring a balanced ecosystem.
10. Conversion Efficiency
• Species that provide more edible flesh per unit of food consumed are preferred.

Fish Culture and Consumer Preferences

1. Consumer Preferences

• Fish culture practices vary based on local conditions and consumer preferences.
• Orissa and West Bengal: Preference for freshwater carps over marine fish.
• Southern India: Preference for live fish over carps.
• Americans: Favor catfish over carps.
• Southeast Asia: Milkfish is highly preferred, unlike in Kenya.
• Other preferences include:
• Scale-less carps.
• Reduced vertebrate bones in different carps.
• Color variations.

2. Carps

• India is primarily a carp country, focusing on freshwater farming.
• Major Indian carps cultivated:
1. Catla
2. Rohu
3. Mrigal
• Chinese carps used in composite fish culture:
1. Silver carp
2. Grass carp
3. Common carp
• Technology for seed production and carp culture is widely available.
• Carp culture expanded rapidly after the 1980s, especially in:

• Andhra Pradesh
• West Bengal

3. Air-Breathing Fishes

• Common air-breathing fish for culture:
• Giant murrel
• Striped murrel
• Spotted murrel
• Magur
• Singhi
• Climbing perch
• Characteristics:
• Second most popular group in freshwater culture.
• Can withstand poor water quality.
• Suitable for areas unsuitable for carp culture (e.g., marshes).

4. Crustaceans

• Suitable crustacean species for culture:
• Giant freshwater prawn
• Indian River prawn
• Benefits:
• Highly priced and fast-growing.
• Suitable for export.
• Can be poly-cultured with carps.
• Mono-culture yields of 800 to 1000 kg/ha/year.

5. Molluscs

• Freshwater mussels used for pearl production:
• Lamellidens sp.
• Hyriopsis sp.

6. Coldwater Fish

• Suitable coldwater fish species:
• Mahseers:
• T.putitora
• T.tor
• T.khudree
• T.mosal
• T.malabaricus
• Minor carps:
• L.dero
• L.dyocheilus
• Exotic coldwater fish introduced to India:
• Rainbow trout: Salmo gairdneri
• River trout: S.truttafario
• Brook trout: Salvelinus.fontinalis
• Other species:
• Tench: Tinca tinca
• Common carp:Cyprinus carpio

Conclusion

India's freshwater resources present a significant opportunity for fish culture, with a variety of species available for aquaculture. Understanding the biological and ecological considerations is crucial for successful fish farming practices.