Wild seed collection and modified-extensive farming of Mystus gulio in inland water bodies of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

The cultivable small- to medium-sized bagrid catfish Mystus gulio is an estuarine species, inhabiting brackishwater wetlands, tidal rivers and streams, creeks and confined freshwaters. It is sold as a high-priced food fish in retail markets in cities and towns of southern West Bengal. 

M. gulio is a good addition to mixed species culture-based fisheries in canals in the Indian Sundarbans region. It adapts and grows well in freshwater ponds and is recommended for freshwater fish culture in areas of the Sundarbans vulnerable to saline water intrusion.

A cluster of villages located on the eastern side of the Matla River form a 'nucleus' of naturally-occurring M. gulio seeds, exploited every year in good quantity and sold to fish farmers by local seed traders.

This article describes the seed collection, nursery and grow-out practices of M. gulio as practiced in modified-extensive mixed culture systems in West Bengal, India.

1637656679_wild-seed-collection-and-farming-of-mystus-gulio.pdf

Publisher: Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific

Rights: Creative Commons Attribution.

Related

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, October-December 2021

In this issue:

Habitat breeding and seed rearing of a near threatened featherback, Chitala chitala; Wild seed collection and modified-extensive farming of Mystus gulio in inland water bodies of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal; Freshwater pearl culture practices and challenges in India; Next generation probiotics: Future therapeutics for sustainable aquaculture; NACA Newsletter.