Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (chocolate mahseer): A flagship species for diversification of hill aquaculture in Northeast India

This article investigates the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis, commonly known as chocolate mahseer and its potential for hill aquaculture in Northeast India. The taxonomy, distribution, and distinct features are described. Chocolate mahseer populations are in decline due to habitat degradation, overfishing and environmental changes, and it is designated as "near threatened" by the IUCN.

Breeding patterns, growth parameters, and culture techniques are explored in depth as a candidate species for aquaculture development. Conservation initiatives and the need to balance economic utilisation with species conservation in chocolate mahseer farming are discussed.

1709010833_chocolate-mahseer-for-hill-aquaculture.pdf

Publisher: Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific

Rights: Creative Commons Attribution.

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Aquaculture Asia Magazine, January-March 2024

In this issue:

  • Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (chocolate mahseer): A flagship species for diversification of hill aquaculture in Northeast India.
  • Aquarium fish culture in open village ponds in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
  • Women nurtured transformative aquaculture in rural Bengal.
  • Breeding and seed production technology of striped spiny eel Macrognathus pancalus to benefit fish farmers.
  • Grow-out culture of the loach Lepidocephalichthys thermalis in modified tanks.
  • NACA Newsletter.