The catfish Mystus gulio is a small indigenous euryhaline fish found in fresh and brackishwater environments of the Sunderban delta of Bangladesh and India. A fast-growing species with high nutritional value, market demand and hardy nature, M. gulio is a desirable candidate for aquaculture in Asia. It is co-cultured with other brackishwater species in paddy fields, but expansion of culture in pond systems has been held back because of a shortage of seed. This article reports on induced breeding techniques and the development of a farmer-friendly modular hatchery and farming system suitable for use at the homestead level or by small-scale operators.
]]>In pursuit of modernising fish culture practices, novel recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS) have been introduced in semi-urban areas of West Bengal and other parts of India. While quite a few progressive fish farmers in India have adopted advanced, intensive and imported RAS systems featuring huge plant, other farmers have developed small and indigenous RAS systems that require comparatively low investment. This article discusses the design, principles, state-of-the-art and associated practical aspects of indigenous RAS technology as currently practiced in West Bengal and other places.
]]>Loricariid catfish species of the genus Pterygoplichthys, known in the aquarium trade as 'plecos' and 'algae eaters', have extensively invaded and proliferated in the East Kolkata Wetlands in West Bengal. Loricariids have capacity to alter the ecosystem and biodiversity of invasion sites, by physically altering the invaded habitats and by competing with native animals for food and space. The aquarium trade pathway is the most significant source of loricariid introductions globally. This article discusses the invasion of loricariid catfish in the East Kolkata Wetlands, and the environmental and economic impact on local fishers.
]]>Aquaculture of short-necked clam Paphia undulata in Vietnam started approximately ten years ago, but production has been very small due to the lack of seed supply from hatcheries. The Institute of Aquaculture at Nha Trang University, is the first to conduct artificial seed production research on P. undulata and the first hatchery in Khanh Hoa province to produce seed of this species. This article describes techniques to induce spawning in P. undulata using wet and dry thermal shock stimuli. It also describes broodstock preparation, larval rearing, transportation techniques and the market value of this species.
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