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The melon barb (Haludaria fasciata) is a lemon-striped freshwater fish found only in the hill streams of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Prized by the global ornamental fish trade, its wild populations are falling as deforestation, sand mining, and pollution degrade its habitat. This article sets out a science-based method for breeding the species in captivity, from conditioning broodstock on protein-rich diets to managing spawning tanks, larval feeding, and water quality. It also covers the economics: a small hatchery can be set up for a modest sum and produce thousands of juveniles per cycle, giving rural households a supplementary income. By supplying farmed fish to domestic and export markets, hatcheries ease pressure on wild stocks and support brood banks for conservation. The melon barb shows how ornamental aquaculture can link rural livelihoods with the protection of freshwater biodiversity in the Western Ghats.
]]>The Western Ghats are home to a distinctive group of small, bottom-dwelling fish: the loaches. Adapted to fast-flowing hill streams, they have elongated bodies, sensitive barbels around the mouth, and cryptic patterns that blend into rock and gravel. The region holds at least 43 loach species across 12 genera, 39 of them endemic, the result of long evolutionary isolation in mountain streams. This article describes their body forms, habitats, feeding habits, and behaviour, and profiles well-known species such as the Zebra loach (Botia striata) and the Zodiac loach (Mesonoemacheilus triangularis), both popular in the global ornamental fish trade. It also outlines the pressures these fish face, including habitat degradation, dam construction, pollution, and unregulated collection. Most Western Ghats loaches still lack legal protection, and the article reviews their conservation status and the measures needed to safeguard them.
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Small-scale farmers in the Indian Sundarbans are transforming their livelihoods through brackishwater ornamental fish farming. The region's estuaries and mangrove forests provide natural habitat for commercially valuable species like spotted scat, green puffer, pearlspot, and orange chromide. With training from ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture's Kakdwip Research Centre, local entrepreneurs have developed successful hatchery and grow-out operations.
Three farmers from Kakdwip Block demonstrate the sector's potential. Mr Tapan Maity produces 1,000-3,000 fingerlings monthly from his integrated facility. Mr Mahendra Dului operates a 32-tank hatchery using cost-effective farm-made feeds. Mr Aurobindo Haldar cleared his debts within three years of starting pearlspot production. These farmers combine scientific broodstock management with local knowledge to rear juveniles for urban pet markets in Kolkata and Howrah. The expanding domestic and export demand for brackishwater ornamental species offers sustainable income opportunities for coastal communities facing challenges from climate vulnerability and limited livelihood options.
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In Purba Medinipur, India's leading fisheries district, two farmers are exploring new directions in aquaculture. Sri Buddhadeb Maity has established commercial farming of the prized murrel (Channa striatus), achieving growth rates of 250-300g within two months. His neighbour, Sri Uttam Manna, has taken an unconventional approach: cultivating freshwater aquarium fish in brackishwater ponds near the Bay of Bengal.
Manna's method challenges established practice. He has observed fewer disease problems than those typically encountered in freshwater aquarium fish operations, potentially due to the salt content in his ponds helping to control pathogens. Both farmers have developed profitable enterprises whilst sharing their methods with neighbouring producers, encouraging diversification across the region.
]]>This report summarises the proceedings of the 23rd meeting of the Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health, held 14-15 November 2024 by video conference. The role of the group is to review trends in disease and emerging threats in the region, identify developments in global disease issues and standards, to evaluate the Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Reporting Program and to provide guidance on regional strategies to improve aquatic animal health management.
]]>The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held from 12-15 February 2025 in New Delhi, India. Submission of abstracts has been extended until 5 November, and early bird registration closes on 10 November, so get in quick!
The forum is a scientific meeting organised by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) once every three years to understand the global trends and address issues and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The main purpose of this Forum is to provide an international platform for eminent scientists, young researchers, and other stakeholders across the globe to share their research experiences and innovative ideas. By facilitating the exchange of diverse range of knowledge and expertise, the Forum with the Theme ‘Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific’ aims to address key issues towards developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
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