Seed production and farming technology of brackishwater catfish, Mystus gulio

Abstract

India is bestowed with vast resources of brackishwater along the coastline intercepted with innumerable estuaries and the large brackishwater delta of Sundarban. Diversification to other group of organisms for farming is considered as one of the practical solutions for the sustainability of aquaculture. In this context, Kakdwip Research Centre of ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has developed a comprehensive technology comprising of captive breeding, larval rearing and grow-out culture of the estuarine catfish, Mystus gulio in brackishwater systems for region specific demand and market. Mystus gulio (Ham.) is a commercially important brackishwater catfish locally known as “nuna tengra”, which is an important small indigenous fish species (SIS) of the Sundarban delta. It inhabits in shoals in low saline water of estuarine and coastal areas. Availability of this fish from natural water bodies has been reduced due to overexploitation and environmental degradation. The current low availability results in high market demand and price. Moreover, it is an important candidate species for aquaculture diversification because of its hardy nature, delicious taste, excellent nutritional value and high market demand. To meet up this high demand and also to conserve this species, it is essential to develop production system under controlled condition. In this context, Kakdwip Research Centre of ICAR-CIBA is organizing the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad sponsored training programme on “Seed production and farming technology of brackishwater catfish, Mystus gulio” to popularize backyard hatchery technology of this species.