Practices of Breeding and Culture of Freshwater Fishes in India
Freshwater fish farming is a vital component of India’s fisheries sector, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and rural development. The breeding and culture practices of freshwater fishes in India involve scientific methods to ensure high productivity and sustainability.
- Selection of Fish Species for Breeding & Culture
The most commonly bred and cultured freshwater fish species in India include:
- Indian Major Carps – Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala)
- Exotic Carps – Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
- Catfishes – Pangasius (Pangasius spp.), Magur (Clarias batrachus), Singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis)
- Other Commercially Important Species – Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), Murrel (Channa spp.), Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium spp.)
- Fish Breeding Practices in India
Fish breeding is done through both natural and artificial methods to ensure high survival rates.
a) Natural Breeding
- Fishes breed naturally in rivers, ponds, and reservoirs during the monsoon season.
- Stocking of broodfish in spawning ponds with favorable environmental conditions to promote natural reproduction.
b) Induced Breeding
- Hypophysation Technique – Hormonal injection (Pituitary gland extract, Ovaprim, HCG) is used to induce spawning.
- Broodfish are selected based on age, size, health, and reproductive maturity.
- After hormone injection, fishes spawn in hatcheries, and fertilized eggs are collected for incubation.
- Hatcheries and Hatchling Rearing – Incubation is carried out in hatching hapas, circular incubation tanks, or Chinese hatcheries. The hatchlings are reared in nursery ponds before transferring to grow-out ponds.
- Culture Practices of Freshwater Fishes
The culture of freshwater fish involves different aquaculture systems depending on the resources and infrastructure available.
a) Pond Culture (Most Common)
- Types of Ponds – Nursery, rearing, grow-out, and broodstock ponds.
- Stocking Density – Usually 5,000-10,000 fingerlings per acre depending on species.
- Water Quality Management – Optimal oxygen, pH (6.5-8.5), and ammonia levels are maintained.
- Supplementary Feeding – Commercial or homemade fish feed with balanced protein and nutrients is provided.
- Disease Prevention – Regular pond management, biosecurity measures, and timely medication.
b) Integrated Fish Farming
- Fish are cultured along with paddy, poultry, livestock (cattle, pigs), or horticultural crops to maximize farm productivity.
- Waste from livestock acts as organic manure, improving natural feed availability.
c) Cage and Pen Culture
- Fish are stocked in floating cages in reservoirs or lakes, enhancing fish production in open water bodies.
- Species like Pangasius and Tilapia are suitable for cage culture.
d) Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS)
- Advanced fish farming techniques that require less water, improve biosecurity, and maximize yield.
- Used mainly for high-value species like Tilapia and Pangasius.
- Post-Harvest Management and Marketing
- Harvesting Methods – Draining ponds, using drag nets, or partial harvesting.
- Processing & Value Addition – Sorting, icing, and transportation to markets or processing units.
- Market Linkages – Selling to local fish markets, exporters, or value-added product industries.
Conclusion
Scientific breeding and culture of freshwater fishes play a crucial role in enhancing fish production in India. The adoption of modern aquaculture techniques, improved feed, and disease management can further boost the sector, contributing to economic growth and nutritional security.
Package of Practices of Breeding & Culture Freshwater Fish Species in India
Package of Practices of Breeding & Culture Freshwater Fish Species in India
