ORNAMENTAL FISH RESOURCES OF MANIPUR: POTENTIALS, PROBLEMS AND STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT
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Authors
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V. R. Suresh
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Center;
lmphal-795 004, Manipur.
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K. Mitra
Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore,
Kolkata-700 120, West Bengal.
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G. K. Vinci
Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore,
Kolkata-700 120, West Bengal.
Abstract
The study revealed 125 species of fishes in Manipur of which 95 species
belonging to 48 genera and 22 families have ornamental value. Fifty percent
of these belonged to the family Cyprinidae, 7% to Cobitidae, 5% to Sisoridae
7% to Balitoridae, 3% to Channidae, 8% to Bagridae, 2% each to Chandidae
and Mastacembelidae. Species representation in other families (16%) include
1.6% each in Belonidae, Nandidae, Notopteridae, Psilorhynchidae, Schilbeidae
and 0.8% each in Amblydpitidae, Anabantidae, Aplocheilidae,
Belonidae,Chacidae, Clupeidae, Mugilidae, Symbranchidae, Siluridae and
Tetradontidae. The conservation status of fishes showed that 25.6% of them
have not been evaluated, 21.6% are vulnerable, 16.0% are endangered and
2.4% are critically endangered. "Low risk near threatened" category amounted
to 25.6% and only 6.4% in "low risk least concern" category. Hence a cautious
and regulated approach needs to be adopted while promoting ornamental
fish trade. Suitable strategies for developing a viable ornamental fish trade in
the state are discussed.
Keywords: Ornamental fishes, conservation status, Manipur
