Indigenous Freshwater Ornamental Fish Breeding and Norms for Sustainable Trade

Abstract

India harbours an impressive diversity of 374 indigenous freshwater ornamental fish species belonging to 11 orders, 41 families, and 134 genera. Many of these species have long been popular in the global ornamental fish trade, celebrated for their vibrant colours and adaptability to captive conditions. Several species-including Aplocheilus panchax, Badis badis, Botia dario, Colisa lalia, Danio rerio, Macrognathus aculeatus, and Mastacembelus pancalus-have been successfully bred under captivity across different regions of the country. Alongside, breeding technologies for non-classified ornamental species such as Chitala chitala, Labeo calbasu, Nandus nandus, and Notopterus notopterus have also been standardised.

Significant advances in captive breeding have been achieved through the efforts of premier institutions including ICAR-CIFE, ICAR-CIFA, NBFGR, CIFRI, and DCFR, as well as through the initiatives of State Agricultural Universities and non-governmental organisations. These developments highlight the potential for large-scale seed production, which is crucial for the sustainable ornamental fish trade and the conservation of natural populations.

The study highlights the importance of promoting breeding technologies for indigenous species to reduce dependence on wild stock, ensure biodiversity conservation, and support the livelihoods of rural communities. Strengthening institutional collaboration and implementing sustainable trade norms will be essential for fostering an ecologically responsible and economically viable ornamental fishery sector in India.