The striped murrel (Channa striata), one of the important indigenous food fishes having high consumer preference, is rich in dietary protein, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acid and possess highly nutritive and pharmacological value.
The flesh quality of the fish is also known for distinctive aroma, tenderness and less spines. These properties of murrel flesh contribute to its high demand in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, North-eastern states, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and Maharashtra. However, the culture of this species has not picked up mainly due to non-availability of its seed.
ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubneshwar has developed and standardized the captive breeding and seed production technology of striped murrel.
The striped murrel is state fish of Telangana and its demand in the state is very high. Hence, Government of Telangana signed an MoU with ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar for ‘Breeding and Seed Production of Striped Murrel’, and a team of state fisheries officials was provided hands on training on captive breeding and seed production technology of striped murrel.
Thereafter, a team of scientists ICAR-CIFA visited Wyra fish farm, Khammam, Telangana, and demonstrated the striped murrel breeding and seed production technology during 30 July to 4 August 2018. Induced breeding trials were successfully conducted in which the state fisheries officials also participated and a total of about 60,000 hatchlings were produced.
The team demonstrated the breeding program and also provided technical support and guidance on live feed production and larval rearing. Further, the team emphasised on the infrastructure development at the farm, proper maintenance of brooders, feeding of fish larvae and proper nursery rearing for commercial production of striped murrel seed.
Steps taken by ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Telangana is an important stride for the development of murrel fish seed production and culture practices in India.
Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubneshwar
