Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

Abstract

Conservation and Management of Ornamental Fish Resources of North East India

Biswas SP, Santosh Kumar Singh A and Das JN

The variety of micro-habitats, high diversity of biotic and abiotic components and the suitable climatic condition have made the north-eastern region of India as one of the world’s richest repository of ichthyofaunal resources. Being in one of the highest precipitated zone in the world, region is having innumerable streams, lakes and a variety of aquatic habitats. Over 3500 floodplain lakes (beels) are other potential fishery resources in the region and they offer tremendous scope for both culture and capture fisheries. According to one estimate, the region is the home for over 300 fish species ranging from tiny colourful wetland species to gigantic catfishes of the Brahmaputra. About 40% of them are potential ornamental fish species. Many of them are endemic and as such biopyracy of endemic species is the rule of the day. Further, habitat degradation is also a major concern. An attempt has been made here to examine the current status of exploitation, conservation and management practices of ornamental fishes in the northeast India.