CIARI/Trg. Manual/2019/04/dated 25.03.

2019
 Ornamental fish is an important commercial component of aquaculture. The culture
of living jewels in the confined aquatic system is one of the most favourite commercial
business and, second largest hobby in the world. Fishes with attractive colour pattern,
swimming behavior and more resistant to captivity stress are considered as good candidate
species. Among the commercially important ornamental fishes recorded from the country,
export trade is mainly dominated by the indigenous fresh water species collected from the
wild. The indigenous species like barbs and loaches have a huge potential towards
contributing to the economy of the nation. Considering the importance of this sector, there
need to develop different varieties by selecting proper breeding techniques which is an area
that still remains least explored. Breeding of the ornamental fishes and the protocol and
management methods are species specific. For proper management of fishes in closed
captive conditions, a well-designed aquarium is required. Arranging the components such as
aquatic plants, rocks, stones, or driftwood, in a pleasing manner within an aquarium is called
Aquascaping. Aquascaping itself is a flourishing industry and income generation to many.
Colour enhancement of the ornamental species is an area of current attention, which
is influenced by several factors, like feed, water quality, and the surrounding environment.
Feed plays a major role in the ornamental fish. Feed and feeding management decides the
sustainability, profitability, and well-being of an aquaculture system and is essential for the
growth, health and reproduction of ornamental fishes. For sustaining the system, health
management in the ornamental fish sector is also essential mainly due to the financial
investments involved in it. Awareness and knowledge of fish health management is the need
of the hour to sustain the industry without major economic loss. Present generations always
have a demand for better options that brought value addition in the sector to develop
colored varieties which enhances the aesthetic appearance and generates higher income.

This training manual Freshwater Ornamental Fish Breeding and Aquascaping

Techniques describes in brief about the important candidate, protocol for an aquarium set
up, different breeding techniques, feeding and health management as well as value addition
in the freshwater ornamental sector.

Editors
 OVERVIEW OF ORNAMENTAL FISH INDUSTRY
Ornamental fish keeping is a hobby, in which attractive colourful fishes also known as
are kept as pets in confined spaces of an aquarium or a garden pool with the
purpose of enjoying their beauty for fun and fancy. In addition to the aesthetic beauty to the
home and mind relaxation, ornamental fishes serve self employment to the youth by taking to
various job activities such as culture of native varieties of ornamental fishes and their export.
Aquarium hobby in India started during the British rule and now it is blooming industry all
over the country. Along with the aquarium keeping India exports a large quantity of
ornamental fishes and earns foreign money.
The world trade of ornamental fish is estimated to be US$ 6.0 billion. Globally
ornamental fish industry, a multibillion industry in global and in 2015 the sector earned USD
304 million, 2/3rd of the export from developing countries. Asian countries account for nearly
60% of the total export trade in ornamental fishes in 2015. The developing countries continue
to be the major producer of ornamental fish. USA was the largest importer of ornamental fish
accounting for US$ 49.67 million followed by United Kingdom (US$ 24.31 million),
Germany (US$ 18.62 million) and Japan (US$ 15.71 million), Singapore (US$ 14.33
million) 34 million, with a
ranking of 51, in the world. In 2015, top exporters were Singapore (US$ 45.44 million),
Spain (US$ 36.07 million), Japan (US$ 31.08 million), Czech Republic (US$ 20.43 million)
and Indonesia (US$ 19.67 million ort was only US$ 1.02
million, with a ranking of 29th in the world. More than 90 percentages of the ornamental
fishes from India exported from a single state West Bengal and traded from Kolkata port
followed by 8 percent from Mumbai and 2 percent from Chennai.

About 150 commercially important ornamental fish species recorded from the country
but the export trade mainly dominated by indigenous freshwater species collected wild and
some captive bred exotics. The indigenous fish groups like Loaches, Eels, Barbs, Catfishes,
Gobies, Shrimps, Gouramies, killi fishes, glass fishes and shrimps are the ruling species in
the industry. In addition to the fresh water species the brackish water candidates like Scats,
Tiger perches and Pearl sports export from India. The wild collection of marine ornamental
fishes from, Laccadives and Minicoy on the western side and Andaman and Nicobar Islands
on the eastern side and Mannar play a major role in the marine live fish export along with a
few amount of captive bred clowns. Various methods are used by the fishers to exploit the
fishes from wild but have often received negative publicity in relation to ecosystem damage,
mortality and depletion of stocks. The skilled personals are the important fact of the industry
for the species specific and sustainable harvest of the organism. Scuba diving, species
specific traps, Lines with small barbless hooks and tubular nets may be used to catch species
are the major methods adopt by the industry for the sustainable exploitation. Along with this
some fishers adopted the indiscriminate fishing methods like dynamite poison fishing, which
devastating the whole ecosystem along with the species.
Intensive and selective catching techniques and dynamite fishing pose major threats to
the delicately balanced ecosystem and this is of particular concern in marine ornamental fish
trade. Aquariculture, the ornamental fish culture comprises techniques, such as broodstock
management and captive breeding and supply the fishes to traders for export, which reduces
the excess pressure on the species in the ecosystem. Standardization captive breeding
technology is the keystone factor and India accomplished with captive breeding technology
of more than 35 indigenous fishes.
Effective extension education and scientific management and quality improvement is
required for such practices. MPEDA (Marine Product Export Development Authority of
India, under the Ministry Commerce and Industry) has introduced developmental assistance
for the promotion of exports of ornamental fishes from the country Under this pilot scheme,
exporters would be reimbursed 10% on the FOB value of exports effected, subject to a
maximum of RS.2.00 lakh per exporter. Aquariculture is becoming a source of income day
by day for the rural people and semi-urban areas. As part of the poverty alleviation and
women empowerment the Government of India launched the Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar
Yojana (SGSY) in 1999 where the major emphasis is on self help group (SHG) formation,
social mobilization and economic activation. They bcan also adopt the ornamental fish
culture technique through the microcredit for their economic sustainability and income
generation.

References
Anon (2015) List of freshwater and brackish water ornamental fishes that are being exported
from India, In: MPEDA Newsletter July 2005, pp 10-17.

Ghosh A., Mahapatra B.K., Datta N.C., 2003. Ornamental Fish Farming - Successful Small
Scale Aqua business in India, Aquaculture Asia. 14-16

Jayalal L., and Ramachandran A., 2012. Export trend of Indian ornamental fish industry,
Agriculture And Biology Journal Of North America ., 2012, 3(11): 439-451
Ramachandran. A., 2012. Export trend of Indian ornamental fish industry. Agriculture And
Biology Journal Of North America. 3(11): 439-451

Rani P., Immanual S. and Kumar N. R., 2014. Ornamental Fish Exports from India
Performance, Competitiveness and Determinants, International Journal of Fisheries
and Aquatic Studies. 1(4) 85-92.
 CANDIDATE SPECIES IN INDIAN AQUARIUM TRADE
Ornamental fishes provide aesthetic beauty to home and garden along with the mind
relaxation. Fishes with attractive colour pattern, swimming behavior and more resistant to
captivity stress considered as good candidate species. In aquariculture farmers chooses the
criteria of economic value of the fish and the familiarized breeding technology. The
ornamental fishes are known to their brand name and top ten groups in the freshwater
aquarium are tetra, guppy, gold fish, catfish, molly, gourami, platy, loach, cichlid and the
barbs.
Freshwater ornamental fishes
Barbs
Barbs are cyprinid fish group with small one or two pairs of barbels around their
mouth. Roughly 400 species over the world only 150 species of barbs have ornamental value.
Puntigrus tetrazona (Tiger barb), Pethia conchonius (Rosy barb), Puntius titteye (cherry
barb), clown barb (Barbodes everetti), Silver shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), stripped
barb (Desmopuntius johorensis), Melon barb (Haludaria fasciata) are the most dominant
species in Indian trade. Sahyadria denisonii commonly known as Miss Kerala, most
demanded species, wild caught barb species mainly found in rivers of Kerala and Karnataka.

Puntigrus tetrazona Pethia conchonius Puntius titteye

Sahyadria denisonii Balantiocheilos melanopterus

(Source: (Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)

Loaches
Loaches, commonly known as cleaners of aquarium are belonging to the family
Cobitidae and Balitoridae known as cleaners of aquarium. There are around 40 species of
loaches known today, belonging to the genus Botia, Chromobotia, Pangio, Ambastaia. Zebra
Loach (Botia striata) Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus), Dwarf Chain Loach
(Ambastaia Sidthimunki) Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) and Yoyo loach (Botia
almorhae) are the most demandable specie in Indian trade.

Botia striata Chromobotia macracanthus

Ambastaia Sidthimunki Botia almorhae

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)

Danio/ Rasbora
Danios, member of the Cyprinidae family, are knowns as egg scatters. They are found
in a variety of habitats from boulder strewn mountain torrents to small pools in dry zone
streams with pebbles. There are more than 12 species reported today of which Danio
malabaricus (Pearl Danio), D. albolineata, Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio Margaritatus ),
Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) Giant Danio (Danio aequipinnatus),
White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) Axelrods Rasbora (Sundadanio
axelrodi) and Brachydanio rerio (zebra fish) are common in the hobbyist market.
Brachydanio rerio is mainly found in Kerala and Karnataka

Danio aequipinnatus Danio Margaritatus Brachydanio rerio

Sundadanio axelrodi Trigonostigma heteromorpha Tanichthys albonubes

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)
Gourami

Gourami, are the ornamental fish with acessary repiratory organ known as labyrinth.
Colisa lalia, the indigenous fishes found in freshwater ponds, streams and paddy fields of
northeastern India and Bangladesh. Important varieties group gourami include The Honey
Gourami (C. chuna), Indian Gourami (C. fasciata), Thick-lipped Gourami (C. labiosa), three
spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus), Pearl Gourami (T. leeri), Snakeskin (T. pectoralis),
Moonlight Gourami (T. microlepis), Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides)
Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temmincki).

Trichopodus pectoralis Trichopodus Trichopterus trichopterus

Helostoma temmincki Colisa lalia Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)

Cat fishes
These are beautifully coloured bearded fishes under the order Siluriformes. The
common species found in the hobby market are Corydoras ambiacus, C. agaassizii, C.
leucomelas, C. schwartzi, C. punctatus, C. parallelus, C. pulcher and C. ornatus.

Corydoras panda Chaetostoma sp. Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Hexanematichthys seemanni Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)
Spiny eels
Spiny eels or swamp eels are members of the family Mastacembelidae. Macrognathus
aculeatus (spotted spiny eel), Mastacembalus tinwini, Mastacembalus armatus, (zigzag eel)
are of much importance as far as the ornamental fish market is concerned.

Macrognathus aculeatus

Mastacembalus tinwini
(Image source; https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/)

Puffer fishes
Puffer fish or balloon fishes comes under the family, Tetraodontidae, distributed in
both marine and freshwater. The fresh water puffers include Carinotetraodon lorteti, C.
salivator, Carinotetraodon travancoricus, Green Pufferfish (Tetraodon nigroviridis),
Chonerhinos amabilis, C. nefastus, C. modestus, C. remotus, C. asellus, Colomesus asellus,
and C. psittacus, are the candidate species of ornamental industry. Carinotetraodon
travancoricus popularly known as Malabar or dwarf pufferfish is a native of India and is
considered as the smallest puffer in the trade.

Colomesus asellus Carinotetraodon travancoricus Colomesus psittacus

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)
Snakehead

The snakehead is the fishes with air breathing organs come under the family
Channidae and genus Channa. Around 28 species of Channa are known today, C. bleheri, C.
burmanica, C. gachua, C. micropeltes, C. lucius, C. pardalis and C. orientalis, are well
known in the aquarium trade. C .bleheri is widely known as the rainbow snakehead because
of its body colouration.

Channa bleheri Channa pardalis

Channa gachua Channa lucius

(Image source; https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/)

Glass fish
Glassfish, belonging to the family Chandidae or Ambassidae, have transparent body.
There are four species commonly referred to as glassfish in the trade: Chanda ranga, C. lala,
C. nama and C. baculis, Parambassis siamensis

Parambassis siamensis C. lala,

(Image source; https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/)
 Live bearers (Guppy, Molly, platy and sward tail)

Four groups, guppy, molly, platy and sward tails belonging to family Poecillidae, give birth
to the young ones known as live bearers in aquarium industry. The guppy (Poecilia
reticulata), Platy (Xiphophorus maculates), Variatus Platy (X. variatus) and Swordtail Platy
(X. xiphidium), Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii), Black Molly (Poecilia sphenops) are the
candidate species.

Poecilia sphenops Poecilia reticulata Xiphophorus maculates

Xiphophorus hellerii Ameca splendens Poecilia wingei

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)

Gold Fish

The gold fish (Carassius auratus) common and attractive exotic cyprinid fish in the aquarium
trade. Large varieties like lion hear, Oranda, fan tail, Lair tail etc. known in trade. Koi carp
(Cyprinus carpio), known to the garden ponds which is morphologically common carp.

Carassius auratus Cyprinus carpio

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)
Oscar
Oscar fish Astronotus ocellatus a cichilid fish, have high economic value in
international ornamental fish trade. The species also termed as the tigers in the industry,
highly carnivore in nature. They are native of Amazone river.

Astronotus ocellatus (tiger) Astronotus ocellatus (marbled)

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)

Fighter

Fighter fish (Betta splendens) popular live jewel in the industry belonging to family
Osphronemidae. Male are beautiful coloured than female and are aggressive towards other
males. Apart from coloration, the finnage also have varieties like veil tail, crown tail, half
moon, butterfly, double tail etc. Indian fighter also known as paradise fish (Macropodus
opercularis) an indigenous variety of ornamental fish distributed in ponds and paddy fields of
India.

Betta splendens Macropodus opercularis

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)

Severum
Severums (Heros severus and Heros efasciatus)
cichlid fish species common in freshwater aquarium trade.
There are several different color variations available,
including the "Gold," Green, Brown, and "Peruvian Green"
strains.
Heros severus
(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)

Angel Fish

Angel fish (Pterophyllum scalare) important fish in

freshwater aquarium belonging to the family Cichlidae.
About 25 varieties of the species available in Asian trade and
are single coloured ones like black, silver and gold and multi
coloured pattern ones such as leopard, striped or zebra and
lacelike, mottled or marble, half black etc. Black veil tail,
diamond, ghost, blushing, golden marble, pearl scale and koi
Pterophyllum scalare
are common in trade. They originate from Amzone river
(Image source:
where the water bodies have densely over grown by aquatic https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)
plants.

Discus
Discus (Symphysodon discus), member of cichlid
group have high value in aquarium trade. The species is
native of Amazone river. The species is an example of
lepidophagy, in which young ones feed the mucus of parent
fish.
Symphysodon discus
(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)
Tetra

Tetras are the fishes belonging to family Characidae. There are ten varieties of tetras known,
which Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are, Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi),
Black neon (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), Black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi),
Bleeding heart tetra (Hypessobrycon erythrostigma), Blood fin (Aphyocharax anisitsi), glow
light tetra (Cheirodon erythrozonus), Head and tail light tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer),
Lemon tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis), Serpae tetra (Hyphessobrycon callistus). They
are peaceful and pose no threat to any other fish in the aquarium and are ideal for a
community aquarium with other fish of similar disposition. Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon
axelrodi) Golden Pencilfish (Nannostomus beckfordi) Blue Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui)Neon
Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Paracheirodon axelrodi Nannostomus beckfordi

Boehlkea fredcoch Paracheirodon innesi

(Image source: https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#)

References

http://mpeda.gov.in/MPEDA/

https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/

https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/#
 BREEDING OF FRESHWATER ORNAMENTAL FISHES

Breeding protocol and management methods are different for different fishes. The
fishes can be broadly classified into two based on the mode of reproduction as egg layers and
live bearers.

A. Breeding of Egg-Layers
The majority of aquarium fish are egg-layers with external fertilization. Egg-layers can be
divided into four groups: egg-scatterers, egg-depositors, egg-burriers, and nest-builders.

1. Egg-scatterers
a. Laying Non-adhesive Eggs:
Zebra fish or zebra danio is considered as egg-scatterer that lays non- adhesive eggs.
Other important varieties of danios include giant danio (Danio aequipinnatus), pearl danio
(Brachidanio albalineatus) and zebra danio (Brachidanio rerio). Before setting up the
breeding pair in any aquarium tank, the broods are to be well fed with live-food. The male
and female ratio should be maintained at 2:1 or 3 : 1. The female is introduced into the
breeding tank one day earlier than males. It is very difficult to know whether female has
already laid eggs or not, because of smaller size of eggs, and they remain hidden behind
pebbles. After successful hatching of eggs, hatchlings are seen in the aquarium tanks, and at
that time their parents are removed. Hatchlings take two days to absorb yellow yolk sac.
After that, they are fed with infusorians for 4 days. Subsequenty, rotifers and smaller
zooplanktons can be fed for a week, after which they are provided with powdered formulated
feed.

b. Laying Adhesive Eggs

Gold fish (Carassius auratus) is an example of egg- scatterer laying adhesive eggs. The
varieties seen in the market are gold fish, fringe tail, lion head, oranda, comet, shubunkin,
telescopic eye, veil tail and red cap. When secondary sexual characters appears male and
female gold fishes are selected and kept in circular tanks or ferrocement tanks after
disinfecting containers with 1 ppm solution of potassium permanganate (KMnO 4). The water
should be mixed preferably with 50% groundwater and 50% filtered pond water. The
containers should be kept in such a place where it can receive early morning sunshine, and no
sunlight afterwards. Since gold fish eggs are sticky in nature, they require some surface for
adherence such as submerged aquatic plants like hydrilla or artificial nets like spilt nylon
ropes and food grade polythene strips etc. The nest should float close to Water surface, and
additional nests should be spread on the bottom of the spawning tanks for the eggs that sink
instead of adhering. The water temperature should be maintained between 20 and 28 0 C, and
the ideal temperature is 24-280C. Female and Male in the ratio of 1 : 2 are released into the
breeding tank in the late evening hour. The male chases female, presses its operculum against
-laying usually takes
place within 6-12 hr of releasing males and females. The moment spawning is over nest is
transferred to a different container or alternatively parent fishes are transferred from the
breeding tank. If this is not done, the parents are most likely to eat away eggs to compensate
post-spawning loss of energy. Generally female lays about 2000-3000 eggs. Healthy eggs are
golden transparent at the beginning and gradually transparent area decreases. Under ideal
conditions within three days, eggs hatch out with a hatching rate of 80-90%.

2. Egg-depositors
Angel fish (Pterophyllum Scalare) one of the egg-depositers, has originated from Amazon
region of South America. The ideal water quality pH remains between 6.5 and 6.9, and
successful breeding occurs at pH 6.8. The water should be soft with an alkalinity of 50-100
CaCO3 mg/litre.

In mature fish, breeding can he stimulated by a partial change in water and a rise in
temperature between 26 and 28°C. One sure sign that spawning is about to occur is the
appearance of the genital papillae, nipple-like projections called ovipositors or egg-placers in

slender and pointed. These protuberances, which appear at the vent, are used respectively for
depositing eggs and fertilizing them. The differences in genital papillae are the first reliable
indication of the sex. The pair selects a spawning site and thoroughly cleans it about two
three days before actual spawning. Female fish lays egg in the cleaned spawning site. The
male then moves over the string of eggs just laid and fertilizes them.

Male and female angel fishes take turns making passes over spawning site until
several hundred or more eggs have been laid, depending on the size and condition of the
female prior to spawning. Generally a healthy angel lays maximum of 500 eggs at a time;
rarely an angel lays more than 700 eggs. The parents hover closely over spawn and fan
continuously with their pectoral fins to create a circulation of water over and around eggs.
Some unfertilized eggs turn white in a matter of hours and are removed by parents. It has
been observed that male guard eggs and continuously fans eggs till hatching.

3. Egg-buriers
Killifishes are egg burriers. Aplochelius panchax, A. lineatus and A. blochii are important
killifishes. They are shade sensitive fishes. Their egg laying is naturally in a soft peat at the
bottom of the tank. In drought conditions, parents may die but fertilized eggs remain dormant
until next rains. A tank of 10 to 20 litres is used with fresh de-chlorinated water and a sponge
filter. The fishes are kept in the tank with spawning mops to receive eggs. After ten days
adult fishes are removed and eggs are left to hatch. Fry can be raised in the tank until they
attain stockable size. They accept brine shrimp nauplii and infusorians with addition of finely
crumbled protein rich supplementary diets, when they get little bigger. In a well-planted
aquarium, they lay eggs in leafy environment.

4. Nest-builders
Among nest-builders gouramis and their relatives are most popular. The species under
this group are dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia), banded gourami (C. fasciata), pearl gourami
(Trichogaster leeri) and siamese fighter fish (Betta splendens) and the Chinese paradise fish (
Macropodus Opercularis). For breeding purposes, males and females are kept separately in
different tanks for a few weeks with all kinds of prepared feed and also live-foods. When the
abdomen of the female becomes grossly distended with eggs, it is transferred to a smaller
breeding tank with water level of 12.7 cm -15.2 cm at a temperature of 28-300C. The tank
should contain plenty of fine-leaved plants such as Cabomba or Myriophyllum and some of
the floating weeds like Eichhornia or Pistia. The required ideal hardness and pH of water is at
100-200 ppm and 7.0-7.5 respectively. After one or two days, a good male is introduced in
the breeding tank. A transparent perforated plastic sheet or a glass is placed over the tank to
keep humidity and temperature at high level which helps maintain bubble nest in a good
condition. The male soon begins building a bubble nest. During and after making the nest, the
male displays it to female, and this usually ends with both fishes embracing near nest
resulting deposition of a large numbers of eggs in the nest. After breeding, female is
removed. The male guards eggs, which remain attached to floating bubble nest. Hatching
takes place within 24-30 hours. The moment, the fry begin leaving nest, male is also removed
from the tank.
 B. Breeding of Live Bearers
Livebearers are fish that bear live young ones. The important live bearers are guppy,
molly, swordtail and platy. Usually live bearers mature between 4 and 6 months. However,
guppy and platy may mature even within two months. Male and female can be easily
distinguished. Males are small and attractive with bright colour, whereas female are larger
and dull coloured. Mature females possess bulged belly and males possess gonopodium
which is a tube like modification of anal fin.

In live bearing fish, the eggs are situated in the egg duct where they are fertilized. The
female is fertilized by the nearest touch of the gonopodium on her vent. Male inserts its

period is 20-35 days. Gravid females need to be removed from community tank as soon as
they start swelling with developing young ones and are placed in the breeding tank (30 x 20 x
20 cm), individually or in pairs. Tank should be provided with plants like cobomba or
hydrilla. Once the female has given birth to the full brood she can be removed. After 2-3 days
the female again becomes pregnant even without the contact of male. The sperm transferred
during first mating is stored in the female body and when eggs are formed the sperm will join
with eggs and form young ones. Thus by single mating young ones can be released 8-10
times. In a year it is possible to get young ones 10 times from one female.

References

Angelfish Varieties - Actwin.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://fins.actwin.com/fish/species/angelfish.html

Breeding Egg Layers - Celkau.in. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.celkau.in/Fisheries/CultureFisheries/Ornamental%20Fishes/breeding.asp

Breeding Methods For Tropical Freshwater Fish. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://fish.mongabay.com/breeding.html

Egg Buriers Of Ornamental Fish Vikaspedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/fisheries/fish-production/culture-fisheries/orn

ICAR, 2011. Handbook of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Livebearers Of Ornamental Fishes Vikaspedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/fisheries/fish-production/culture-fisheries/orn
 -farm will begin in 2018 in the
village of Oktyabrskoye, the Pronsky District of the Ryazan Region. (2018). MENA
Report.

Thomas, P.C., 2003. Breeding and seed production of fin fish and shell fish. Daya Books.
 FABRICATION OF AQUARIUM TANK

An aquarium is a closed container which displays the aquatic organism in a simulated

natural environment. Making an aquarium tank is not a difficult task. The most popular
aquaria are the all glass tanks bonded by silicon sealant. In this type of tank, frames are not
needed and are easy to make.

Materials Required:

The materials required for making an all glass aquarium are as follows:

1 Glass panes
2 Silicon rubber and squeezing gun
3 Polythene tapes
4 Adhesive tapes
5 Sharp knife or a blade
6 Glass cutter
7 Scale
8 Carborandum stone

Aquarium making

Decide the size of the aquarium tank and thickness of the glass panel. The thickness of
glass depends upon the depth of the tank. Normally, for 30 cm deep water column 5 mm
thick glass panes are used.
Cut the glass pane into required sizes accurately, using a scale and glass cutter.
Select an even and plain surface for making the aquarium.
Spread a polythene or old newspaper sheet on the surface of
the selected place.
Place the bottom glass on the plane surface.
Apply a thick string of silicon rubber sealant along the edges
of the back surface.
First, raise the back panel and squeeze out the sealant with
the help of silicon gun along the edges carefully.
Next, apply the sealant similarly on the edges of the bottom
and back glass panes.
 Place the side glass on the laid silicon and carefully join the
back panel glass with side glass.
Follow the same process for other side glass.
Apply the sealant at all edges of glass panes from outside.
Place the front glass panel and join carefully from the
bottom and side glass panel.
Tape all the corners from outside to give extra support
during setting.
Smoothen the sealant at the inside joints sealant with the
finger.
Leave the sealant to get hardened at least for a day.
When the tank gets set, remove the extra sealant, if any, with
a sharp knife or a blade.
Check the aquarium for any leak.

A cover for the tank is essential to prevent falling of dust, escapes of fish and also for
holding the electrical fittings. It can be made of wood or galvanized iron or aluminium sheets
in different shape. The inside of cover should always be painted white or coated with
aluminium foil to facilitate better light reflection. The top of the cover can accordingly be
painted with some colour, matching with the room where the aquarium is to be placed.

PRECAUTIONS:-

1) tank unless it is properly set.

2) Select glass panes of the appropriate gauge according to the size specifications of the
aquarium.
3) The measurement of the base pane must conform well to the dimensions of the
aquarium.
4) The sealant must be laid in a continuous string, making a bubble-free bond. If the bond
is not bubble-free, leak may occur.
 AQUASCAPING

A. Introduction:
Aquascaping is the craft of arranging aquatic plants, as well as rocks, stones, cave work, or
driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing manner within an aquarium in effect, gardening under
water. Aquascape designs include a number of distinct styles, including the garden-like Dutch
style and the Japanese-inspired nature style. Typically, an Aquascape houses fish as well as
plants, although it is possible to create an aquascape with plants only, or with rockwork or
other hardscape (rocks and wood) and no plants.
Although the primary aim of aquascaping is to create an artful underwater landscape, the
technical aspects of aquatic plant maintenance must also be taken into consideration. Many
factors must be balanced in the closed system of an aquarium tank to ensure the success of an
aquascape such as filtration, fertilization, lighting, and algae control etc.
B. Principles

1. Plant all groups in odd numbers.

2. Fine leaved plants look best in the mid to back center of a tank, with heavier leaved
plants toward the edges.
3. Don't use red in the middle as they have a heavy, dark, feel.
4. Dark leaves (red or dark green) look best toward back edges, with light colored leaves
toward the center.
5. Arrange plants and hardscape to provide good contrast of light and dark areas
6. Light colored sand provides good contrast to plants.
7. When rocks are used, use multiple sizes, mixing large and small rocks, as in nature.
8. Rock edges should generally be rounded.
9. Aquascapes with unplanted sand in front is a good alternative to the traditional
"Nature Aquarium" style of all foreground covered with foreground plants.
10.An attractive layout alternative is a slope up from near the middle up to the two back
corners.

C. Design and styles

1. Dutch Style:
The Dutch style aquascaping utilises multiple plants with different leaf colours, sizes, and
textures. This style was developed in 1930s in Netherlands, as freshwater aquarium
equipment became commercially available. More than 80% of the aquarium floor is covered
with plants, and little or no substrate is left visible.

2. Japanese Style:
A contrasting approach is the nature aquarium or Japanese style, introduced in 1990s by
Takashi Amano. This style draws particularly from the Japanese aesthetic concepts of Wabi-
sabi, which focuses on transience and minimalism as sources of beauty. Plants with small
leaves like, small aquatic ferns, and java moss are often used to emulate grass or moss.
Colours are more limited than in the Dutch style, and the hardscape is not completely
covered. Fish or freshwater shrimp are usually selected to complement the plants and control
algae.

3. Iwagumi style:
The Iwagumi term in Japanese means "rock formation" and refers to a layout where stones
play a leading role. Aquarium with gray stones arranged to form a tall pointed structure at the
right, and a similar but smaller structure at the left. The stone peaks and the foreground are
largely but not entirely covered by a short layer of fine textured green plants.

4. Jungle Style:
Some hobbyists also refer to a jungle (or wild jungle) style, separate from either the Dutch or
nature styles, or incorporating some of the features of them both. The plants are left to
assume a natural, untrimmed look. Unlike nature style, the jungle style does not follow clean
lines, or employ fine textures. A jungle canopy effect can be obtained using combinations of
darker substrates, tall plants growing up to the surface, and floating plants that block light,
offering a dappled lighting effect.

5. Biotopes Style:

The styles above often combine plant and animal species based on the desired visual impact,
without regard to geographic origin. Biotope aquascapes are designed instead to replicate
exactly a particular aquatic habitat at a particular geographic location, and not necessarily to
provide a gardenlike display. Plants and fish need not be present at all, but if they are, they
must match what would be found in nature in the habitat being represented, as must any
gravel and hardscape, and even the chemical composition of the water. By including only
those organisms that naturally exist together, biotopes can be used to study ecological
interactions in a relatively natural setting.

6. Paludarium Style:
Paludarium is an aquarium that combines water and land inside the same environment. These
designs can represent habitats including tropical rainforests, jungles, riverbanks, bogs, or
even the beach. In a paludarium, part of the aquarium is underwater, and part is above water.
Substrate is built up so that some land regions are raised above the waterline, and the tank is
only partially filled with water. Unlike other aquarium setups, paludariums are particularly
well-suited to keep amphibians.

IV) Techniques of Aquascape:

In addition to design, freshwater aquascaping also requires specific methods to
maintain healthy plants underwater. Plants are often trimmed to obtain the desired
shape, and they can be positioned by tying them in place inconspicuously with thread.
 Use aquarium-safe fertilizers, commonly in liquid or tablet form, to help the plants fill
out more rapidly.
It is also necessary to support photosynthesis, by providing light and carbon dioxide.
Use of animals that consume algae, such as some fish, shrimp, or snails, to clean the
algae that collect on the leaves and tank.

References
Amano, Takashi (2009), How to improve your Iwagumi layout, The Aquatic Gardener, vol.
22, number 1, pp. 37 41.
Axelrod, Herbert R., Warren E. Burgess, Neal Pronek, Glen S. Axelrod and David E.
Boruchowitz (1998), Aquarium Fishes of the World, Neptune City, N.J.: T.F.H.
Publications, p. 718, ISBN 0-7938-0493-0.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquascaping
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zc21uY82FU
Aquascaping Principles And Technique - The Planted Tank. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.plantedtank.net/articles/Aquascaping-Principles-and-Technique/27/
 FEED AND FEEDING MANAGEMENT FOR FRESHWATER
ORNAMENTAL FISHES

Feed is essential for the growth, health and reproduction of fishes. Feed plays a major
role in ornamental fish culture which constitutes around 60 to 70% of the recurring cost. Feed
and feeding management decides the sustainability, profitability and well-being of an
aquaculture system. Further, the feed should be nutritionally balanced, highly digestible and
economical for the species cultured. The feed should be fed in such a way to minimize waste,
optimize growth, allow for efficient conversion, minimize stress and maintain the fish health.

Nutritional requirement of fishes varies with the species cultured, size, growth stage
and feeding habit. Most of the ornamental fish feeds are costly due to its importation from
other countries. In this context, it is the need of the hour to formulate low cost ornamental
fish feeds. Besides, knowledge on nutritional requirements, feeding behaviour and feeding
habits of different species are essential to formulate farm made feeds using locally available
good quality feed ingredients.

1) Nutritional requirement of ornamental fishes

The most important components of feed include protein, carbohydrate, lipid, vitamin
and minerals. Protein is essential to provide energy and to build up muscle cells and tissues.
Lipids and carbohydrates provide energy and also needed for normal growth and
development. Likewise, vitamins and minerals are the essential trace elements that regulate
the fish health, besides building up and strengthening the skeleton system. In addition,
pigments (carotenoids) and probiotics are needed for colour enhancement and disease
resistance, respectively.

Knowledge on feed and feeding habit is essential to fulfil the nutritional requirements
of different ornamental fish species. Higher amount of protein and lipid is needed for
carnivorous fish than omnivorous and herbivorous fish species. Besides, marine fish require
more protein and lipid than freshwater fish. Likewise, feed of the fish feeding at the surface
will be different from the fish living at the bottom. Generally, ornamental fish require
30-45 % protein, 4-8 % lipid and 30-50 % carbohydrate in their regular diet but it varies with
respect to different developmental stages. Accordingly, protein requirements vary with
feeding behaviour of different ornamental fish species and can be supplied through various
sources of feed ingredients.
Major nutrient requirement of ornamental fishes
Type of Percentage requirement during Nutrient source
major various developmental stages
nutrients Earlier/ Adult/
young broodstock
Protein 40-45 30-40 Fish meal, shrimp meal, clam meat,
squid meal, soybean meal, mustard
meal, groundnut meal, wheat or maize
gluten
Lipid 4-6 6-8 Fish oil, vegetable oil such as sunflower,
linseed, etc.
Carbohydrate 40-45 40-45 Corn flour, rice bran, wheat bran
Vitamin & 1-2 1-2 Synthetic form
Mineral

Apart from the major nutrients, live feed should also be provided to the adult or
broodstock for better reproductive performance. Likewise, binders such as starch, agar,
gelatine, etc. and preservatives such as antimicrobials and antioxidants can also be added to
improve the quality and shelf life of feed. The pigmentation pattern and intensity of body
colours determine the commercial value of an ornamental fish and hence carotenoids play an
important role in the diet of ornamental fishes. In general, commercially available feeds are
fortified with carotenoids and in case of farm made feeds; it should be essentially
supplemented to enhance the colour of fishes while rearing under indoor culture systems.

2) Fish feed ingredients

Careful selection of feed ingredients is an integral part of feed formulation. The
locally available feed ingredient should be cost effective and have the capacity of fulfilling
the nutritional requirements of the target species with respect to nutritive value, digestibility
and nutrient availability. For example, animal protein sources such as fish meal, squid meal,
shrimp meal, etc. can fulfil the protein requirement of carnivorous fish species. Plant protein
sources such as soybean meal, mustard meal, groundnut meal, etc. can be utilised for
herbivorous and omnivorous species. Also corn flour, wheat flour and rice bran would serve
as both energy source as well as binding agent.
On the other hand, commercially available readymade feed can also be purchased
from the market if it is not possible to prepare the feed at farm level. Certain facts need to be
considered before procuring the commercially available feed such as the quality and cost of
feed, nutrient content, feed ingredients used, appropriate size and water stability of the feed.
 Locally available feed ingredients Commercially available feed pellets

3) Types of feed
There are mainly two types of feeds used for ornamental fishes depending upon its
moisture content such as
(i). Dry feeds and
(ii). Non-dry (moist/ wet) feeds.

(i). Dry feeds:

The moisture content of dry feed varies between 6-10 %. The different forms of dry
feeds are
a) Mash meal: It is a simple mixture of finely powdered dry ingredients which can
be fed for young fish larvae such as fry.
b) Pellets: The dry feed which is made into a defined shape by mechanical means is
termed as pellets which can be made by using hand operated or electric pelletizer
or at feed mill.

Preparation of mash meal Preparation of pellet feed

(ii). Non-dry feeds:

There are two types of non-dry feeds such as

a) Moist feeds: The moisture content of moist feeds varies between 18 to 40 %.

b) Wet or paste feeds: The wet feeds are made from wet feed ingredients such as
trash fish, shrimps, beef heart, etc. or live feed with 45-70 % moisture. The wet
 feeds are mainly used for feeding the young ones, carnivorous fishes and
brooders.

Apart from these feeds, live feeds play a major role in nutrition of ornamental fishes.
Live feeds contain all the essential nutrients which enhance the growth, survival and breeding
efficiency of the fish along with pigments for colour development. Various types of live feeds
include infusoria (protozoans), copepods, cladocerans, rotifers, artemia nauplii, tubifex,
chironomid larvae, earthworm, etc. Different fish species prefer different type of live feeds at
various stages according to the size of the live feed organism as well the mouth size of the
fish.

4) Feeding method, rate and frequency

The use of supplementary feeding is essential to obtain high production and good
profit. On the other hand, overfeeding increases the cost of production and also deteriorates
the water quality. Hence the feed should be provided by following proper feeding method,
feeding rate and frequency. Proper feeding method ensures sufficient amount of feed to the
entire stock of fishes. Different types of feeding methods include hand feeding, tray feeding
and demand feeding. Hand and tray feeding methods are suitable to feed all the fishes in
small sized ponds or tanks and also provides information regarding the amount of feed
consumed in order to adjust the feed ration. On the other hand, automatic demand feeders are
useful to feed the fish in larger culture systems without much wastage.

Live feed Check tray

To avoid over or under feeding, it is very important to follow the correct feeding rate
at appropriate time of the day. Feeding rate, time and frequency depends on the stage and
body weight of fish and also depends upon the optimum environmental conditions like
temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc. It is essential to estimate correct biomass of fish for
calculating the feeding rate. Fish grows faster during initial days and need to be fed at
frequent intervals to support their metabolic activity and overall growth. Generally, feeding
can be done at the rate of 5-10 % body weight per day during early stages up to fry stage and
2-5 % body weight per day during fingerling to grow out stage. The feeding frequency should
be 3-4 times a day during initial stages and twice a day during grow out or brooder stage.
Accordingly, feed should be provided at the time when fish can consume it and stay stress
free during digestion process. It is advisable to feed the fish after sunrise at fixed time daily
and avoid feeding during late evening or night hours.

5) Storage of fish feed

Proper storage method is very much essential to maintain the nutritional quality of
fish feed. Feed has to be stored properly under hygienic conditions in order to avoid any kind
of infestation and spoilage. Dry feeds can be stored at room temperature in a moisture free
environment for a longer period of time. The moist feeds are highly vulnerable to infestations
due to their high moisture content if not stored properly at low temperature. Therefore, the
wet feeds need to be utilised fresh or within the shortest possible time after preparation to
prevent spoilage. The moist feed should be stored under refrigeration only for a short period.

Storage of dry feed

6) References
Anonymous, 2009. Fish Feed Management. In: Good Aquaculture Practices Series 1.
Aquaculture Fisheries Division. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department,
Hong Kong. Pp. 32.

Kaur, V.I., 2016. Feeds and Feed management for Ornamental Fish Production. In: Best
Management Practices for Freshwater Ornamental Fish Production. National
Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad. Pp. 75-92.
Mohanta, K.N. and Subramanian, S., 2011. Nutrition of Common Freshwater Ornamental
Fishes. Technical Bulletin No: 27, ICAR Research Complex for Goa (Indian Council
of Agricultural Research), Old Goa - 403 402, Goa, India. Pp. 55.

Sivaramakrishnan, T., Saravanan, K., Anuraj, A., Kiruba Sankar, R. and Dam Roy, S., 2015.
Feed Management Practices in Freshwater Carp Culture. ICAR-Central Island
Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair. Pp. 33.

Syamala, K., Khandagale, P. A. and Dias, J., 2014. Feed Management in Cage Culture. In:
Training manual on Cage Culture of Marine Finfish and Shellfish in Open Sea.
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Pp. 35-43.
 COMMON DISEASES OF FRESHWATER ORNAMENTAL FISHES
AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Health management of aquarium fish is gaining more importance in ornamental fish

sector due to the financial investments involved in it. Awareness and knowledge on fish
health management is the need of the hour to sustain the industry without major economic
loss. Diseases are associated with the complex interactions of host, pathogen and
environment. Further, the diseases are categorized into two major types such as infectious
and non-infectious diseases. Infectious diseases spread from one animal to another and
caused by any of the pathogenic organisms such as virus, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Non-
infectious diseases are confined to a particular individual animal and may be caused due to
environmental stress and nutritional factors.

(I). INFECTIOUS DISEASES

1) Viral diseases

S. Name of the Cause Clinical signs Treatment

No. disease
1. Koi Herpes Virus Koi Herpes Gill infection with No effective
Disease (KHVD) Virus red and white treatment is available
patches. for viral diseases
Sunken eyes. except few vaccines.
Pale patches or
blisters on the skin. Follow the better
management
2. Lymphocystis Iridovirus Cauliflower like practices.
disease nodular white
swellings on body
Separate the
surface and fins. affected fish.
3. Spring Viraemia Rhabdovirus Haemorrhages in
of Carp Virus the skin and gills. Avoid unnecessary
(SVCV) Dark skin. stress.
Swollen belly.
Exophthalmia. Maintain good water
Protrusion and quality.
inflammation of the
vent. Provide good quality
feed.
4. Herpesvirus Herpesvirus Ulcerated lesions.
disease or Carp Presence of
pox plaques on the skin
surface.
2) Bacterial diseases

S. Name of the Cause Clinical signs Treatment

No. disease
1. Ulcer or Aeromonas sp. Skin lesion with blood. Disinfection of
Aeromoniasis Shallow open sores. pond with KMnO4
Eroded fins and mouth. @ 5mg/l.

2. Fin and tail rot Aeromonas sp. Whitish margin of fins. Fish feed mixed
and Putrefaction of fins. with antibiotics
Pseudomonas Reddened areas at base terramycin @ 100
sp. of fins. mg/ kg or
sulphadiazine @
100 mg/ kg.
3. Columnaris Flavobacterium Grayish patches over Dip treatment in
disease columnare head and dorsal 500 ppm KMnO4
surface. for 2 min.
Grayish discolouration
in outer margin of fins.

4. Mycobacteriosis Myobacterium Anorexia Bath treatment

fortuitum Emaciation with antibiotics
Loss of equilibrium such as
Exophthalmia Oxytetracycline
Dropsy @ 50 mg/ l for 15
Grey-white nodules on minutes.
internal organs
Nifurpirinol @ 66
mg/ l for 15
minutes.

5. Dropsy Aeromonas Distended abdomen. Dip in 5 mg/l

hydrophila Scale protrusion. KMnO4 for 2 min.
Mild ulceration. Disinfection of
pond with KMnO4
@ 1mg/l.
6. Bacterial gill Myxobacteria Necrotic gill tissues. Bath treatment of
disease sp. Fusion of gill fishes with alkyl
filaments. benzalkonium
chloride @ 2 mg/l
for 1 hour.
3) Fungal diseases

S. Name of the Cause Clinical signs Treatment

No. disease
1. Cotton wool Saprolegnia Cotton wool like Bath treatment in
disease or parasitica outgrowth over injury NaCl @ 3-4%.
Saprolegniasis site and haemorrhage. KMnO4 bath
treatment @ 160
mg/l for 5 days.
Long term bath in
3 ppm methylene
blue.
2. Gill rot Branchiomyces Gill necrosis. Bath treatment
demigrans and Discolouration & in NaCl @ 3-4%
Branchiomyces disintegration of gill for 5-10 min.
sanguinis tissues. KMnO4 bath
treatment @ 5
mg/l for 5-10
min.

4) Parasitic diseases

S. Name of the Cause Clinical signs Treatment

No. disease
Protozoan parasites
1. White spot Ichthyophthirius Erratic swimming. Bath treatment in
disease or multifilis Parasites visible as malachite green
Ichthyophthirias white spots on skin, oxalate at 0.15-
is gills and fins. 0.20 mg/l for 4-6
hours.
Bath treatment
can also be given
in sodium
chloride solution
for 7 days or
more.
2. Trichodiniasis Trichodina sp. Darkening of skin. Bath treatment in
Excessive mucus formalin at 15-25
production. mg/l
Pale gills. concentration.
Bath treatment in
KMnO4 solution
for 7 days or
more.
 3. Oodinasis Oodinium Clamped fins. Bath treatment in
(Velvet sp. Skin shows gray malachite green or
disease) patches which look formalin.
like dust giving velvet
appearance to skin.
The fish may show
signs of irritation.

Monogenetic trematodes

1. Gill fluke and Dactylogyrus sp. Fishes grasp air. Permanent bath
skin fluke (infecting gills) Faded gills. treatment in
infestation and Gills covered with dipterex @ 0.25-
Gyrodactylus sp. thick mucus layer. 0.50 mg/l.
(infecting skin) Body covered with Formalin bath
bluish grey mucus treatment @ 100
layer. mg/l.
Crustacean parasites

1. Lernaeasis or Lernaea sp. Emaciation. Permanent bath

Anchor worm Inflammation and treatment in
infestation necrosis at the site of Dipterex at 0.25-
attachment. 0.50 mg/l.
Small hemorrhagic Bath treatment in
spots. NaCl @ 0.8- 1.1%
fo 3 min.
2. Argulosis or Agulus sp. Haemmorhagic Prolonged bath
Fish lice ulcerative lesions treatment in
infestation around bite wounds. Trichlorphon @
Visible as a small 0.2 mg/l for 24 hr.
button like structure on Prolonged dip
body surface. treatment in 5%
salt.
Bath treatment in
10-20 mg/L of
KMNO4 for 30
minutes
alternatively for 3
days.
(II). NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES

S. Name of the Cause Clinical signs Treatment

No. disease
Nutritional deficiency diseases

1. Scoliosis and Deficiency of Scoliosis is the lateral By supplementing

Lordosis the essential curvature of the spinal required quantities
(Skeletal amino acid cord and lordosis is of tryptophan and
deformation) namely the vertical curvature vitamin C in fish
tryptophan and of the spinal cord. diet.
vitamin C
deficiency.
2. Pin head disease Deficiencies in Poor & stunted growth. Administer
protein, Sluggish movements. nutritionally
carbohydrate balanced feeds
and lipids. and proper
feeding
management.
3. Constipation Imbalanced or Appearance of a long Feeding with
poor quality thread like structure Daphnia helps as
diet. attached to vent. they act as mild
Fish becomes sluggish. laxative.
Swelling of belly. Salt treatment.

Environmental factors

1. Brown blood Presence of Darker gills. Flushing of gills

disease excessive nitrite Excessive pumping of under increased
in water (>0.1 gills. flow of water.
mg/L). Piping at the surface
of water.

2. Gas bubble Super saturation Gas emboli in fins, Agitate water.

disease with either opercula, eye or gills. Increase water
oxygen or temperature.
nitrogen in
water.

The most important approach to control the disease is to manage the culture unit by
following better management practices to reduce predisposing conditions of the disease.
This can be achieved by optimum stocking density, preventing the introduction of
pathogens, maintenance of good water quality, avoiding stress and through the provision of
adequate nutrition.
References

Das, M.K. and Das, R.K., 1997. Fish and prawn diseases in India Diagnosis and control.
Inland Fisheries Society of India, Barrackpore, West Bengal, India. Pp. 139.

Magada, S. and Mercy, T.V.A., 2016. Health management in ornamental fish farming. In:
Best Management Practices for Freshwater Ornamental Fish Production. National
Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad. Pp. 93-106.

Mishra, B.K., Swain, P., Sahoo, P.K., Das, B.K. and Sarangi, N., 2007. Disease
Management in Freshwater Pisciculture. Agrotech Publishing Academy, Udaipur,
Rajasthan. Pp. 288.

Read, P., Landos, M., Rowland, S.J. & Mifsud, C., 2007. Diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of the diseases of the Australian freshwater fish Silver Perch (Bidyanus
bidyanus). Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. Australian
Government. Pp. 81.
 VALUE ADDITION IN ORNAMENTAL FISH CULTURE
Aquariculture, the culture of living jewels in the confined auatic system has emerged as the
second largest hobby and one of the most favourite commercial business in the world. The
ever increasing demand for the ornamental fishes has led to the global trade of them where
India is trying to make a significant contribution through value addition and popularization of
indigeneous varieties. The aquarium fishes get high value because of its coloration routine,
graceful behaviour, peculiar body morphology, and endemicity. But one of the greatest
challenge faced by the industry is to replicate the natural colour in the captive environment.
So in this regard, the colour enhancement of fish by using eco- friendly feed as well as
fabrication of ornamental fish tanks, cultivation of ornamental plants, toys and other
decorative for tanks are equally important as the development of breeding techniques to make
this in the industry a success.

1. Value addition by color Enhancement

The aesthetic value decides the demand of the fish and therefore the market value of them.
Skin coloration is an important factor in this regard. Colour enhancement in fish helps to
increase the quality, cost and thus the market value of ornamental fishes. This is possible by
administration of pigment enriched eco-friendly feed. The constant intake and adequate level
of carotenoids in the feed are essential to optimize the coloration as the biosynthesis of
carotenoids is not happens in the fish. Carotenoid pigments give red, orange and yellow
coloration. Both synthetic and natural carotenoids can be used for this purpose. Much cheaper
sources of carotenoids are plant-based sources which include Alfa-alfa (Medicago sativa),
Carrot (Daucus carota), Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta), China rose (Hibiscus rosa
sinensis), etc. In animal-based sources, astaxanthin is the predominant carotenoid rich in
crustacean discards. Dried shrimp meal, red crab meal, krill meal are commercially available
as fish feed. However high ash content, chitin digestibility issue limit its rate of inclusion in
the feed. Some of the microalgal sources are also available commercially like Hematococcus
fluvialis, Dunaliella salina, Arthospira maxima, etc. Examples of commercially available
carotenoids are Lucanthin Pink (contain 10% astaxanthin) and Carophyll Red (contain 10%
Anthaxanthin). Along with coloration, carotenoids also have functions like it act like a 1)
Vitamin A precursor 2) Antioxidant 3) Growth enhancer, etc. Synthetic carotenoids have
some disadvantages like residue problem, deteriorating effect on the environment and they
are costly. Further research is needed to make improved feed for better coloration.
Source: Role of feed additives in pigmentation of ornamental fishes. International Journal of
Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2017; 5(2): 684-686

2. Value addition by transgenesis

The possibility of easier genetic manipulation in fish has led to the success of devolvement of
genetically modified organism by transgenesis. It helps to bring out new color variants of
ornamental fish to increase the aesthetic value and demand by the market. Even though it has
some disadvantages, further improvements can definitely
bring novel color variants. Such value-added aquarium

This brand fish is patented and trademarked, available in the

market in bright red, green, orange-yellow, blue, and
purple fluorescent colors. Recently other variants also
developed with six attractive fluorescent color combinations, including Starfire red, cosmic
blue, electric green, galactic purple, sunburst orange, and moonrise pink. The other goals of
transenesis include the intensification of growth and food conservation, increase tolerance to
environmental variables like temperature and salinity and development of disease resistant
forms.

3. Value addition by Painting or Dyeing or tattooing

Painted fishes are artificially colored fishes to increase the appeal to the customers. The
artificial coloring or juicing is possible by
injecting the fish with bight fluorescent
color dye, dipping the fish into a dye
solution, or by feeding the fish with food
containing desired dye. This is done to develop exotic colors in fish which is not possible by
line breeding. The coloring is not permanent; usually, last for six to nine months. Blueberry
or strawberry Oscar which is available in the market is an example of dyed fish. Tattooed
fishes with different patterns with different colors are also available in the market. Tattooing
is done with a low-intensity laser with a dye. Administration of some of the hormone also
showed to increase the coloration in fish.

Conclusion

India is having a great potential in the ornamental fish trade as we have high value indigenous
ornamental fish resources. But the trade is largely confined to exotic varieties even if there is
a huge market potential is there for native varieties. So the use of native species can be
boosted to the global trade along with the improvements in
value addition to rectifying the disadvantages of some methods. This will help to increase the
market value and demand of fishes thus leads to an established ornamental trade industry in
India.

References

Kaur, R. and Shah, T. K., 2017. Role of feed additives in pigmentation of ornamental fishes,
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies., 5(2): 684-686.
Sinha, A. and Prabhakar S. K., 2006. Colour Enhancement in Ornamental Fishes through Use
of Natural Carotenoids in Artificial Feed, The Sixth Indian Fisheries Forum
Proceedings. 43-48.
Rasal, K. D., Chakrapani, V., Patra, S. K., Ninawe, A. S., Sundaray, J. K., Jayasankar, P. and
Barman, H. K., 2016. Status of Transgenic Fish Production with Emphasis on
Development of
Food Fishes and Novel Color Varieties of Ornamental Fish: Implication and Future
Perspectives, Journal of Fisheries Sciences.com., 10(3): 52-6510(