MARGAO: ICAR-CCARI Goa and Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi, have succeeded in the captive breeding of a threatened fish species native to the Goa region. The ‘Indigo barb’ (Pethia setnai) is a small, indigenous fish found exclusively in the west-flowing streams of Goa and Karnataka within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Distinguished by two vertical bands on its olive-grey body, this species, thanks to its striking pattern, is highly sought after in the international ornamental fish trade. It is often traded alongside a closely resembling species, Pethia narayani, found in the Cauvery River, Karnataka.
Currently, trade involves individuals captured in their natural habitats- shallow, clear hill streams. However, as the species faces unregulated aquarium trade and mounting pressure on its natural habitat from tourism, urbanisation, and pollution, it has been classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List.
The freshwater fish from Goa’s Sahyadri region was once considered a potential candidate for the title of State fish, and it has become crucial to develop captive breeding methods and promote their use to reduce dependence on wild collection, to conserve the species.
To address this, a collaborative research programme was initiated and carried out by KUFOS and ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), supported by the government of Kerala through its plan fund.
Mature individuals provided by CCARI were used as broodstock at KUFOS’s indigenous fish hatchery facility for large-scale production of this threatened species.
Captive breeding was successfully conducted both with and without hormone induction in indoor and outdoor systems. This efficient, farmer-friendly method allowed for the production of 75-100 young fish from a single mother fish.
The research team comprised Dr Anvar Ali P H and Melbin Lal, Junior Research Fellow from KUFOS, along with Dr Sreekanth G B and Trivesh Mayekar from CCARI, Goa. The developed seed production practices for the indigo barb offer potential alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities in Goa and potentially other regions of the country.