Researchers at the Kakdwip Research Center of the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, have achieved a pioneering accomplishment by inducing captive spawning and raising of the Bengal yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus datnia). This white fish has gained a place on the market menu and now is a highly-priced delicacy that requires anything between Rs 300-400/kg. Before the invention of high quality seeds, the only aquaculture practice was restricted to large, traditional Bheries in Western Bengal but in future such advancements may open new opportunities in the aquaculture sector of India.
The research contained highly exact procedures regarding broodstock development and induced spawning. Spawning-readiness was detected in brood fish that were kept and operated in RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) by the end of November 2023. Through precise management, mature females and males were paired in spawning tanks, with a female-to-male ratio of 1:3. work resulted in successfully implementing the standardized doses of hCG (2000 IU/kg body weight for females and 1000 IU/kg body weight for males) to induce the ovulation for the appearance of the eggs within 18-24 hours under the specific environment conditions.
The transparent pelagic eggs fertilized successfully displayed a good rate of fertilization and hatching, which was about between 90-95%. The just born hatchlings are almost 2 mm long and they start feeding themselves with rotifers at three days post hatching after which they transition to Artemia nauplii and lastly incorporate formulated feeds in their diet. Till now 30,000 larvatank and brackishwater pond cultivation is being done, which is a huge strategy for seed large-scale production.
This groundbreaking milestone not only marks a new chapter for the Bengal yellowfin seabream aquaculture growth but also clears the way for the system diversification in Indian aquaculture which offers new possibilities and extension to the industry.
Source: ICAR-CIBA , Chennai, Tamil Nadu
