SKUAST-Kashmir scientist succeeded in breeding Rosy barb, Pethia conchonius

 SKUAST-Kashmir scientist succeeded in breeding Rosy barb, Pethia conchonius

Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K have successfully conducted the breeding of an ornamental freshwater fish commonly known as Rosy barb, (Pethia conchonius). Rosy barb is a subtropical freshwater cyprinid fish found in southern Asia. This species of barb grows up to 6 inches (14 cm) in length. Juveniles possess large, deeply forked tails, which are large in proportion to their body. Their colour becomes bolder during their mating periods. Males have more vibrant colours and females are slightly plumper. In addition to this, females do not have any black colour in their fins while males do. They may weigh up to 340g (12 ounces) when fully grown but can weigh much less during adolescence. They become mature at 63.5mm (2.5 inches). The fish has commercial importance in the aquarium trade and is one of several species of barbs used to create hybrid versions of "tiger barbs". The experiment was conducted by the B.F.Sc. 4th year student, Owais Hamid under the guidance of Dr. Mohd Ashraf Rather, Scientist, Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K. 

Breeding and breeding setup of Rosy barb, Pethia conchonius

The breeding activity of Rosy barb was carried out by manipulating the temperature conditions. The eggs were successfully collected and their hatching process was observed. The methodology can be used for brood stock and seed production of Rosy barb in the valley. Ornamental fisheries are currently gaining importance as a means of livelihood due to their tremendous prospectus and economic value in the international fish trade and aquaculture. The practice of ornamental fish keeping in the glass tank is a very common tradition, being the second most preferred hobby in the world after photography mainly due to the bright coloration and natural stress relieving property of ornamental fishes. With the result large numbers of ornamental fish keeping hobbyists are increasing day by day, particularly in our valley. Many young entrepreneurs in Kashmir are investing their money in this venture as it ensures high income generation and involves low investment aided by high social acceptance. Rosy barb, also being a fish of high ornamental value, can now be reproduced in captive conditions and offers a tremendous scope for young aquapreneurs of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. (Dr.) Irfan Ahmad, Head, Div. of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology congratulate Dr. Ashraf and Owais Hamid for successfully breeding this ornamental fish. Moreover, Prof. (Dr.) Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Dean, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K and Hon’ble Vice chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai have congratulated the whole team and have pinned hope of decimation of this technology for the local ichthyofauna for conservation and propagation. 

The Faculty of Fisheries SKUAST-K located at Rangil, Nagabal, Ganderbal offering B.FSc, M.FSc and Ph.D courses in various disciplines of Fisheries.

SKUAST scientist succeeded in breeding Rosy  barb, Pethia conchonius

#Ornamental fishes breeding at Kashmir valley