Researchers develop captive breeding protocol for endangered catfish

Researchers develop captive breeding protocol for endangered black-collared yellow catfish in Chalakudy river, aiding conservation efforts in Western Ghats.

Researchers at the Centre for Peninsular Aquatic Genetic Resources, Kochi, of the National Bureau for Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) claimed to have developed captive breeding protocol for the endangered black-collared yellow catfish found in the Chalakudy river.

The captive breeding programme of the fish began in 2020, and the first generation stock was successfully bred by the researchers, said Charan Ravi, a scientist at the centre.

The species, endemic to the river, has been classified as endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The development of the breeding technique will help in the conservation of the species, according to a communication issued by V.S. Basheer, Principal Scientist at the Centre.

NBFGR Director U.K. Sarkar noted that the development of the protocol would ensure the preservation of biodiversity in the Western Ghats, according to the communication.