April 27, 2007

Amur carp makes its debut in India's aquaculture

Researchers at the Inland Fisheries Division in the Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Bangalore have developed a new fresh water carp breed called Amur for small scale farmers.

The fish has an elongated body, is fast growing and late maturing (in about 12 months) and spawns throughout the year.

Each fish can weigh 600-700 grammes in about six months, said Dr. Y. Basavaraju, Professor and Head, Inland Fisheries Research and Information Centre.

About 5,000 -7, 000 fingerlings would be raised per hectare. Normally, about 5,000 fingerlings per hectare are raised in monoculture whereas in poly culture about 7,500 fingerlings are raised. The yield would be about 2 tonnes per hectare.

The Amur can be adapted for growing in different water bodies such as small tanks, farm ponds, and large water bodies, he said.