Captive Production of Bagrid Catfish, <i>Rita chrysea</i> For Species Diversification in India

Abstract

Catfish farming is getting more popular as an alternative to carp culture in India due to several advantages such as suitable for high-density farming, hardy species, more consumer preference, high market value, less pin-bones and higher economic returns. Catfishes are having a high regional preference and among many catfish species, the Mahanadi rita, Rita chrysea is one among the species having huge consumer preference in Odisha and Chhattisgarh region. The broodstock development, captive breeding, seed production and grow-out culture technology were successfully standardized by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar. The study findings reveal that R. chrysea attains maturity in 1+ year and the ideal broodstock size of 90 g above is most suitable for induced breeding programme. The species breeds in monsoon season, June-August. The fecundity was found to be 10,000-13,000 per 90-130 g brooder. The fertilization and hatching percent were estimated in the range of 70-90% and 60-80%, respectively. The larval stocking density of 2 to 3 nos per litre of water is found to be ideal stocking density to get higher growth and improved larval survival. The fingerlings can be produced in tank system with the stocking density of 100-150 nos per m2 with the survival of 50-60 % and it reaches about 2-4 g in 2 months rearing period.