Low cost larval rearing device for murrel culture

摘要

MURRELS, otherwise called snakehead, are economically important freshwater fish species occupying the top rank in South East Asia. They are preferred for their taste, medicinal qualities and less intramuscular spines. There are more than seven speciesviz Channa striatus, (stripped murrel), Channa punctatus (spotted murrel), C.maurilius (giant murrel,), C.orientalis, C.gachua, C.leucopunctatus and C.micropeltus available in south India. Murrels lay 5,000-10,000 eggs (diameter 1.2mm-1.5mm) and the rate of fertilisation ranges between 70-90%. Hatching takes place 24-30 hour after fertilisation and the hatchling (length: 2.8 mm-3.2 mm) utilise the yolk sac, which is completely absorbed on the third day when the mouth is fully formed. The post larvae start exogenous feeding, preferably on small plankton like rotifers. Both parents, especially the male, guard the hatchlings and the post larvae. Unfortunately, Indian fish farmers have not succeeded in murrel culture due to want of breeding, larval rearing and feeding techniques. Murrels are carnivorous, piscivorous and also cannibalistic. Moreover, no seed supply centre is available for murrels, unlike carp.