Angus fish. Photo : TDM
The Angus fish, known for its beauty and taste, features striking dark blue spots along its belly. Originally found in rivers, the Angus has become a rarity due to endangerment. Fortunately, there's positive news as these fish are making a comeback.
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute has initiated an experimental conservation effort for the endangered Angus fish. Cultivation has started at the Syedpur sub-center in Nilphamari district, a pioneering endeavor in the country.
The institute's efforts are concentrated at the Syedpur sub-center, targeting the Angus fish found in the Teesta basin. To combat extinction, they've employed artificial breeding and on-station farming techniques, leading to successful population revival.
In 2018, the Sayedpur Freshwater Sub-centre began collecting 15-20 gram Angus minnows from various rivers. These minnows were nurtured in ponds at the Syedpur center, with successful reproduction achieved through artificial breeding, guided by Dr. Rashidul Hasan and Shawkat Ahmad.
Presently, Angus fish are being cultivated in the field following thorough research. A project in Nilphamari explores intercropping Angus with Bairali fish, monitoring growth and water quality. Kadar Banu, a farmer, is content with the growth rate and excited about being the first in the country to cultivate this fish. The fish's swift growth and demand hold promise for profitability.
According to Dr. Yahia Mahmud, the Director General of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Angus is a fish that is native to the Teesta basin and was once on the brink of extinction. However, the development of artificial insemination technology has made it easier to hatch this fish, and it will soon be cultivated once again. The institute is currently conducting research to revive all indigenous fish species that are at risk of disappearing.
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute has already managed to bring back 40 species out of 64 species of fish that are extinct. Out of this, 26 endangered native fish species have been recovered in the last 13 years. The production of small fish has increased four times through farming. As a result, the availability of small fish in the market has recently increased.
On the other hand, a live gene bank has been established for the first time in the country at the Mymensingh center of the Institute of Indigenous Fish Conservation.
TDM/SD
