28 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG after post-hatching, the larvae are transferred to larger rectangular glass tanks at a stocking density of 4 individuals per liter. Water quality is closely monitored, and the temperature is maintained between 26°C and 28°C. Aeration and sponge filters are provided to maintain clean water and adequate oxygen levels. As the larvae grow, their diet is diversified with Moina sp., bloodworms, and commercial feed (Figure 3). These tanks are equipped with PVC pipes and clay tiles, which provide essential hideouts, as the species exhibits a tendency to seek shelter during the juvenile stage. Fingerlings are fed a high protein diet of 1.2 mm sinking pellets and bloodworms, ensuring rapid growth and healthy development (Figure 4). Water Quality Effective water quality management is important for the successful breeding and larval rearing of H. nigricollaris. Therefore, it is recommended to replenish 20-30% of water to maintain the water quality parameters at an optimum condition. The ideal water quality conditions in the breeding and larval rearing of H. nigricollaris are pH 6.8- 7.5, Dissolved Oxygen 4-6 ppm; total alkalinity 60-80 ppm; hardness 80-100 ppm; total ammonia and nitrite should be less than 0.25 ppm. Conservation in Action: A Farmer’s Breeding Breakthrough For dissemination of the technology, training programs were organized by the institute for the indigenous fishes of the Western Ghats. The success of the initiative was reflected through the efforts of a progressive farmer, Mr. Lijo Jose, proprietor of Bio Organic World, a private hatchery in Chalakudy. He has successfully adapted the captive breeding technique and bred the species for the first time in a private hatchery with technical guidance from the PAGR Centre (Figure 5) and has expressed interest in supporting future ranching programs in addition to livelihood development, thereby reinforcing the potential of public-private partnerships in native fish conservation. Conservation Significance The species’ endangered listing under the IUCN Red List highlights the pressing need for conservation measures. In its native range, H. nigricollaris has faced heavy exploitation by local fishers, compounded by pollution and the destruction of its natural habitat. Given its restricted geographic distribution and small population size, targeted conservation measures are essential for its long-term sustainability. In this milieu, the development of a breeding protocol by ICAR-NBFGR is a crucial step forward. This protocol is not only reducing pressure on wild populations, but also offers potential for aquaculture ventures that can serve as an alternative livelihood for local communities while helping to conserve the species. These efforts also help maintain genetic diversity, ensuring future generations can thrive in their habitats. Continued research is vital to enhance breeding methods and deal with ecological challenges faced by H. nigricollaris in the wild, integrating scientific advancements with sustainable practices to secure its future and contribute to freshwater biodiversity. Acknowledgements We thank the Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow for encouragement and providing necessary facilities. We also thank the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Institute plan CRP-Agro-biodiversity’s consortium program to conserve indigenous species Notes Abhilash. C.P, Charan Ravi *, Saikrishnan KR, Sarath Varghese, T.T Ajith Kumar and V. S. Basheer, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow 226 002, India. * Corresponding author: charanfishcol@gmail.com References Abhilash, C. P., Charan, Ravi., Saikrishnan, K.R., Sarath, Varghese., Neethu, Z., Chandana, B.L., AjithKumar, T.T., Uttam, Kumar, Sarkar., and V.S Basheer. 2025. Captive breeding, embryonic development, and conservation of the endangered catfish, Horabagrus nigricollaris (Pethiyagoda and Kottelat, 1994): A First Report. Aquaculture international. Menon, AGK. 1999. Check list — fresh water fishes of India. Rec. Zool. Surv. India, Misc. Publ., Occas Paper No. 175: I– xxviii + 1–366. Pethiyagoda, R. and Kottelat, M. 1994. Three new species of fishes of the genera Osteochilichthys (Cyprinidae), Travancoria (Balitoridae) and Horabagrus (Bagridae) from the Chalakudy river, Kerala, India. J. South Asian Nat. Hist., 1(1), pp.97-116. FIGURE 5. H. nigricollaris broodstock and the produced juveniles, photographed by the first author. These efforts also help maintain genetic diversity, ensuring future generations can thrive in their habitats. Continued research is vital to enhance breeding methods and deal with ecological challenges faced by H. nigricollaris in the wild, integrating scientific advancements with sustainable practices to secure its future and contribute to freshwater biodiversity.
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