52 MARCH 2025 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Nandus nandus (Hamilton,1822) is a fish of freshwater systems, belonging to the order Anabantiformes in the family Nandidae. N. nandus, commonly known as the Asian leaf fish or Mud perch, is indigenous to South Asia. In India it is locally known with various other names in different regions such as Bheda in Uttar Pradesh, Meni, Roina, and Nadosh in West Bengal (Das and Zama 2000). Talwar and Jhingran (1991) documented the distribution of N. nandus across the basins of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, as well as in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar (Figure 1). They highlighted its presence in diverse habitats, including paddy fields, ditches, freshwater wetlands, and brackish water environments. Rainboth (1996) provided insights into the habitat utilization patterns of N. nandus, emphasizing its preference for sluggish waters in paddy fields and ditches. Gupta (2018) and Paul et al. (2020) expanded on this by reporting its occurrence in both open and closed freshwater wetlands, indicating its adaptability to various aquatic environments. N. nandus is a highly demanded fish because of its eyecatching color, delectable meat, and high nutrition value with 52.5 percent protein, 2 percent fat, 0.21 percent carbohydrate and 5.7 percent mineral content (Tasnim et al. 2023). The physical characteristics of the species, such as its compact muscle structure and minimal intermuscular bones, make this fish an attractive candidate for freshwater aquaculture. It is not only served as a delicacy in various culinary traditions, but it also a commercially important species in the ornamental fish industry (Gupta 2018). The unique characteristics of the N. nandus make it an intriguing subject for both food enthusiasts and for aquarists. Recently, the species has gained attention due to its unique characteristics and adaptability to life in planted aquaria. Hossain et al. (1992) explored the ecological interactions of N. nandus within its habitat, highlighting its role in freshwater ecosystems. Sarkar et al. (2021) assessed the vulnerability of N. nandus in the face of habitat degradation caused by anthropogenic activities and natural climatic events. They emphasized the importance of preserving its habitat to ensure its long-term survival. Lianthuamluaia et al. (2022) conducted studies on the population dynamics of N. nandus, focusing on reproductive parameters and population trends. Their research provided valuable insights into the factors influencing the species’ abundance and distribution. The impact of climate change on N. nandus was investigated by Rahman (2005), who highlighted the species’ vulnerability to changing environmental conditions. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns were identified as potential threats to its habitat and population dynamics. Based on the findings of habitat degradation studies, efforts to restore and conserve the natural habitats of N. nandus have been recommended (Sarkar et al. 2021). This includes measures to mitigate pollution, regulate water flow, and protect critical breeding grounds. Continuous monitoring of N. nandus populations is essential, both for assessing its conservation status and implementing targeted management strategies (Lianthuamluaia et al. 2022). Long-term monitoring programs can provide valuable data for informed decision-making. The above literature on the ecological habitat and vulnerability of N. nandus underscores the importance of understanding its habitat requirements, population dynamics, and threats faced in its natural environment. Such knowledge is crucial for ensuring the survival of this ecologically and culturally significant freshwater fish species. To reduce the impact of vulnerability an attempt has been made to culture fish in controlled conditions by mimicking the environmental conditions of natural habitats. Materials and Methods Sampling site. Nandus nandus is a laterally compressed, ovalshaped fish with a curved bottom. It has a metallic shine and varies in color based on habitat and location. Typically, it reaches a maximum length of 20 centimeters (Fishbase.com). Gender determination can Exploring the Aquaculture Potential of Nandus nandus in Planted Aquaria Suman Kumari, Subhra Singh, Gunjan Karnatak, Archana Sinha and B. K. Das FIGURE 1. Global distribution of Nandus nandus. FIGURE 2. Geographical area of fish collections.
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