Latest news with #NBFGR
Time of India
13-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
NBFGR releases fingerlings of newly identified yellow catfish into Chalakudy river
Kochi: National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources ( NBFGR ), Kochi, successfully released advanced fingerlings of a newly identified yellow catfish species, Horabagrus obscurus , (over five inches) into Chalakudy river . Fishlings were released near Vettilappara and aim to restore the species in its natural environment and boost its population in the river species was recently discovered by NBFGR researchers in the river. It is a unique yellow catfish distinguished by its greenish-brown mottled appearance, slim build, shorter barbels and a smaller humeral spot. This remarkable fish can reach a length of 408mm and potentially weigh over 2kg. Recognizing its distinct features and ecological and economic significance, Peninsular Aquatic Genetics Resources (PAGR) centre in NBFGR developed a successful breeding method for the ranching initiative was launched by CMFRI director Grinson George, who spoke on the importance of ranching and reintroducing native species that are non-disruptive to ecosystem. NBFGR director Kajal Chakravarthy said that Chalakudy river is the sole habitat for all three species of Horabagrus genus. PAGR team has now successfully bred and released all three species, including black-collared yellow catfish (H. nigricollaris) and yellow catfish (H. brachysoma), last year. He emphasized the need to study long-term effects of these ranching a related initiative to improve local community livelihoods, fishing equipment was distributed to tribespeople from Mukkumpuzha Unnathi of Athiramapally panchayat. Under the tribal sub-plan project, 20 fishermen received essential fishing gear, including gill nets, fish and net carry bags, and headlamps to enhance their fishing skills and contribute to their economic welfare.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
ICAR-NBFGR discovers two new species of Rohu
Lucknow's ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) has discovered two new species of Rohu from the rivers of western ghats. With the discovery, they claimed to have resolved the 150-year-old identity when the two new species were confused as Labeo nigrescens (Rohu). The institute said that the discovery and the associated study was recently published in the Indian Journal of Fisheries as well. 'The ICAR–NBFGR has discovered two new freshwater fish species—Labeo uru and Labeo chekida from the rivers of the Western Ghats,' said the central institute's director, Kajal Chakraborty. 'With the discovery, the institute's scientists from the unit in Western region successfully resolved the 150-year-old identity mystery of Labeo nigrescens, first described in 1870.' The director further explained that Labeo uru, discovered in the Chandragiri River, is named for its sail-like dorsal fin, while Labeo chekida, a small dark-bodied fish from the Chalakkudy River, is locally known as 'kaka chekida.' 'The study also confirmed the distinct identity of L nigrescens based on unique morphological traits. This discovery highlights the rich, undocumented biodiversity of the Western Ghats and emphasised the need for continued scientific exploration and conservation,' said the institute in a press note.
