Identification and Domestication of Native Ornamental Fishes of Begnas Lake, Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

Native fishes have great value as an ornamental fish in Nepal as well as in the global fair. Most of the ornamental fish species of Nepal are imported from India and Thailand. The main goal of this experiment was to identify and domesticate the indigenous ornamental fishes for commercial production. Begnas area, Pokhara was selected as a study site as it has different small indigenous fish species which might have great potential as ornamental fish. The study was carried out from January to August 2020. Native fishes were collected from outlets and irrigation canal of Begnas Lake by using a cast net. Five fish species Puntius conchonius, Puntius sophore, Barilius barna, Danio devario and Danio rerio were identified and found suitable for ornamental purpose. Puntius sophore and Danio devario were domesticated in the aquarium during the experiment period. Survivability of these fish species was low during the winter season; at the same time, they could adapt to any kind of food. Danio devario was selected for the breeding purpose; and among all, 33 individuals were selected and placed in different condition (in the aquarium with heater and aerator, in the outer tank exposed to direct sunlight, tank having continuous water flow without sunlight and in an open artificial pool) with 40% CP and blood worms and maintaining the proper water quality. Out of all different conditions, environment that was artificially made pool with enough sunlight was found to be suitable for breeding. Their breeding was also influenced by the environmental condition since they bred one month later than their regular breeding periods in captive condition. Danio devario bred in last week of August in the rainy day and then gradually increasing the temperature 27-28℃, pH7 to 8 and DO 5 to 6 mg/l. To lead the ornamental fish industry in Nepal, there need to be strong research and development activities covering breeding and development of new ornamental fish species including both native and exotic.