The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) has developed a seed production technology for the golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus), marking a big achievement in mariculture in India. The breakthrough came after five years of extensive research at the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI.
Breeding Success at Visakhapatnam Regional Centre
The research team, led by Dr. Ritesh Ranjan, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CMFRI’s Visakhapatnam Centre, began efforts to develop seed production for the golden trevally in 2019. Juveniles weighing 40-50 grams were collected from the wild and reared in the institute’s research cage farm facility. These fish were kept in cages for 3-4 years, growing to a mature weight of 3.5-4.5 kilograms.
In February 2024, the matured fish were transferred to a land-based tank system with a 40 cubic meter capacity, where natural spawning occurred on February 9, 2024. Following the spawning, the larvae were reared for 51 days, with the early fry reaching an average size of 3 cm and a weight of 450 milligrams. The survival rate was high, marking a successful larval rearing process.
Golden Trevally: An Ideal Candidate for Mariculture
The golden trevally, also known as the golden kingfish, is considered an ideal species for mariculture due to its fast growth rate, high-quality meat, and substantial market demand. In India, it is sold at INR400-500 per kilogram in domestic markets. In addition to its popularity as a food fish, the juvenile golden trevally is in high demand in the ornamental fish industry, fetching prices between INR150-250 per piece due to its attractive golden coloration and black bands.
Implications for Sustainable Seafood Production
This achievement is seen as a major step forward for mariculture in India. Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, emphasized that the success of golden trevally captive breeding holds potential for sustainable fish farming, including sea cage farming. He noted the importance of this development in light of declining wild landings of the species, making mariculture a crucial method for replenishing stock and ensuring a reliable supply.
“Golden trevally is an ideal candidate for sea farming due to its desirable qualities. Given the declining trend of its landings, the success in captive breeding of this fish has greater significance as it will offer opportunities for sustainable fish farming through mariculture practices including sea cage farming. The technology will also contribute to wild stock restoration efforts through sea-ranching initiative.”
Regional Distribution and Market Trends
Golden trevally is predominantly found in reef areas along the coastlines of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, and Gujarat. In recent years, fish landings from these regions have varied, with a peak landing of 1,626 tonnes in 2020, followed by a significant decline to 327 tonnes in 2022. Key landing districts include Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Chennai, and others along the southwestern and western coasts of India.
Other Achievements Unveiled by ICAR-CMFRI
During a visit to ICAR-CMFRI, Dr. J K Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, unveiled additional advancements in marine ornamental fish breeding. The ICAR-CMFRI’s Mariculture Division at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre has successfully developed seed production technologies for the Azure damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) and the Ornate goby (Istiogobius ornatus). These species, which are in high demand both in India and internationally, have been successfully bred in captivity for the first time in India. The Azure damsel is currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the importance of sustainable breeding practices for the species.
Azure Damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea)
The Azure damsel is a small, reef-associated fish native to the Indo-West Pacific region, including the Eastern Indian Ocean and Indonesia. It is particularly prized in the ornamental fish industry for its vibrant blue coloration and active behavior, making it a sought-after species for marine aquariums worldwide.
However, in recent years, the population of Azure damsels has declined due to over-exploitation from the wild, which has led to concerns about the species’ sustainability in natural habitats. Currently, the Azure damsel is categorized as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the urgency of developing sustainable breeding methods.
ICAR-CMFRI’s successful breeding of the Azure damsel is especially notable because it marks the first time that the larval rearing techniques for this species have been standardized in India. This breakthrough is expected to alleviate pressure on wild populations by providing a reliable and sustainable supply of Azure damsels for the ornamental fish trade, reducing the need for wild capture. In India, the current market value of the Azure damsel is INR250-350 per fish, while it fetches a significantly higher price in international markets, ranging from US$15 to US$25 per fish.
Ornate Goby (Istiogobius ornatus)
The Ornate goby is another high-value ornamental species prized for its striking colors and intricate patterns, which make it a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. Found primarily in coral reef ecosystems, this small goby thrives in sandy substrates, where it can be seen darting among coral crevices.
Historically, the Ornate goby has been predominantly sourced from Sri Lanka, where it is exported to developed markets like the United States. Due to its beauty and rarity, the Ornate goby commands a price of INR200-250 per fish in India, with international online trade prices ranging from US$15 to US$30 per fish, depending on its size and quality.
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ICAR-CMFRI’s successful captive breeding of the Ornate goby marks the first time this species has been bred in India, a milestone that will have significant benefits for both the ornamental fish industry and conservation efforts. By breeding this species in controlled environments, ICAR-CMFRI is contributing to the sustainable trade of the Ornate goby, which will help prevent the over-exploitation of wild populations and reduce the ecological impact on coral reef habitats.
Impact of These Achievements on the Ornamental Fish Industry
The successful seed production of both the Azure damsel and the Ornate goby highlights the growing potential of Indian mariculture to meet the global demand for marine ornamental species. With increasing international demand for these fish, particularly in developed countries, the ability to breed these species in captivity provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to wild capture.
Moreover, these advances in ornamental fish breeding align with broader conservation efforts to protect marine biodiversity. By reducing the reliance on wild populations, ICAR-CMFRI’s achievements ensure that the ornamental fish trade can continue without further depleting fragile reef ecosystems. This success also offers economic opportunities for marine aquarium entrepreneurs in India, who will now have access to high-quality, sustainably bred fish for the domestic and international markets.
These breakthroughs in ornamental fish breeding, along with the successful captive breeding of the golden trevally, represent a substantial step forward in India’s efforts to develop sustainable and profitable mariculture practices.
Other Innovations and Resources Released
Additionally, Dr. Jena launched Cadalmin™ Microfin, a specialized micro-feed for early-stage larvae of cobia and pompano, developed by the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition, and Health Division of ICAR-CMFRI.
The event also saw the release of several key publications, including a Field Guide for digitally smart marine fisheries production data management, designed to assist field staff in accurate data collection. This tool is expected to aid in the sustainable management of marine fisheries. Other materials released included a training manual on marine biodiversity, the latest issue of the Marine Fisheries Information Service, and a pamphlet on the culture of Colurella Adriatica, a microscopic rotifer used for fish larval rearing.
Dr. Jena encouraged scientists and staff to continue translating their research into practical solutions that benefit both the community and the broader ecosystem. Dr. Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, was also present at the event.
This achievement in breeding the golden trevally, along with the advancements in ornamental fish breeding, marks a positive step forward in supporting sustainable mariculture and the overall marine fisheries sector in India.