ISSN 2321–340X

Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries | Vol. 4 | 2016 | pp. 1-7

© Department of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, University of Kerala

EXOTIC FISH SPECIES IN AQUACULTURE AND AQUATIC

ECOSYSTEM IN TELANGANA STATE, INDIA
Laxmappa, B.
Department of Fisheries, Mahabubnagar, Telangana, 509001, India
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: A number of invasions of freshwater exotic fishes have taken place into India over the past decade,
adversely affecting the indigenous f ish biodiversity. The collected information on alien fish species revealed
the presence of 31 fish species introduced in India for aquaculture purpose, of which eight exotic f ish species
have been introduced in Telangana state. Many of them were illegally introduced and their historical
information was not available. Telangana is abundant in water sources such as rivers, reservoirs, canals and
irrigational tanks and exotic fish species escaped from confinement may pose challenges to ecology of the
water bodies. The paper presents data on over-all scenario of various exotic f ish species in the state, their
distribution, dispersal and invasiveness and their impacts on the riverine fish diversity and ecosystem. Presence
of exotic fish species such as Oreochromis niloticus, O. mossambicus, Clarias gariepinus etc. have impacted
the populations of indigenous species and contributed towards the decline in the f ishery of native cyprinid
fish species in several natural aquatic bodies of the Telangana state. The mitigation of the negative impacts of
exotic f ish species will require continued co-operation of government, academia and private sector
organizations.

Key words: Alien fish, Fish biodiversity, Invasion, Aquatic ecosystem, environmental impact

INTRODUCTION
Over the past two decades, many alien f ish appearance of alien species particularly in
species have been clandestinely brought into degraded aquatic environments has further
India by private aqua-culturists, entrepreneurs signif icantly aggravated threats to biodiversity
and aqua-industrialists for immediate gains. Such (Lakra et al., 2008).
unauthorized activities are causing Telangana is situated on the Deccan Plateau, in
indiscriminate spreading of alien species, with the central stretch of the eastern seaboard of the
potentially adverse ecological consequences (Biju Indian Peninsula and covers 114,840 square
Kumar, 2000; Singh and Lakra, 2006; Lakra et kilometres. Two major rivers of South India. viz.,
al., 2008). In spite of an already rich and diverse the Godavari and the Krishna River with their
f ish genetic resource of India, more than 300 alien several tributaries form the chief perennial river
/ exotic species have been introduced into the systems of this state. There are a large number of
country so far. While a vast majority of them are medium and small sized rivers in addition to
ornamental f ishes, which remain, more or less, several man-made reservoirs, backwaters and
conf ined to the aquaria, some others have been tanks in this state.
introduced in aquaculture and open water AQUACULTURE OF EXOTIC FISH
systems with varying degrees of success. While there are about 31 alien f ish species
However, unauthorized culture of alien species recorded from aquaculture systems in India
and their unintentional or deliberate spread is (Singh and Lakra, 2011), culture of some f ish
emerging as one of the greatest threats to the species such as Pangasianodon hypoththalmus,
biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. The impacts Oreochromis niloticus, Piaractus brachypomus,
are typically greater in systems already affected Aristichtys nobilis and Clarias gariepinus picked
by human activity (Vaughn, 2010). Increased up during recent years (Table 1).

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 Exotic f ish species in aquaculture and aquatic ecosystem in Telangana

Table 1. Exotic f ish species in aquaculture & its status in Telangana

Sl. No. Common name Scientif ic name Present status

1 Common carp Cyprinus carpio Aquaculture
2 Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella Aquaculture
3 Silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Limited culture
4 Pangas Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Aquaculture
5 Big head carp Aristichthys nobilis Limited culture
6 African catf ish Clarius gariepinus Limited culture
7 Red-bellied Pacu Piaractus brachiopomus Limited culture
8 GIFT tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Limited culture

Bangkok strain of the common carp was brought the state of Andhra Pradesh (A.P) in early 1990s
into the country with the objectives of broadening f rom Bangladesh through West Bengal
the species spectrum in aquaculture and (Ramakrishna et al., 2012), later in Telangana area
increasing yields through better utilization of created severe environmental problems including
vacant trophic niches. Of the alien carps, the pollution of water and air in the vicinity of farm
common carp (C. carpio) is now widely cultured ponds. Although its culture is unauthorized,
all over the country including Telangana in ponds these f ishes have become popular among aqua-
and tanks. culturists in the country including Telangana and
Both silver carp (H. molitrix) and grass carp (C. Andhra Pradesh states (Laxmappa and Srinivas,
idella) were introduced in 1959 for a specif ic 2016).
purpose and have led to the development of a Among the poplar alien f ish species, pangas
high yielding technology, ‘Composite Fish catf ish (P. hypophthalmus) introduced in 2004
Culture’, after several years of experimentation. from West Bengal illegally. The Government of
The grass carp (C. idella) was introduced mainly India permitted this species for aquaculture in
to control weeds in natural water bodies. It is an 2009. Now its culture is common in ponds,
important species used in ‘composite f ish culture’ yielding maximum production by using pellet
and is widely cultured throughout India, feed. In some areas chicken waste is used as feed
including Telangana. for these f ishes. Red-bellied pacu (P.
Indian neighbors, Bangladesh and Nepal, culture brachypomus) is also illegally introduced in 2012
a number of alien species (Barua et al., 2001; for aquaculture in A.P and later in Telangana by
Gurung, 2005). Many alien species, such as Andhra farmers. In some areas of the state P.
Clarias gariepinus, Pangasianodon brachypomus culture is mixing with pangas
hypophthalmus, Aistichthys nobilis, and Piaractus species and in some other areas culturing
brachypomus, have been surreptitiously separately. Due to low yield problems its culture
smuggled into India from there to other states area is very limited in the state of Telangana.
including telugu states of Andhra Pradesh, GIFT tilapia and pangas f ish species culture
Telangana and are being cultivated (Table 1). started in cages on piolet basis of selected 5
These unauthorized introductions have achieved reservoirs viz., Koilsagar, Ashoksagar, Lower
popularity in aquaculture. Maner Dam (LMD), Kadam and Palair in
Andhra Pradesh is one of the states in the country Telangana state in 2015 and culture was successful.
for clandestine culture of alien f ish species.
Andhra farmers took ponds near reservoir or OCCURRENCE OF EXOTIC FISH IN OPEN
canal water available areas in Telangana state and WATERS
started these alien f ish species culture by In recent years, there has been an alarming
importing seed from the coastal districts. Among increase in the number of alien f ish species being
the catf ishes, the Af rican catf ish Clarias detected in the rivers, lakes and reservoirs of India
gariepinus was also clandestinely introduced into (Lakra et al., 2008; Raghavan et al., 2008). Most

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 Laxmappa

escapee alien species were from unauthorized The Impact assessment studies of invasives were
culture species and moved into open waters carried-out in the Yamuna, Ganga, Periyar rivers,
inadvertently or because farmers were unaware back waters of Kerala, Jaiselmer lake (Rajasthan),
and/or lacked knowledge of the potential adverse Ramgarhlake (Uttar Pradesh) Kolleru lake
effects. (Andhra Pradesh) and Krishna river & tanks
Tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, was f irst (Telangana). Ecological impact assessment of
introduced into pond ecosystems in 1952 and Oreochromis mossambicus, O. niloticus,
thereafter stocked in several reservoirs of south Pangasianodon hypophthalamus, Clarias
India for production enhancement (Sugunan, gariepinus, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys
1995). Oreochromis niloticus was introduced into molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Aristichthys
India during 1987 for aquaculture purpose and nobilis and Piaractus brachypomus commonly
now it contributes more than 7.17% in total inland occurring in aquaculture and breeding was
f ish production (Singh and Lakra, 2006). Both attempted.
this species are now found abundantly in almost
every environment particularly in almost all The collected information on alien f ish species
reservoirs, lakes and reservoir fed tanks/ponds reveals the presence of twelve species introduced
in Telangana. In Krishna river ecosystem O. for aquaculture in the country. Many of them are
niloticus population was found to represent illegally introduced and their historical
48.82% of the f ishery (Laxmappa et al 2015a) and information such as the source, place and period
in natural irrigational tanks its population found of their introduction is unknown. Some of these
13.38% to 84.47% (Laxmappa et al, 2015b; 2015c; introduced f ishes are now found in different
Mahender et al, 2016). The indigenous f ish inland water bodies. During the study few live
species like carps, catf ish, murrel etc., specimens of African catf ish Clarias gariepinus
populations were declined signif icantly. and pacu Pygocentrus brachypomus were
However, there has been intensive aquaculture collected from Krishna and Godavary rivers
diversif ication using alien f ish species. Many of respectively. Recently invasive f ish species
the cultured alien species have been deliberately Pterygoplichthys pardalis were also caught in
or inadvertently released and are now appearing large number in tanks of Nalgonda district in the
in natural aquatic bodies (Singh, 2014). The state. The detailed information on the present
invasion of alien f ishes in aquatic systems such distribution of exotic f ish species in natural
as rivers, lakes, reservoirs and wetlands have been waters of Telangana state is presented in Table
recorded and is found to differ in various 2.
locations and f ishery.
Table 2. Existence of Exotic fish species status in open water ecosystem in Telangana

Sl.No. Common name Scientif ic name In open water status

1 Common carp Cyprinus carpio Limited

2 Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella Limited
3 African catf ish Clarius gariepinus Limited
4 Pangas Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Rare
5 Red-bellied Pacu Piaractus brachiopomus Rare
6 Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Abundant
7 Mosombique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus Common
8 Mosquito fish Gambusia aff inis common
9 Guppy Lebistes reticulatus Limited
10 Giant gouramy Osphronemus goray Rare
11 Sail-f in catf ish Pterygoplichthys pardalis Limited

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 Exotic f ish species in aquaculture and aquatic ecosystem in Telangana

Fig. 1. Oreochromis mosambicus caught from Fig. 2. Oreochromis niloticus caught from
open waters open waters

Fig. 3. Clarius gariepinus caught from open waters Fig. 4. Piaractus brachiopomus f ish caught from
open waters

Fig. 5. Grass carp caught from open waters Fig. 6. Cultured GIFT tilapia

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 Laxmappa

Fig. 7. Cultured pangas catfish from the pond Fig. 8. Harvest of cultured Pangas catf ish and
Pacu fish

Fig. 9. Mosombique tilapia caught from open waters Fig. 10. Nile tilapia caught from open waters

Fig. 11. Sail-fin catfish caught from open waters Fig. 12. Cultured grass carp

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 Exotic f ish species in aquaculture and aquatic ecosystem in Telangana

Fig. 13. Cultured common carp Fig. 14. Pangas catfish harvesting from Cage culture

IMPACT OF EXOTIC FISH SPECIES doing this illegal activity secretly and exporting
The use of exotic species for f isheries and this produce to neighboring states in the country.
aquaculture diversif ication has been practiced Carps culturists are also getting these African cat
since the middle of the 19th century. Although f ish species in their tanks at the time of
many such introductions have been successful, harvesting. However, formers are unaware of the
others have resulted in highly publicized failure, adverse implications of this catf ish on the
generating controversy over protection of native ecology.
biodiversity, spread of pathogens and disease.
However, the introduction and transfer of exotic CONCLUSIONS
species and breeds for aquaculture of exotic Although aquaculture of C. gariepinus is banned
species and breeds for aquaculture purposes may in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, vide GO. Ms.
be done with extreme caution as it can change or No: 54, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development
impoverish the biodiversity and genetic resources and Fisheries (Fish-II) Dept. dated 04.10.2005,
through interbreeding, competition for food, some aqua-culturists have taken little
habitat destruction and through transmission of consideration for such bans and continue rearing
diseases. this catf ish. It is widely believed that the
The little or no management measures taken by popularity for African catf ish aquaculture is due
farmers especially in preventing escape of pond to the simplicity in their rearing, fast growth and
reared individuals has now resulted in the species acceptability of cheap feed, such as
being distributed in many natural water bodies slaughterhouse and chicken waste. The low
of the state. C. gariepinus is now being operational costs and high prof its derived from
increasingly caught from Srisailam backwaters Af rican catf ish farming have led to
and PJP canal fed irrigational tanks in the state intensif ication of production.
(Laxmappa et al, 2015b; Mahender et al., 2015). Low culture management practice, tolerance of
African catf ish escaped from rearing ponds in a harsh environment, acceptability of a variety
the area and got established in the larger village of feed, including slaughterhouse wastes, and fast
tanks also subsequently wiping out the growth mean that farmers have begun to culture
indigenous species like snakeheads (murrels), it in small pits and cement cisterns as well as in
local catf ishes, etc. large ponds in India. Considering the threats
Since last decade, the State Departmental posed by African catf ish, the Ministry of
off icials have been conducting raids, destroying Agriculture, Government of India, ordered killing
the African catf ish stocks and f iling the cases of this alien catf ish en masse and has imposed a
against culturists. But still some of the farmers ban on its culture. However, it is still bred and

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 Laxmappa

cultured even today in different parts of the Laxmappa, B., Nagaraju, C. and Sreedhar Sharma, M.
country. 2015c. Impact study of the feral population of
In view of the adverse environmental, Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) on growth of
socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts, there is Indian Major Carp in Veeranna tank of Tatikonda
V illage in Mahabubnagar District, Telangana,
an urgent need to regulate the illegal entry of
India. International Journal of F isheries and
alien species into the states including India. Aquatic Studies, 3(1): 93-96.
There is a pressing need to follow scientif ically Laxmappa, B. and Srinivas, D. 2016: Status of alien fish
sound methods and approaches in the f ield of species farming and its implications in Telangana
risk assessment for alien species so as to pick only and Andhra Pradesh, India. Aqua Tech, 15 (3): 75-
safe and prof itable species of aquaculture. 78.
Mahender, J., Laxmappa, B., Ravinder Rao Bakshi and
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