Importance Of Aquaculture In Bangladesh

2.1 Aquaculture in Bangladesh

Aquaculture adds more than 50% of the total inland fish production (capture and culture) signifying the importance of aquaculture in Bangladesh (DoF 2008). The socioeconomic benefits derived from aquaculture development include the provision of nutrients, employment opportunities for both urban and rural people, generation of foreign exchange earnings and diversification of production (Hossain, 2009). About 80% of the total freshwater aquaculture production in extensive and semi-intensive system of Bangladesh account carps polyculture (Ahmed 2005). The lingering 20% is mostly from tilapia, pangasius, small indigenous species (SIS) of fish and rice-fish farming (Muir 2003).

2.2 Crap fisheries

Aquaculture of Bangladesh

Figure: Catla catla

2.2.2.2 Geographical range

Catla (Catla catla) is a species of fish of the carp family, endemic to the river system in northern India, Indus plain and adjoining hills of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. The species has also been introduced elsewhere, including Sri Lanka, Israel, Japan, and Mauritius (FAO Fishery Statistics, 2006). Figure: Main producer countries of Catla catla (FAO Fishery Statistics, 2006).

2.2.2.3 Habit and habitat

Catla is endemic to the riverine system in northern India, and adjoining hills of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar and Nepal, and has been introduced later into almost all riverine systems and reservoirs all over India. Catla appears to be governed by temperature dependency rather than latitude and longitude in their natural distribution. The minimum tolerance temperature limit is approximately 14 °C.

2.2.3. Mrigal (Cirrhinus

It is a popular carp fish in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, the Lao People 's Democratic Republic, Thailand and Nepal. Mrigal has been also introduced into China, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Mauritius, Japan, Philippines and the former USSR. Figure: Main producer countries of Cirrhinus cirrhosus (FAO Fishery Statistics, 2006).

2.2.3.3 Habit and habitat

Mrigal is the benthopelagic and potamodromous plankton feeder. It inhabits fast flowing streams and rivers, but can tolerate high levels of salinity. Spawning occurs in marginal areas of the water bodies with a depth of 50 to over a sand or clay substrate. A 6 kg female can lay a million eggs. This fish has a rapid growth rate; by the age of two individuals can reach a length of 60 cm and can weigh as much as 2 kg.

2.2.4 Carfu (Cyprinus carpio)

Among all the exotic fishes introduced into Bangladesh common carp is the most important fish that is being extensively cultured throughout the country. It is also known as Carfu (Cyprinus carpio) and was first introduced into Bangladesh by the Bangladesh Department of Fisheries (DoF) in 1960 from China and then in 1995 from Vietnam (Rahman, 2005; Hussain, 1997).

2.2.4.1 Taxonomic