Funded by: Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System (BAURES), Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Project Period: 2023-2025

BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT:

Coastal and marine fishes are one of the most important foods in human diet because of high nutritional quality of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) especially omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. In Bangladesh, native aquaculture species are prioritized above non-native ones due to their distinct flavor and excellent nutritional content. The wild fish populations of southern Bangladesh are facing severe threats due to climatic alterations (e.g. salinity intrusion) and several anthropogenic disturbances (e.g. Over-exploitation, habitat degradation etc.). Therefore, it has become a mandate to find out alternative culture techniques of these salt water species. Chitra is a very delicious fish having high market value and consumer demand to the people of rural and urban areas, contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which can prevent atherosclerosis and thrombosis. PUFA are important for nerve functions, blood clotting, brain health and muscle strength. Although, Chitra is abundant in the coastal areas of Bangladesh, but the demand for this fish is high, which often exceeds the supply. Thus, culture of this fish in freshwater ponds can help to meet the demand. Moreover, culturing saltwater fish species in freshwater ponds can help to conserve biodiversity by reducing the pressure on wild populations and can also provide significant economic benefits, such as increased exports and job creation in the aquaculture industry. The study will unlock the tactics of culture of Chitra in freshwater by using salt incorporated feed, that will deliver high growth performance and total production will be increased. If this fish can be cultured in freshwater, it will be available in all over the country and will help to fulfill the nutritional and animal protein demand.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:

a) Broad objective: A detailed understanding on the assessment of the efficacy of salt incorporated diets on the growth, body composition, feed utilization, plasma electrolytes, hematology and histology of internal organs of brackishwater Chitra (S. argus) to evaluate suitability of its culture in the freshwater system.

b) Specific objectives:

1. To assess the growth, body composition, feed utilization and plasma electrolytes of S. argus cultured in freshwater system;
2. To identify physiological stress response and recovery in S. argus exposed to freshwater treated with salt incorporated feed;
3. To optimize the dose of salt supplemented diet best suited to the growth of S. argus cultured in freshwater system; and
4. To evaluate suitability of incorporation of S. argus culture in freshwater system.