Ten years after efforts began in the State to save one of the most exotic fish species here through artificial breeding, hope is finally shining bright for Puntius denisonii, an ornamental fish popularly known as 'Miss Kerala.'A freshwater fish also known as the Red Line Torpedo Barb, 'Miss Kerala' was once endemic and largely exclusive to the running waters of the Achencoil, Bharathapuzha, Chaliyar and Periyar rivers. It was a major export revenue earner for the State in the ornamental fish export sector, with each of these beauties raking in at least Rs.1,500. However, the export spree and absence of efforts at conservation led to the fish turning an endangered species. Now, even as Kerala is struggling to artificially breed the Torpedo Barb, United Kingdom's Chester Zoo has successfully achieved the goal. Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia too are engaged in similar efforts. But according to K. Krishnakumar, Research Associate with the Bangalore-based Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), there is more hope for Kerala from the success of two Chennai-based fish lovers, Rabi Venkatesh and Murali. The duo bought a few 'Miss Kerala' fish from Kerala and after acclimatising them to Chennai, injected hormones and allowed them to breed in a tank specially made for the purpose. The result, Mr. Krishnakumar says, was 600 eggs in six hours. These were divided into two groups and in 15 days hundreds of 'Miss Kerala' progenies were swimming around in the tank. "Kerala could as well borrow the technique of these two, or get in touch with the Chester Zoo or other agencies who are engaged in attempts to artificially breed the fish. Otherwise, Kerala's prized possession and monopoly on the ornamental fish sector will be lost," he adds.
The Hindu, 16th October 2008
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