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Aqua show draws Kochi's fish lovers
by Juhan Samuel

    Kochi: Motivated by the growing national and international trade in ornamental fish, the Government of Kerala is trying to promote the potentiality of ornamental fish-farming. Promotionals of ornamental fish-farming are being showcased at the International Aqua Show in Kochi. Organised by the State fisheries department to tap the growing export potential of the ornamental fisheries sector, the week- long show is showcasing colourful fish of various varieties from across the country including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, Lakshadweep and West Bengal. The aqua show also has some exhibits from Sri Lanka, Dubai, Maldives and Taiwan. Surendran P.P, a pisciculturist, said that the aim of the show was chiefly to popularise the ornamental fish industry. "The purpose of conducting this kind of show is to generate enthusiasm among people and to develop the ornamental fish industry as a major occupation in the agriculture sector to cover employment, better returns to farmers," he said. The ornamental fish show has some of the rare and costly variety of marine and fresh water fish, along with aqua plants, aquariums, fish foods, medicines, heaters and illuminators. Visitors are mesmerised to watch the Goldfish, Angelfish, Gouramines, Loaches, Swordtails and Guppies. The Aqua show concludes today.

      Indian waters are considered the goldmine of ornamental fish resources with more than 200 indigenous species and an equal number of exotic varieties available in plenty. On a global level, India ranks one among the top few countries with maximum ornamental fish reserves. Andaman-Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep islands, the southeast and southwest coastal areas are all rich in ornamental marine varieties. Of the 600 varieties of fishes found in and around Lakshadweep islands, 300 belong to ornamental category. In Kerala, coastal areas from Cochin to Vizhinjam are the rich mines of several attractive species of ornamental category. According to a study conducted by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the global ornamental fish market is worth about 4.5 billion dollars. Asian countries including Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Mali, Hong Kong and Thailand together have 60 per cent share in the world market. Despite its extensive coastline and diverse climatic conditions, India is conspicuous by its absence among the list of major exporters of ornamental fish.
-Feb 7, 2006

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