Present status of marine ornamental fish breeding and technology developed under captivity

Marine ornamental fishes plays an important role in the aquarium trade due to their attractive colouration and aesthetic beauty. As a result, the industry has been expanding rapidly in recent years and the global annual marine ornamental trade is estimated at US$ 200 – 330 million. Nearly 98% of the marine ornamental species marketed are wild collected mainly from coral reefs of tropical developing countries. About 85% of ornamental fish exported from India are from North Eastern Region. India is bestowed with vast marine ornamental resource and even though a good deal of collection of marine ornamentals is in vogue in many of the Indian reef areas, till date no marine ornamental fisheries policies have been formulated. It is time to develop an organized marine ornamental fishery in India by formulating proper policies and management measures to ensure its sustainability. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources can jointly develop a certification system on similar lines with the standards developed by the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC). Research made in this effect in C.M.F.R.I. has resulted in the development of hatchery technology for 20 species of marine ornamental fishes