while the Kerala Fish Seed Bill, 2014 demands strict quarantine measures for introduction of any non-native fish into the state. A new family of bony freshwater fish has been discovered from paddy fields of Kerala. “There is no clear cut policy to handle invasive species in India, not to speak about a dedicated institution to foresee invasive species management, despite being part of international commitments such as the Convention on Biological Diversity,” he adds. At OLX you can find Fishes & Aquarium accessories and services in Kerala. “No new licenses should be given to farms for importing alien species,” he added. The fish probably escaped from aquaculture facilities during the floods, and are now ‘fugitives’ in the natural ecosystem, claim researchers. Freshwater fish are fish that spend some or all of their lives in fresh water, such as rivers and lakes, with a salinity of less than 0.05%. The largest ever recorded was 15 ft. long, but because of overfishing it is highly unlikely to encounter individuals longer than 6 ft. in the wild. Nevertheless, lack of mechan-isms for implementing and enforcing these provisions facilitates the illegal farming of top predators like arapaima and alligator gar in Kerala… Image credit: Smrithy Raj. While existing laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986 have included provisions for managing invasive species as do some prevailing quarantine acts, there is no national policy to deal with these species, pointed out Kumar. Arapaima introductions in some American countries have caused a decline in native species, which in turn has affected local fisher livelihoods. 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Arjun (of Thiruvananthapuram’s Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management) and Unmesh Katwate and Rajeev Raghavan (of Kochi’s Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies – KUFOS) – also obtained information on the presence of the alligator gar, another fish never recorded in Kerala’s waters before. Nevertheless, lack of mechan-isms for implementing and enforcing these provisions facilitates the illegal farming of top predators like arapaima and alligator gar in Kerala… It was September 7, barely a month after the floods of 2018 had wrecked large parts of Kerala. In their opinion note in Current Science, Kumar and his colleagues point out that this is in conflict with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (which specify controlling and eradicating alien species as well as sustainable management of aquaculture, among others) that India has agreed to ratify as well. But now they are raised for us on a famous fish farm and are found living in aquariums all over the world. They also feature large scales. “Whether the species could turn invasive would depend on the number of breeding pairs that entered Kerala’s water bodies,” agreed Kumar. But though neither of the fish seems to have established “sustaining populations” in any of these river systems, their presence here is still a cause for concern, claims Kumar, professor and head of the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries at the University of Kerala. Tank-raised so they are much more tolerable of water conditions compared to specimens imported. Additionally, arapaimas are air-breathers, a feature that could help them survive even in polluted habitats. They are torpedo-like in shape, with narrow heads and long bodies. The arapaima fish, native to the Amazon River basin, can weigh as much as 400 pounds (180 kilograms). It can weigh up to 200 kg and grow to 9 feet," said Dileep. Like the arapaima, the gar too is alien: its native habitats are the freshwater lakes of North America. Arjun (of Thiruvananthapuram’s Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management) and Unmesh Katwate and Rajeev Raghavan (of Kochi’s Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies – KUFOS) – also obtained information on the presence of the alligator gar, another fish never recorded in Kerala’s waters before. Trade in both the species is barred in India. But not all exotic species become invasive, cautions Nachiket Kelkar from the Ashoka Trust for Research, Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in Bengaluru, who has studied fish communities in the Western Ghats and north India. Similarly, there is a huge demand for arapaima and alligator gar among fish hobbyists but these fish quickly outgrow their aquariums and owners often release these fish in the wild, said Raghavan. Panorama. Several fish introduced legally in India for aquaculture such as tilapia are thriving in many water bodies across the country. Arapaima is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, endemic to the Amazon in South America and the alligator gar is from the freshwater lakes of North America. Also find here related product comparison | ID: 20067869648 Near the end of its body it has orange or red speckled scales. Arapaima which is one of the rare fishes species that can breathe air from the atmosphere. Arapaima gigas. With the floods that have once again occurred in some parts of Kerala over the past few days, there is indeed a chance that exotics held in captive facilities have moved into nearby natural waters once again, according to Raghavan. The Arapaima is also known as the Pirarucu and originates from the Amazon Basin in South America. “Once it does, we can get information on new occurrence records again.”. The Arapaima Fish is shaped like a torpedo. Like the arapaima, the gar too is alien: its native habitats are the freshwater lakes of North America. After the floods, an Arapaima of 65 kg, which was grown in a local farm as a tourist attraction, was caught from the Chalakudy river. Its current dimensions, as certified by the owner Dileep, are relatively modest when pitted against what the fish could attain in future. Feeding: Premium Fish Food Pellets is best to feed to Arapaima. OLX provides the best Free Online Classified Advertising in India. “No new licenses should be given to farms for importing alien species,” he added. Genetic tests revealed that it was the arapaima, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, endemic to the Amazon in South America. The arapaima is a river fish that appears in late summer.It was not present in Animal Forest, but appeared in subsequent games, and it will only appear between the hours of 4pm and 9am.Its rarity attributes to its sell price of 10,000 Bells.Its shadow size is huge, and likewise it is the largest river fish. * The arapaima fish from Amazon can grow to gain 200 kg, while alligator gar of the US can weigh 137 kg. At OLX you can find Fishes & Aquarium accessories and services in Kerala. ... One of them show his encounter with an Arapaima … Featured Today 11-28-2020. Pair 15000rs only. “There are at least three native fish species endemic to Periyar Lake and the rising catfish populations could affect them.”. Size is about 5 inches roughly. The fish can measure up to three metres in length and could put the native fish species at risk. Genetic tests revealed that it was the arapaima, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, endemic to the Amazon in South America. And the team recorded only six arapaima and gar in total: a number that seems barely enough to ‘threaten’ river systems. Both species are also top predators in their native habitats, feeding on smaller fish (which puts Kerala’s small native species at risk). Find here details of companies selling Aquarium Fish in Thrissur, Kerala. Kothamangalam (Ernakulam): A giant fish that weighs more than 100 kg and has a length of 6.75 feet has drawn crowd to the fish farm in Nadukani. The panoramic view of the monsoon clouds over the Chalakudy River. But unless we know the numbers of these aliens in our river systems or their reproductive status, it would be impossible to make predictions, he added. Their bodies are black and they have reddish markings on them. Trade in both the species is barred in India. It measured six feet long and weighed a whopping 41 kilograms. 1Up In The House | Final Circle 1v3 by MorTaL OP? Find the best Fishing price! Dwelling from the Amazonian basins of South America, these bonytongues can reach a length of up to three metres and weigh upwards of450 pounds.. Arapaimas are important food fish in South America.Therefore, several farms breed them in large quantities. Calling the 2018 floods one of the most “significant threats” to Kerala’s fish diversity, the team adds that the presence of alien arapaima (Arapaima gigas) and alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) here is a serious concern for several reasons. The Kerala floods have brought, among other things, a number of predatory non-native fish breeds in the waters of the state. But though neither of the fish seems to have established “sustaining populations” in any of these river systems, their presence here is still a cause for concern, claims Kumar, professor and head of the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries at the University of Kerala. Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, National Bureau of Fish Genetics Resources, Ashoka Trust for Research, Ecology and the Environment, using environmental DNA (e-DNA) to detect invasive fish, You may republish Mongabay content in your publication at no cost. Fishing for sale in Kerala. Arapaima - Buy Fish at best price of Rs 10000/piece from Thaikkattil Farm. Several fish introduced legally in India for aquaculture such as tilapia are thriving in many water bodies across the country. Some species may need to be addressed specifically. Both survive on small fish. The presence of these alien fish – which are being farmed illegally in the state – could bode ill for Kerala’s native fish diversity, claim the scientists. Arapaima (L) and alligator gar (R), two alien fish species found in Kerala’s rivers after the 2018 floods. WhatsApp photographs of the unusual fish brought Smrithy Raj, a doctoral researcher studying fishes at Thiruvananthapuram’s University of Kerala, to the spot in a couple of days. Fl… Though life was far from normal in Thrissur’s coastal Kodungalloor, 48-year-old Jaison Kallarackal was at his Chinese fishing net at dusk to land the day’s catch. Environment Of Arapaima Arapaima resides between 5°-11° North-South latitude in Northern South-America, in countries such as … Arapaima introductions in some American countries have caused a decline in native species, which in turn has affected local fisher livelihoods. Call 1-877-367-4377 to order! Rajapalayam dog puppies for sale in Thrissur, Kerala ... Arapaima Gigas Fish Babies 9 Inch For Sale 20 Jan, 2020 – 20 Mar, 2020. The team plans to begin this work once again from next week to obtain more information on alien fish species that this year’s floods may have released into Kerala’s water systems. At the state level, multiple government departments such as revenue, fisheries and district administrations would have to come together along with research institutes, the forest department and local authorities to implement management interventions, said Basheer. Clear definitions of when a species is invasive in the real sense and causes ecosystem- and fisheries-level impacts are also crucial, he said. 90102. It belongs to the genus Arapaima. Show this code at the shop: View all. In their opinion note in Current Science, Kumar and his colleagues point out that this is in conflict with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (which specify controlling and eradicating alien species as well as sustainable management of aquaculture, among others) that India has agreed to ratify as well. Arapaima gigas Fish Babies 9 Inch size Available for sale. However, there are no studies on the actual impacts these species could have on freshwater systems in India. Image credit: Biju Kumar. he Chinese fishing net in Kodungalloor, Kerala, where Jaison Kallarackal caught the arapaima. “But the flood situation is still grim and fishing in rivers has not resumed,” he says. But this diversity is at risk due to ‘fugitive’ fish such as the arapaima and gar that escaped from aquaculture facilities and farms during the floods, claim the authors. Smaller sized pellets when young, and larger sized pellets when bigger, is the ideal food for these fish. Alligator gar in Kerala’s waters could indeed be a potential concern because the species is primarily carnivorous and can feed on native fish, said V. S. Basheer, principal scientist at Kochi’s National Bureau of Fish Genetics Resources (NBFGR). ‘Tankbusters’ – fish that are capable of outgrowing most domestic aquaria — are a problem too. * Both arapaima and alligator gar have been found in the Periyar and Chalakudy rivers, posing major risk to small fish. It was 7 September, barely a month after the floods of 2018 had wrecked large parts of Kerala. Sergio Ricardo de Oliveira. The government should also audit fish farms to see what alien species they are stocking, and make it compulsory for farms to declare these species and their numbers, said Raghavan. “For the police and customs staff checking on biological quarantines, fish are fish. The government should also audit fish farms to see what alien species they are stocking, and make it compulsory for farms to declare these species and their numbers, said Raghavan. Additionally, arapaimas are air-breathers, a feature that could help them survive even in polluted habitats. In Brazil, they are known as \"pirarucu,\" a word from the Tupi language, which translates roughly as \"red fish.\" In Peru, they are known … Also find here related product comparison | ID: 20067869648 While alligator gar can measure up to three metres in length, arapaima is five metres long and weigh up to a whopping 200 kg. Photos from Biju Kumar. The team plans to begin this work once again from next week to obtain more information on alien fish species that this year’s floods may have released into Kerala’s water systems. The head of the arapaima is copperish-green in color, their bodies are black with a white center and their tails are red. “There are at least three native fish species endemic to Periyar Lake and the rising catfish populations could affect them.”. Their large scales are tough for predators to break through. Arapaima (L) and alligator gar (R), two alien fish species found in Kerala’s rivers after the 2018 floods. WhatsApp photographs of the unusual fish brought Smrithy Raj, a doctoral researcher studying fishes at Thiruvananthapuram’s University of Kerala, to the spot in a couple of days. New Arrivals. This fish was featured in the first episode of Jungle Hooks made in 2002, where Jeremy Wade attempted to catch this fish on camera. Arapaima (L) and alligator gar (R), two alien fish species found in Kerala’s rivers after the 2018 floods. For instance, in the case of the African catfish, identifying “recruitment areas” from where invasive fish fingerlings could be dispersing to other connected habitats such as swamps and wetlands (habitats with standing vegetation and slush where the catfish thrives very well and breeds) could be important, added Basheer. Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Arapaima gigas is a large Amazonian fish (weighing up to 150 kg) living primarily in seasonal lakes infested with ferocious piranhas. while the Kerala Fish Seed Bill, 2014 demands strict quarantine measures for introduction of any non-native fish into the state. Find the best Fishing price! Arapaima is a non-migratory fish and it’s stationary in the Amazon River; the Arapaima hunts and swims within a 100km radius of its birth location. The arapaima is the largest freshwater fish. Antony bought the fish from a Thrissur native 7 years ago. Image credit: Smrithy Raj. “These are hardy species and our water bodies are ecologically suitable for them to establish good populations,” he wrote in an email. And the team recorded only six arapaima and gar in total: a number that seems barely enough to ‘threaten’ river systems. Other invasives include the guppy and mosquitofish (legally introduced to control mosquito populations). “These are hardy species and our water bodies are ecologically suitable for them to establish good populations,” he wrote in an email. Both survive on small fish. While tiny swordtails and the giant gourami (both ‘fugitives’ of the ornamental fish industry) have established themselves in some rivers and streams of Kerala but are not invasive, the same cannot be said of the African catfish Clarius gariepinus. A man displays an alligator gar caught from a river in Kerala. Considered one among the largest fresh water fishes, Arapaima also comes with a monstrous price tag at Rs 5 lakh. “To be billed as an invasive, the species must proliferate to unnatural abundances in the habitats where they get naturalised, and also outcompete other species,” he wrote in an email. Arapaima (L) and alligator gar (R), two alien fish species found in Kerala’s rivers after the 2018 floods. As he began to haul the net up, he realised that it was unusually heavy; something large was wriggling in the net, causing it to shake. In their communication in the journal Current Science in May this year, the team call for an urgent nationwide scheme to eradicate such alien fish species. https://india.mongabay.com/2019/08/enormous-alien-fish-spot Arapaima is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, endemic to the Amazon in South America and the alligator gar is from the freshwater lakes of North America. Mongabay Series: Conserving Agro-biodiversity. The arapaima and gar are dedicated parents too: their active care of their young increases the survival of their broods. Kerala’s river systems, which the authors study, are home to around 200 species of fish, 30 percent of which are endemic to the region. Physical removal of catfishes from these areas would also help counter the situation, he suggested; in Periyar, the NBFGR along with the Periyar Foundation has taken up a programme to remove African catfish from the lake by involving tribal fishermen, he said. “However, there is no data on this, as most of the farms that were growing these fish are illegal and no one has background information on the number of fish stocked in these ponds along these flood plains.”. There is a list of species that are prohibited from being imported into India, and the alligator gar does fall in this category, said Aneish P. Rajan, Kerala Joint Commissioner Customs (Preventive). It measured six feet long and weighed a whopping 41 kilograms. Temperature: Arapaima live best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal. It has a streamlined body with green-gray scales which can reach 2.36 in or 6 cm in length. Though life was far from normal in Thrissur’s coastal Kodungalloor, 48-year-old Jaison Kallarackal was at his Chinese fishing net at dusk to land the day’s catch. The illegally-introduced species is fast becoming a major concern in the state, says Basheer, who is part of an NBFGR project to study the impacts of exotic fish species in Indian waters, “Populations of African catfish are rapidly increasing in some waterbodies in Kerala, such as the Mattupetty, Aanayirangal and Periyar reservoirs of Idukki district,” he says. “For the police and customs staff checking on biological quarantines, fish are fish. There is a list of species that are prohibited from being imported into India, and the alligator gar does fall in this category, said Aneish P. Rajan, Kerala Joint Commissioner Customs (Preventive). This policy, coupled with both an extensive database of invasive species with information on their invasion biology and an awareness campaign, would help in gradually managing the issue of invasive species, suggests Kumar. With the floods that have once again occurred in some parts of Kerala over the past few days, there is indeed a chance that exotics held in captive facilities have moved into nearby natural waters once again, according to Raghavan. “This species could have a bigger chance to proliferate in Kerala’s freshwater habitats than the arapaima,” he says. While tiny swordtails and the giant gourami (both ‘fugitives’ of the ornamental fish industry) have established themselves in some rivers and streams of Kerala but are not invasive, the same cannot be said of the African catfish Clarius gariepinus. 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Kumar, who documented how ornamental exotic South American suckermouth armoured catfishes (genus Pterygoplichthys) were invading the drain networks of Thiruvananthapuram city in a study in 2015, found that traders and aquarium hobbyists were releasing these fish into drains when they grew too large for their aquariums or tanks. Kerala does of course have its share of naturalised exotics and invasives. Mongabay-India is a conservation and environment news and features service that aims to bring high quality, original reports from nature’s frontline in India. So are many illegally-introduced species (such as the red-bellied pacu and African catfish), which do not figure in the list of 92 species permitted to be imported into the country as per the guidelines laid down by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. When a final heave raised the net slightly above water, Kallarackal could not believe his eyes. Comments: These are fabulous looking fish, with unique characteristics. It is the largest freshwater invasive fish found in Kerala. The Arapaima is a very large fish that dwells in the Amazon river basin. The freshwater giant has … They have a large and wide mouth with a toothed tongue which is a characteristic of the osteoglossiformes order. Origin: The ancestors of our Arapaima lived in South America and were wild fish. Physical removal of catfishes from these areas would also help counter the situation, he suggested; in Periyar, the NBFGR along with the Periyar Foundation has taken up a programme to remove African catfish from the lake by involving tribal fishermen, he said. “Once it does, we can get information on new occurrence records again.”. At the state level, multiple government departments such as revenue, fisheries and district administrations would have to come together along with research institutes, the forest department and local authorities to implement management interventions, said Basheer. 1Up Reviews | Cyberpunk 2088 Finally On Mobile. Kumar, who documented how ornamental exotic South American suckermouth armoured catfishes (genus Pterygoplichthys) were invading the drain networks of Thiruvananthapuram city in a study in 2015, found that traders and aquarium hobbyists were releasing these fish into drains when they grew too large for their aquariums or tanks. around the world. Photo from Smrithy Raj. But this diversity is at risk due to ‘fugitive’ fish such as the arapaima and gar that escaped from aquaculture facilities … "Arapaima is the star of our show. Fishing for sale in Kerala. “To be billed as an invasive, the species must proliferate to unnatural abundances in the habitats where they get naturalised, and also outcompete other species,” he wrote in an email. ‘Tankbusters’ – fish that are capable of outgrowing most domestic aquaria — are a problem too. Similarly, there is a huge demand for arapaima and alligator gar among fish hobbyists but these fish quickly outgrow their aquariums and owners often release these fish in the wild, said Raghavan. Other invasives include the guppy and mosquitofish (legally introduced to control mosquito populations). Arapaima is a large fish which is native to the Amazon River in Brazil. 1Up In The House | Team24 takes another Chicken Dinner? Create the perfect underwater community with our selection of Discus and Koi Carp Fish. The arapaima is a river fish that appears in late summer.It was not present in Animal Forest, but appeared in subsequent games, and it will only appear between the hours of 4pm and 9am.Its rarity attributes to its sell price of 10,000 Bells.Its shadow size is huge, and likewise it is the largest river fish. Best fish to eat in Kerala, famous fish dishes in Kerala. Featured Today 11-28-2020. But unless we know the numbers of these aliens in our river systems or their reproductive status, it would be impossible to make predictions, he added. For instance, in the case of the African catfish, identifying “recruitment areas” from where invasive fish fingerlings could be dispersing to other connected habitats such as swamps and wetlands (habitats with standing vegetation and slush where the catfish thrives very well and breeds) could be important, added Basheer. Name: Arapaima(pirarucu) Species: Arapaima arapaima Thai name: Pla tjon Amazon Biggest known fish: 600LB lake rod caught record: 560lb Average weight: 180lb Diet: Fish, boilie, pellet, frogs, small animals, reptiles and birds. In their communication in the journal Current Science in May this year, the team call for an urgent nationwide scheme to eradicate such alien fish species. It is also known Pirarucu, after the son of the tribal chief who disobeyed gods. “The customs handle violations that occur at the frontiers such as seaports and airports and there have been recent instances of seizing some prohibited fish species too,” he said. Arapaima - Buy Fish at best price of Rs 10000/piece from Thaikkattil Farm. “However, there is no data on this, as most of the farms that were growing these fish are illegal and no one has background information on the number of fish stocked in these ponds along these flood plains.”. Alligator gar in Kerala’s waters could indeed be a potential concern because the species is primarily carnivorous and can feed on native fish, said V. S. Basheer, principal scientist at Kochi’s National Bureau of Fish Genetics Resources (NBFGR). The fish is called Arapaima gigas and is commonly found in Amazon river. The arapaima and gar are dedicated parents too: their active care of their young increases the survival of their broods. Testimonials. Episode 5 – Radhika Apte - Her Moods, Her Make-up and Her Movies, Best Camera Phones Between 10000 To 20000, Best Android Phones Between 10000 to 20000. The team called for an urgent need to develop and implement a nationwide ‘alien species management and eradication scheme’. There are news reports of alligator gar sightings from waterbodies in the states of Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Clear definitions of when a species is invasive in the real sense and causes ecosystem- and fisheries-level impacts are also crucial, he said. Kerala’s flood ‘fugitives’ Arapaima is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, endemic to the Amazon in South America and the alligator gar is from the freshwater lakes of North America. After a month’s such work of analysing news reports, social media photographs and videos of ‘strange’ fish caught after the 2018 floods, and re-confirming sightings with local fishermen and fish vendors, the team – of A. Biju Kumar (University of Kerala), Raj, C.P. But not all exotic species become invasive, cautions Nachiket Kelkar from the Ashoka Trust for Research, Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in Bengaluru, who has studied fish communities in the Western Ghats and north India. Some species may need to be addressed specifically. A change in perspective could be key too. It is also known to be a vicious predator. But the larger problem of aliens turning invasive is not restricted to Kerala’s waters alone. Kerala’s river systems, which the authors study, are home to around 200 species of fish, 30 percent of which are endemic to the region. OLX provides the best Free Online Classified Advertising in India. “Whether the species could turn invasive would depend on the number of breeding pairs that entered Kerala’s water bodies,” agreed Kumar. “The customs handle violations that occur at the frontiers such as seaports and airports and there have been recent instances of seizing some prohibited fish species too,” he said. But the larger problem of aliens turning invasive is not restricted to Kerala’s waters alone. While alligator gar can measure up to three metres in length, arapaima is five metres long and weigh up to a whopping 200 kg. * The arapaima fish from Amazon can grow to gain 200 kg, while alligator gar of the US can weigh 137 kg. It appears in Season 1 and Season 6 Episode 6 as well as Season 9 Episode 6, the Series Finale of River Monsters. Kerala does of course have its share of naturalised exotics and invasives. Squirming around at the base was a fish he had never seen before: flat-headed and sporting large scales tinted in pink and cream. His journey, however, was not in vain; he was able to procure a small piece of fish tissue from the head. A change in perspective could be key too. Image credit: Smrithy Raj. While existing laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986 have included provisions for managing invasive species as do some prevailing quarantine acts, there is no national policy to deal with these species, pointed out Kumar. Kerala has the largest number of these vloggers, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. As he began to haul the net up, he realised that it was unusually heavy; something large was wriggling in the net, causing it to shake. Aug. 14, 2014, 12:18 AM UTC / Source: Live Science. The Arapaima or Paicheis one of the largest species of freshwater fishes. There are news reports of alligator gar sightings from waterbodies in the states of Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Very rare to see this awesome monster fish in the hobby! Kerala’s flood ‘fugitives’ Kerala’s river systems, which the authors study, are home to around 200 species of fish, 30 percent of which are endemic to the region. But this diversity is at risk due to ‘fugitive’ fish such as the arapaima and gar that escaped from aquaculture facilities … Calling the 2018 floods one of the most “significant threats” to Kerala’s fish diversity, the team adds that the presence of alien arapaima (Arapaima gigas) and alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) here is a serious concern for several reasons. Squirming around at the base was a fish he had never seen before: flat-headed and sporting large scales tinted in pink and cream. There are no previous records of Arapaima being spotted in a waterbody anywhere in India. But this diversity is at risk due to ‘fugitive’ fish such as the arapaima and gar that escaped from aquaculture facilities and farms during the floods, claim the authors. London: Reports indicate that the arapaima, a giant species of fish that lurks in the Amazon river, may be threatened by overfishing. Kerala’s flood ‘fugitives’ Kerala’s river systems, which the authors study, are home to around 200 species of fish, 30 percent of which are endemic to the region. The locals believe that because of this reason, Arapaimas are one of the most aggressive fishes in the world. Pothanikkad native George Antony grew this giant fish in his farm. Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters. Banner image: An alligator gar caught from a river in Kerala after the 2018 floods. Arapaima have broad, bony heads, upturned mouths and streamlined bodies with a dorsal fin stretching along their backs toward their tails, which are massive, yet stumpy in appearance. This has to change, as we try to control truly invasive populations,” added Kelkar. * Both arapaima and alligator gar have been found in the Periyar and Chalakudy rivers, posing major risk to small fish. An alligator gar caught from a river in Kerala after the 2018 floods. Firstpost - All Rights Reserved. The presence of these alien fish – which are being farmed illegally in the state – could bode ill for Kerala’s native fish diversity, claim the scientists. Their dorsal and anal fins are located far back on the body, giving the posterior end of the animal a large, flattened appearance. Chalakudy River is the one of very few rivers of Kerala with relics of riparian vegetation in substantial level. Both alien species can grow to be enormous. CITES approved for export. Pet Shop Directory represents exclusively the directory or list of Pet Shops which include Pet Store, Pet Farms, Pet Suppliers, Pet Wholesalers etc. The mouth is turned upwards which helps with feeding as they consume food from the surface. Alligator gar too are formidable predators; they are piscivorous generalists with an affinity towards live fish, said Raghavan, an assistant professor at KUFOS. “This species could have a bigger chance to proliferate in Kerala’s freshwater habitats than the arapaima,” he says. The illegally-introduced species is fast becoming a major concern in the state, says Basheer, who is part of an NBFGR project to study the impacts of exotic fish species in Indian waters, “Populations of African catfish are rapidly increasing in some waterbodies in Kerala, such as the Mattupetty, Aanayirangal and Periyar reservoirs of Idukki district,” he says. These post-flood field surveys revealed that fishers had caught arapaima and gar from four flood-affected rivers in Kerala: the Periyar, Muvattupuzha, Kurumali and Chalakkudy. According to a report by BBC News, studies reveal that errors in the classification of the species could mean that it is being pushed closer to … This has to change, as we try to control truly invasive populations,” added Kelkar. Both alien species can grow to be enormous. Indeed, stronger quarantine laws to completely restrict any foreign fish species from deliberate introductions hereafter are important, agreed ATREE’s Kelkar. Their large scales are tough for predators to break through. “But the flood situation is still grim and fishing in rivers has not resumed,” he says. These post-flood field surveys revealed that fishers had caught arapaima and gar from four flood-affected rivers in Kerala: the Periyar, Muvattupuzha, Kurumali and Chalakkudy. Alligator gar too are formidable predators; they are piscivorous generalists with an affinity towards live fish, said Raghavan, an assistant professor at KUFOS. Read our story on using environmental DNA (e-DNA) to detect invasive fish. Maximum Size: In aquariums Arapaima can grow to be about 6' long, and sometimes larger if fed properly and if the water quality is good. Another new species spotted in Kerala's newly-calm waters is the Arapaima (pictured), a vicious predator of Brazilian origin known to survive out of water for a considerable amount of time. The fish, Arapaima, is often known as the fire-fish among locals. The team called for an urgent need to develop and implement a nationwide ‘alien species management and eradication scheme’. When a final heave raised the net slightly above water, Kallarackal could not believe his eyes. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison. His journey, however, was not in vain; he was able to procure a small piece of fish tissue from the head. Though these fish are capable of growing to great lengths, they rarely make it to their largest size. A couple of photos and videos making rounds on social media suggest that an Arapaima, a genus native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins of South America was caught by some locals from the Chalakudy river in Thrissur District. But all he saw of the fish was its severed head: it had already been sold in the market. Indeed, stronger quarantine laws to completely restrict any foreign fish species from deliberate introductions hereafter are important, agreed ATREE’s Kelkar. “There is no clear cut policy to handle invasive species in India, not to speak about a dedicated institution to foresee invasive species management, despite being part of international commitments such as the Convention on Biological Diversity,” he adds. So are many illegally-introduced species (such as the red-bellied pacu and African catfish), which do not figure in the list of 92 species permitted to be imported into the country as per the guidelines laid down by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. Both species are also top predators in their native habitats, feeding on smaller fish (which puts Kerala’s small native species at risk). After a month’s such work of analysing news reports, social media photographs and videos of ‘strange’ fish caught after the 2018 floods, and re-confirming sightings with local fishermen and fish vendors, the team – of A. Biju Kumar (University of Kerala), Raj, C.P. This policy, coupled with both an extensive database of invasive species with information on their invasion biology and an awareness campaign, would help in gradually managing the issue of invasive species, suggests Kumar. But all he saw of the fish was its severed head: it had already been sold in the market. 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