From being a much sought-after delicacy found in abundance in the Godavari and Krishna rivers, to figuring in the global IUCN Red List of threatened species, the fringed-lipped carp (Labeo fimbriatus) has been hunted almost to extinction, thanks to unscientific overharvesting.

A serious effort is hence being made by the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board to revive the once-popular fish species by introducing fingerlings this monsoon, to start with, in the Godavari river system in Adilabad district.

“Till recently, this tropical freshwater fish was available in plenty in the two main rivers of Andhra Pradesh, but these days many aren't found, mainly owing to overharvesting. We are making an attempt to pull them from the brink of extinction,” R. Hampaiah, chairman of the Board, told The Hindu.

Feeding habits

The 91-cm-long, ray-finned, fringed-lipped carp is usually found in rivers above tidal reaches. Mainly herbivorous, it is a bottom feeder, and feeds on diatoms, blue-green and green algae, higher aquatic plants, insects and detritus.

Spawning occurs during the southwest monsoon in the Western Ghats, and experts estimate the range of fecundity of this fish from 64800 to 526000, in a range of 336-740 mm. Maturation and breeding is confined to the upper part of the river. “Fingerlings are being introduced, taking into consideration all these aspects,” Dr. Hampaiah said......Read More

Source: The Hindu