Catla fish, also known as Indian Major Carp, particularly in scientific terms as Catla catla, is one of the most significant representatives of freshwater fish preference, which is dominant in South Asia. The fish is widely manufactured worldwide in many countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. This fish that grows rapidly and feeds on the water is an asset in aquaculture, being reared due to its high market and nutritional values. The sustainability of fish farming and the increased incomes generated from it have caused Catla fish rearing to be a very popular activity among breeders and traders.
In the subsequent paragraphs, we will concentrate on the practicality of farming involving Catla fish. Factors such as the advantages a farmer gains from raising Catla fish, where to locate such a venture, the feed supplies, and possible problems are covered in these sections. These will provide a detailed account of the key aspects of starting and running a Catla farming business.
Why Do the Farmers Prefer the Catla for Aquaculture?
In the markets, Catla is also a liked fish due to its taste as well as nutrient values, notably a good source of high-grade protein with less fat content. Especially in traditional South Asian cuisines, the fish takes its place. Speaking on cultivation aspects, Birman Catla quickly grows well under sustainable climate conditions and may attain harvestable size within 8-12 months.
Apart from this, catla is considered a poly culture fish, as it is compatible with other freshwater fishes such as rohu (Labeo rohita) and mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala); it can be raised with them without any adverse effects on their growth performance. It goes without saying that recovery of pond usage and the yield gets better due to the compatibility of the fish catla, which is economically beneficial for farmers, both small and large-scale farming.
Perfect Conditions for Catla Farming
Catla can only be reared under certain environmental conditions to promote growth and health; these include the following:
Water quality and its importance in the Catla fish tank and its growth rate. Optimum growth of Catla fish is observed at a temperature of around 30 °C. High alkaline water of pH 8.5 to 9, and also the temperature should not be less than 15°C. Under such conditions, other physiological parameters should be within the normal range. Fish cultured in such conditions grow faster than those kept in such conditions, but a temperature reduction of at least 5°C is recommended for the marble strain. Deterioration of the water quality caused these abnormalities not to be present among the controls.
Feeding and Nutrition
Catla reaches the maximum feeding intensity at the surface of pond water, and a Norbotid is also an opposing feeder. It also boasts of vast quantities of plankton, especially the ones dominated by zooplankton.
In its natural habitat, it relies largely on a diet of plankton, but in intensive farming, most likely, some form of feeding will have to be employed to ensure maximum growth performance.
Good feeding practices ensure even faster growth rates, but also contribute to water quality maintenance as they minimise excess feed wastage.
Health Management and Disease Control
All aquaculture species, including Catla, are prone to several diseases that may easily occur, particularly under low water qualities, high stocking densities or high stress. Predominantly bacterial pathogens on the skin or gut infestation with ectoparasites have been indicated as common problems in cats. Also, mycosis affects the culture population of the fish.
Strategic measures towards disease prevention and control are as follows:
Optimum water temperature, pH and DO
Reliant brood resources and feeds
Moderate stocking density
And maintaining strict access control, ensuring that farm personnel are those authorised to access the farm site.e
The disease can be recognised through various symptoms like uncontrolled movements, dullness, and sores.
On prevention grounds, the fish farmer can also apply lime, potassium permanganate, etc.
Economic Analysis
Profitability in catla fish farming can be significant under correct/specifiable conditions. By and large, the cost side, as far as fish activities are concerned, is relatively low because things like pond operation, fingerlings, food and labour are cheaper compared to fish raising for other aquaculture species. Given the reduced incidence of disease, rapid growth, high survival rate, and increased market demand, cash margins in catla fish are highly favourable. Moreover, Catla associated with polyculture enhances productivity and produces more income per unit area.
Conclusion
It can be seen that catla fish farming indeed offers great opportunities for those fish farmers who wish to delve into or expand their knowledge in the applied science of aquaculture. Catla also promises great production success and commercial viability, considering its rapid growth that is amenable to polyculture growth and high demand for both the fish and especially freshwater fish. Success, however, requires the optimal supervision of feeding, stocking, water quality management and health performance. This demand is particularly pronounced in developed and developing countries as a result of the increasing requirement for animal-source protein at a lower cost. This realisation, therefore, promotes catla farming as a very dependable and lucrative form of business.
FAQs
1. How long does it take for Catla to be grown for market?
Under optimal conditions, Catla typically takes 8 to 10 months to reach a market size of around 1 to 1.5 kg. Growth may be affected by other factors.
2. Can Catla be grown as a single species, or does it need a companion species to grow with?
Catla can be grown as a single species, but it is most commonly grown in association with Mrigal and Rohu in polyculture systems. In order to achieve the maximum benefits of the ponds, such as reducing the total cost of the system and increasing the total output, the Polyculture system is most appropriate.
3. What sort of feed is most suitable for Catla nourished in concrete tanks?
Catla, being a surface feeder, requires natural foods, predominantly plankton. It is possible to feed the fish more often and further enhance production using 25-30% protein pellet feed or a mixture of rice bran and oil cakes.
4. Which diseases are the major threats to Catla fish, and how is their prevalence controlled in the fish farms?
Some examples of health challenges connected with Catla are the bacteria, fungus and parasite attacks. A few of these can certainly be avoided as long as water is kept clean, right feeding is done, and fish are always observed and kept healthy.
5. Is Catla farming a form of enterprise good for small-scale farmers?
Yes. The White carp is also suitable for this type of farming since all equipment available and services for cat la fish farming are usually minimal, but the advantages one can accrue from this undertaking are particularly due to the high investment that has been made in most cat la fish farming.
