The ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), Chennai, organized a three-day hands-on training programme on brackishwater ornamental fish breeding and culture from 18th to 20th March 2026 at its Muttukadu Experimental Station. The programme was conducted under the ICAR-funded “All India Network Project on Ornamental Fish Breeding and Culture.” Fifteen (15) participants, including researchers, students, farmers, and hobbyists, attended the training programme.
While inaugurating the training Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA, highlighted the importance of brackishwater ornamental fishes and their potential. Dr. M. Kailasam, Head of the Fish Culture Division at ICAR-CIBA, emphasized the significance of such training programmes in promoting ornamental fisheries. He also released a comprehensive training manual which provides detailed technical guidance on broodstock management, breeding protocols, larval rearing techniques, hatchery practices, water quality management, feed, and health management.
The training sessions covered a wide range of topics, including recent advances in brackishwater finfish aquaculture, ornamental fish resources of India, biology and reproductive characteristics, captive broodstock development, breeding and larval rearing protocols, live feed production and enrichment, nutrition and formulated feeds, hatchery system design, water quality and environmental management, health management strategies, and hapa-based nursery production models for coastal livelihood support. Practical demonstrations enabled participants to gain hands-on experience in hatchery operations and seed production techniques.
The training programme was coordinated by Dr. Dani Thomas, Scientist, and Dr. Sandeep K. P., Senior Scientist, of the Fish Culture Division, ICAR-CIBA. Dr. R. Jayakumar, Officer-in-Charge of the Muttukadu Experimental Station, were also present during the programme.
