By Muhammad Luqman
The aquaculture scientists of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) have successfully bred the Channa marulius (saol) fish through induced breeding by injecting synthetic hormones to experimental fish in captivity.
Channa is a group of freshwater fish and more popularly known as snakehead Murrels due to its head resemblance to that of a snake. The distribution of this group is widespread in the tropics and originates from Africa, South East Asia and East Asia.
The experiment carried out at the Fish Biodiversity Hatchery, Chashma in Punjab’s western district of Mianwali has been carried out with the help of Punjab Fisheries department.
Chairman Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Dr Noor Khan from UVAS and Deputy Director/Team Leader Chashma Fish Biodiversity Hatchery Malik Muhammad Ramzan led the trial. Both the scientists had earlier gone to Thailand for one month training learn techniques of Channa species breeding and weaning.
Saol (Channa marulius, has a commercial value due to great demand by fish meat lovers in Pakistan. It has the ability to survive in waters with low dissolved oxygen. Three populations (Indus, Indian and Thailand) appear isolated and significant difference between Indus and Indian population has appeared in characters.
