Endangered fishes find new home at Aquarium
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11 2012:
A number of endangered indigenous fish species are being preserved at the Manipur Science Aquarium located in a corner of the DM College campus.
While spotting or purchasing many indigenous fish species including Nganap (local name) at the market place has become almost impossible, at least 36 endangered indigenous fishes of Manipur are being put up for display as well as research at the Manipur Science Aquarium, presently located at the DMC Commerce Boys' Hostel complex.
These fishes are among a total of 545 fishes from 24 species, informed the Aquarium's Fishery Officer Laishram Nilakumar.
It is said that the Aquarium established on March 13, 2011, is planning to rear the endangered indigenous fish species to preserve them with the only impediment being scarcity of fund.
While Nganap species is considered to be an essential part of marriage ceremony of the majority Meitei community only on rare occasion could the same be found or purchased from the market.
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Stating that total vanishing of the fish variety would mean the Meitei people losing one of its traditions, Nilakumar confided that the Aquarium is keen to preserve the tradition and is taking utmost care of 25 Nganap fishes in the aquarium.
further informing that out of the total of 545 fishes in the aquarium 264 have been imported, he said indigenous fish species could be groomed as ornamental fishes for they are equally attractive like the imported ones.
Listing food habit and prevention of diseases as the most important aspects for successful maintenance of the aquarium, he also confided that the imported species cost in between Rs 50-60 to Rs 5000-6000 for each pair.
With regard to fund paucity, Nilakumar said that the Aquarium is being run under the Manipur Science and Technology Council as there is no separate budgetary allowance.
Informing that most of the visitors are science students and research scholars, he conveyed that the Aquarium remains open for public viewing between 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Apart from admiring beauty of the ornamental fishes, the Aquarium has subject experts who brief the visitors on diverse aspects of the aquarium and the fishes being reared.