Question

Which among the following fishes is relatively a new introduction in Indian freshwater aquaculture?

• A. Catla
• B. Tilapia
• C. Rohu
• D. Pangasius

Hint:

Pangasius (*Pangasianodon hypophthalmus*) was introduced to India in the late 1990s, making it a much more recent commercial species than Tilapia (introduced in 1952) or native carps.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Indian freshwater aquaculture has traditionally been dominated by native Indian Major Carps (IMC) like Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal.
Over the decades, exotic species have been introduced to diversify species selection and utilize different ecological niches.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the timeline of species in Indian freshwater aquaculture:
- Catla (1) and Rohu (3): These are indigenous major carps that have been cultured in India for centuries.
- Tilapia (2): Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was introduced to India in 1952, making it an older exotic introduction.
- Pangasius (4): The striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (commonly called Pangasius), was introduced to India via private channels through Bangladesh in the late 1990s.
Official permission for its culture was granted later by the government.
Pangasius has rapidly gained popularity due to its high stocking density tolerance, fast growth, and acceptance of pelleted feed.
Compared to the other options, it is a relatively new commercial introduction in Indian aquaculture.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Pangasius is relatively a new introduction in Indian freshwater aquaculture.