The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) urged the Government to set up quarantine facilities to manage the import of ornamental fish. The import of ornamental fishes has become a major threat to the native fish population of the country. As per the statistics cited by the Chairperson NBA, Dr. B. Meenakumari, only 52 species of ornamental fish are approved by the Govt. to import but more than 200 species has been imported and in trade. Regulatory measures and setting up of quarantine facilities at all major seaports and airports would help to check and control the illegal import of ornamental fish. Studies have reported the occurrence of exotic ornamental fish in many inland aquatic systems, including biodiversity sensitive areas like Western Ghats. Giant Gourami, which is an exotic ornamental fish are fast growers and survive in polluted water. These fish are known to carry pathogens which can be transmitted to native fish species.
Source: Aquaculture Spectrum