Catla Among Top 10 Harvested Aquatic Species in 2022

June 10, 2024

The United Nations put out a very important study in June 2024 called “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024.” It said that Catla (Labeo catla) was one of the most fished marine species in 2022, with a yield of over four million tonnes, ranking eighth on the world list.

Traditional and Modern Farming

Catla farming was the main type of farming in the ponds of Eastern Indian states in the past. By the second half of the 20th century, its farming methods had spread all over India. Today, Catla, along with Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), is one of the three most important species in India’s inland farming business.

Species and Production Insights

The Whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) was the most abundant marine species that were grown in 2022. It was followed by Cupped oysters, Grass carp, Nile tilapia, and other species. Eight of the top ten species that were caught came from aquaculture, which is interesting. Along with traditional finfish, the production landscape showed a big change in farming marine and freshwater species like mollusks and crustaceans. The UN study also shows a bigger trend in aquaculture and fishing. Aquaculture has now produced more aquatic animals than wild fisheries for the first time, making up 51% of all output by 2022. In particular, inland aquaculture was the most important, producing 62.6% of all raised aquatic animals.

More About Catla (Labeo Catla)

Habitat and Distribution: Catla, scientifically named Labeo catla, is indigenous to riverine systems predominantly in northern India. It is well adapted to freshwater environments, often found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Although the species does well in somewhat acidic water, it tends to prefer areas with these kinds of water conditions.

Physical Characteristics and Feeding Habits: Catla is easily recognized by its big, broad head and lower mouth that sticks out, which helps it eat. Since Catla is mostly a surface feeder, it mostly eats zooplankton, but it can also eat algae and other debris. It is an important part of the aquatic food web because of how it feeds and how it looks. It helps keep the ecosystem balanced in freshwater settings.

Aquaculture and Economic Importance: Catla is very important to the economy of South Asia, where it is grown in large numbers in systems with other types of carp. Its growth rate, disease resistance, and overall productivity in aquaculture have all been improved through selective breeding efforts. It feeds large fisheries and gives local people an important source of protein. Its fast growth and taste make it popular in aquaculture projects.

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