By Ghulam Rabbani
Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting global food demand, supporting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development. Addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges is essential to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the aquaculture industry. As we know that fish are a vital source of protein for billions of humans, especially in coastal regions of developing countries. They provide essential nutrients like omega-three fatty acids, which are important for human health. Channidae and Bagridae are two families of fish found in freshwater habitats, particularly in Asia and Africa. As per the available information, both these species encompass diverse groups of fish with adaptations suited to their freshwater habitats.
Interestingly, snakeheads of Channidae and Bagridae are known for their predatory behavior and ability to breathe air. The Bagridae catfish are known for their bottom-dwelling habits and sensory adaptations. The data on biodiversity and population genetic structure of indigenous high value fish fauna from Pakistan’s riverine system is lacking many aspects. The population structure of Channidae and Bagridae is mainly disturbed due to inbreeding pressure, natural hazards and anthropogenic activities. As research scholar, I am conducting a comprehensive study at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr Fayyaz Rasool who is coordinator at the Department of Zoology of the University of Education in Faislabad Campus. He has vast research experience in genetics and molecular biology.
We sampled Channa marulius, Channa striata (snakeheads fish) and rita-rita, seprata serwari from River Indus (Head Taunsa, Chashma Barrage) and River Chenab (Head Trimmu, Head Panjnad). Measurement of morphometric parameters like fish body weight, length, caudal fin length, dorsal fin length, pectoral fin length, pelvic fin length and anal fin length of all these species from both these rivers showed significant variations. DNA extraction was also done according to prescribed protocol and PCR reactions was performed to check population genetic analysis of these species, using DNA barcoding and microsatellite markers. We examined data that showed 95-99% genetic polymorphism to the baseline data of the snakehead and Bagridae catfish species.
I am sure that this study will be helpful in establishment of baseline data on population genetics structure of Bagridae and Channidae families which are under threat from the natural environments. As the induced breeding practices of these species are underway, this research will ultimately help in selection of suitable brooders with quality characteristics for future breeding programs for introduction of these species in aquaculture and for their conservation. I am also sure that this study will helpful in improving Pakistan’s aquaculture status by availability of the seed of these valuable species which will be ultimately impact the socio-economic of the fish farmers.