Scientists from Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture (CIBA) scientists have bred Etroplus canarensis, a breed of fish assessed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered because of its restricted distribution.
The price of each fish ranges between $30 and $ 40 in the U.S. and Europe.
Etroplus Canarensis commonly called as Canara pearlspot or banded chromide, belongs to the Cichlidae family. It is considered to be one of the most sought after cichlids by aquarium fish-lovers.
It is endemic to the Western Ghats and assessed as endangered by the IUCN because of its distribution in only two locations — Kumaradhara and Nethravathi rivers in Karnataka.
Pollution, damming of main rivers, siltation, sand mining and threat of over collection for pet trade contributed to the decline of its habitat.
The average length of the fish is 8.89 cm and its weight is 18 grams. It feeds on mosquito larvae and breeds after monsoon. It lays around 150 eggs at a time.
