Pearl spot fish

Source: The Hindu

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Context

• Kerala has plans of increasing production of pearl spot fish through technology whereby the market demand of the products is high and making use of unutilized areas such as paddy fields for fish farming.

Details

Pearl Spot Fish:

• Scientific Name: Etroplus suratensis.
• Market Value: Much in demand; locally they cost about ₹650 to ₹700 per kilogram.
• Growth Rate: It has been said that it may take a year or more before it is put at 300 up to 400 grams.
• Production vs. Demand: Thus from a production capacity of 2000 tonnes per annum it is hoped that the requirement of 10000 tonnes can be met.
• Aquaculture Potential: That is suitable for farming in coastal paddy fields.
• Research and Development: Some activities such as gene editing and DNA sequencing currently being developed to improve the growth rate.
• Economic Importance: Major for the growth of the local economy and survival of the aqua farmers.

Sources:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about Pearl Spot fish: 1.Pearl Spot is a cold-water fish species native to the Himalayan region. 2.It is a commercially important fish species with a high market demand in Kerala. 3.Pearl Spot is known for its rapid growth rate, reaching maturity within 6 months. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (b)