Collaborative Research Visit FFRC Research Programme Fish Breeding Research is aimed at developing techniques for the breeding and culture of important economical species and also in the mass production of fry for the Centre's research, farmers and for release into open water bodies. Several culture systems have been developed and the technologies were transferred. The Tank Culture System Estate Culture System Genetics and Biotechnology Studies are centered around the genetic selection of tilapias and other food fishes and ornamentals based on morphology and growth rate in the hope of improving the quality of the fish. Research also focus on producing clones of selected aquatic plants through tissue culture. Ornamental Fish and Aquarium Plants Research efforts on an ornamental fish are at present mostly concentrated on developing techniques for breeding and culture.
Priorities are on ornamental fishes, which are of commercial value.
Apart from this, studies are being undertaken to propagate aquarium plants using tissue culture and hydroponics techniques. Live feed has been acknowledged as an important component in successful hatchery and nursery practices. Studies are focussed on identification of suitable live feed organisms and also determination of mass production culture technique of organisms, which are used as live feeds. The species that were and are being studied are Rotifer, Moina sp ., Daphnia magna and blood-worm. Limnology and Study of Impoundments Studies on the limnology, fish biology and ecology of reservoirs and other impoundment are being conducted to provide baseline information pertaining to the enhancement of fish production, fisheries conservation and potential exploitation for aquaculture development.