Why Murrels are a suitable candidate species for exploration?
The air-breathing snakehead fish Channa striata is commonly called striped murrel in India. It is one of the most sought-after freshwater fishes and is a popular high- value food fish in India. Striped murrel is called “Korrameenu” in Telugu.

Channa striata enjoys a good deal of popularity as a food fish and there exists a great market demand in several states of India, including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka etc. Live snakehead fish fetches a stable high price between INR 250-300/kg (USD 3-4/kg) in different retail markets. All previous attempts at rearing this species were focused on using either live fingerlings, or trash fish and trash fish mixed with pelleted feed, or mash feeds made from powdered dry fish. Rearing of murrels by using trash fish or farm made feeds cause deterioration of water quality and pond bottom.

Murrels are vulnerable to EUS (Epizootic ulcerative syndrome) a fast spreading, deadly disease that can cause mass mortalities. Pelleted feeds or dry diets are now being fed with successful results not only in mitigating diseases but also in giving excellent FCR and growth.

Culture of High value species is a lofty vision for profitable and sustainable aquaculture of fish in India. The current snakehead fish commercial culture is one such endeavor to fulfil this vision.