Sayedpur: The scientists at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) have succeeded in artificial breeding of ‘Gotali’ fish, scientifically known as Crossochelius latius, and producing fries of the fish in the country. Confirming the matter to BSS, BFRI Publication Officer S M Shariful Islam today said that among the 261 species of freshwater fish in Bangladesh, the ‘Gotali’ fish is an important and delicious small fish.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2015 included the ‘Gotali’ fish in the list of endangered species. In response to the threat of extinction, a group of BFRI scientists at the institute’s Freshwater Sub-Center, Sayedpur, collected the fish from the area adjacent to the Teesta Barrage of the Teesta River in 2023. They undertook research activities for acclimatization and artificial breeding in the research pond of the sub-center.
The scientists succeeded in the production of fry through artificial breeding for the first time in the country in July 2024. The BFRI Publication Officer mentioned that the research was led by BFRI’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Azhar Ali.