Two-generation hatchery needed to designate short-headed catfish as National Fish

In the effort to establish the short-headed catfish in Myanmar’s waters as a National Fish of Myanmar, it needs to be successful in hatchery production for up to two generations, and 10 years of research and analysis are required.
Short-headed catfish, a native fish of Myanmar, can be seen in Myanmar’s waters and there are no such species in ASEAN countries. As a country based on agriculture and livestock, it has become a good opportunity to earn foreign income from aquatic products. Breeding ability and the ability to maintain the breed are particularly important in commercial breeding and production, so breeding and research work needs to be done for a decade to be successful.
“A successful hatchling of short-headed catfish will need to be bred again to get hatchable second generation-F2. It took seven years to successfully breed river catfish. Therefore, we need to take 10 years to breed short-headed catfish,” said Deputy Director Daw Moe Thuzar Maung from the Fisheries Institute (Twantay).
Great opportunities await as a consequence of the successful breeding of Myanmar Short-headed catfish research, such as standing at high prices due to strong foreign demand, existing as a species in the country of Myanmar alone, being able to lead the market and produce more commercially than other countries, being able to establish a historical landmark from water products for the country if it can be designated as national fish, and being able to have a strong market for livestock farmers and entrepreneurs from commercial production to export.
As the country is rich in freshwater/saltwater products, there was once an abundance of fish like Hilsa and Swamp barb, but it has become rare these days. As Hilsa has been designated as a national fish in Bangladesh, they are leading the market as foreign exports. In the relevant countries, for the development of the country’s economy, surface and underwater resources are designated as heritage and national symbols, where economic opportunities are being developed. In South Africa and India, aquatic animals and products are being designated as National Fish and are promoting national pride.
It needs a period of time to develop Myanmar’s short-headed catfish as a national fish, and it will be possible to commercialize breeding and production through the steps of hatchery work and research work within 10 years. There are lights of hope that it can advance as good support in promoting the country’s economy as well. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/CT