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Murrel Culture

Introduction

Murrel culture in India dates back about four decades, with the first demonstration in Madras at Sunkesula fish farm (now in Andhra Pradesh) by the State Fisheries Department. Early attempts by the fisheries departments of Hyderabad, Bombay, and CIFRI Bhadra Centre (Karnataka) were not successful due to high mortality rates, primarily caused by epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS). To address these challenges, the Centre for Aquaculture Research and Extension (CARE) developed a technology package with support from the Department of Science and Technology (SSP/RD/001/96). This package covers all essential aspects, including brood fish nutrition, seed production, and rearing methods, ensuring the success of murrel culture.

CARE also provides commercial murrel culture training to unemployed youth and fish farmers, helping them establish profitable farming ventures.

Advantages of Murrel Culture

  • Eggs can be obtained year-round, independent of monsoon cycles.

  • Availability of high-quality fingerlings as per farmers' requirements.

  • Year-round production of quality murrels.

  • Employment opportunities for youth and increased income for fish farmers.

  • Conservation of threatened species through artificial propagation.

Feasibility Requirements

  • Minimum project area: 50 square meters (10m x 5m)

  • Reliable water supply from a borewell or other sources

  • Availability of bio-waste, such as chicken intestines or fish waste

Technology Package

1. Brood Fish Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is essential for spawning and egg quality. Recommended feeds include:

  • Chicken intestine (70% protein)

  • Fish waste (56% protein)

  • Beef liver (63% protein)

With this diet, each brood fish can spawn over 6,000 eggs with 90% fertilization and hatching rates.

2. Brood Stock Pond Setup

  • Dimensions: 6m x 5m x 1m (rectangular for easy netting and maintenance)

  • Stocking density: 10,000 fish per hectare

3. Induced Breeding and Seed Production

  • Selection of Brood Fish:

    • Females: Soft, swollen bellies indicate readiness.

    • Males: Identified by examining the genital papilla.

  • Hormone Induction:

    • Ovaprim (0.5 ml/kg) recommended for single-dose spawning.

  • Breeding Setup:

    • Tanks (6m x 5m x 1m) with cemented sides and clay bottoms

    • Aquatic weeds (e.g., water hyacinth) for hiding

    • Spawning occurs 6-10 hours after hormone injection.

    • Fertilized eggs (5000-10,000 per mass) hatch in 24-30 hours.

    • Fry stay with parents for one to two weeks.

4. Rearing of Young Ones

  • Yolk sac absorbed by day 3; larvae begin feeding on rotifers.

  • Fry are removed after two weeks to prevent cannibalism.

  • Feeding: Finely ground, boiled chicken intestine or fish waste.

  • Stocking density: 500 fry per square meter.

  • Survival rate: 65-80% in cement tanks.

  • Growth: Reaches 4-5 cm in two months.

5. Murrel Culture

  • Culture Ponds: Earthen ponds (15m x 5m x 1m), cemented at the sides, with a 25 cm clay bottom.

  • Stocking Density: 12,000-15,000 fingerlings per hectare.

  • Feeding: Boiled chicken intestine (5-10% body weight daily).

  • Water Management: Borewell water supply; full drainage every 3-4 months for health checks.

  • Growth Rate: After 8 months, fish reach 800-900g, with a 90-95% survival rate.

6. Economic Viability

  • Murrel culture is highly profitable, even for small-scale farmers.

  • Minimum land requirement: 600-750m².

  • Annual earnings: Rs. 50,000 - Rs. 70,000.

Budget Estimates (for 10 months)

ExpenseType I (5 Ponds)Type II (2 Ponds)

Pond ConstructionRs. 25,000Rs. 20,000

Bamboo FencingRs. 1,000Rs. 4,000

Netting & Other CostsRs. 5,000Rs. 4,000

FingerlingsRs. 750Rs. 600

Labor (10 months)Rs. 20,000Rs. 20,000

MiscellaneousRs. 2,250Rs. 2,400

Total ExpensesRs. 53,000Rs. 46,000

Projected Income (80% Survival, Rs. 160/kg)

TypeType I (600 fish)Type II (500 fish)

Total RevenueRs. 96,000Rs. 80,000

Net ProfitRs. 43,000Rs. 33,000

Subsequent YearsRs. 66,000Rs. 56,000

Conclusion

Murrel culture offers a sustainable and profitable opportunity for fish farmers and unemployed youth. By following the CARE technology package, farmers can achieve high yields while ensuring the conservation of murrel species. This model has been successfully implemented in various regions, providing stable income and employment.

Resource Agency

Centre for Aquaculture Research and Extension (CARE)
St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous)
Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli - 627 002, Tamil Nadu.

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