More than 300 native freshwater fish species were discovered in Bangladesh at one time. Many species have become extinct, while others are on the verge of extinction as a result of habitat loss, overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Many native fish species have disappeared from rivers, including bheda (Gangetic leaffish), Boicha, Tengra (Batasio tengana), and pabda (Butter Fish). Only Taki (spotted snakehead), Shing (catfish), and a few other fish are now available to anglers in their native habitats such as river and lake banks.
Snakehead fish are valuable as a food source, which is abundant in vital amino acids and fatty acids. These can aid tissue growth, wound healing, and complement nutrients such as food supplements and medications. They mostly takes place in the shallow inundated areas of the rivers lakes and streams.
Snakehead fish could be found from mid-April to August, with the peak reproductive maturity occurring in June at a natural wetland in Bangladesh. Snakehead fish like Taki (Channa punctatus), Shoal (Channa striatus), Gajar (Channa marulius) and Raga (Channa gachua) spawn in the clear water of the shallow areas of newly flooded reservoirs during the first rains of Baisakh month (1st month of Bengali year). After the eggs hatch, the offspring move around in clear water under the direct supervision of their parents (Parental Care). In many parts of the country, it is called “Baish”.
Nowadays, local people are destroying their natural cycle of life by catching these “Baish”. They first hunt the parent fish of Taki, Shol and Gajar species with kuch/teda/harpoon for their meal. After that, Khuiya Jaal, Mosquito Net or Gamcha are used to catch the baby fry for eating and selling. By doing this, they are ending the lineage of snakehead species day by day. These species become threatened due to illegal catching of fry and brood fish during breeding season of snakehead fish. Besides these, habitat loss, climate change also hampered to decrease the stock of snakehead fish.
These fry catches are punishable offenses under the Fisheries Acts 1950, 1985 and 2000. Catching of baish was also prohibited in the Indian Fisheries Act 1897 of British India in the past. However, people continuously, ignoring these rules and regulations for the own benefit. They did not think for next generations who will not find these native species.
Previously, 67 native fish species have perished from the natural world, but the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) is doing research to resurrect the lost fish species. Appropriate law enforcement as well as massive awareness are needed to mitigate these problems. For saving the stock of snakehead fish and maintaining sustainable fish abundance in nature, people should aware of its after effect.
Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
