After years of scientific research, Bangladesh has taken a major step toward reviving the endangered Gotali fish (Crossocheilus latius), once abundant in the country’s freshwater rivers and streams. The Freshwater Sub-Center of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), located in Saidpur, Nilphamari, has successfully developed an artificial breeding technique for Gotali, raising hopes for its comeback in the natural ecosystem.
According to Azhar Ali, Chief Scientific Officer at the Saidpur sub-center, the BFRI headquarters in Mymensingh has officially recognized the breakthrough. “We aim to distribute Gotali fish fingerlings to farmers by mid-2025, which will help reintroduce the species to canals, rivers, and wetlands across the country,” he said.
Gotali fish, known for its distinct flat head, elongated body, and rich taste, had nearly disappeared from Bangladeshi waters. The species, typically growing up to 12 cm in length and 15–17 grams in weight, was categorized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2015 due to habitat loss and declining reproduction.
The breeding process involves injecting hormones into mature female Gotali fish, which leads to egg laying within 7–8 hours. The eggs hatch in 8–10 hours, and under careful care, the larvae grow into fingerlings within 50 to 60 days.
Historically, Gotali inhabited freshwater bodies, hill streams, and clear shallow rivers such as the Teesta, Atrai, Someshwari, Kongsha, Piain, Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna. Over the years, environmental degradation and water pollution pushed the species to the brink of extinction.
Since its establishment in 2003, the Saidpur freshwater center began focused research in 2006, and launched the Gotali restoration project in 2023. The team behind this milestone includes Azhar Ali, Senior Scientific Officers Sonia Sharmin and Maliha Hossain, and Scientific Officer Sribas Kumar Saha. The successful hatchery-level production of Gotali fingerlings was achieved in July 2024.
As part of BFRI’s broader initiative to conserve endangered species, 41 out of 261 listed extinct or endangered native fish have already been successfully bred in controlled environments. Of them, 12 species are currently being distributed to fish farmers for cultivation and rehabilitation.
Maliha Hossain, a senior scientist at the center, highlighted Gotali’s potential as a nutrient-rich, delicious fish, ideal for local consumption. The breeding success marks a significant leap for sustainable aquaculture and biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh.
Experts hope that with proper dissemination of the breeding technology, Gotali fish will return to local markets and plates, restoring not only ecological balance but also a cherished part of the country’s culinary heritage.
