Global Status of Indigenous Small Fishes (ISFs)

Indigenous small fish (ISF) species play a major role in the security of rural populations’ livelihood and nutrition. Copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, cobalt, chromium, vitamins A, D, and E, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B12 are frequently deficient in low-income homes and are especially important for pregnant women and children. Fish were previously abundant in the floodplains and rivers. Currently, various anthropogenic hazards to the environment are putting pressure on aquatic biodiversity, limiting ISF availability. For conversion of wetlands, overfishing, invasive alien fish species, climate change, and flood control structures are some of these stresses. The IUCN classifies the 142 freshwater ISF species as critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), vulnerable (VU), lower risk (LR), least concern (LC), and data deficient (DD). However, 21 (15%) of the 142 ISF fish species are classified as critically endangered (CR), 31 (21%) endangered (EN), 39 (27%) vulnerable (VU), 22 (15%) lower risk (LR), and 31 (22%) least concern (LC). Amblypharyngodon mola, Puntius sophore, Esomus danricus, Osteobrama cotio, Trichogaster fasciata, Anabas testudineus, Labeo bata, Systomus sarana, Ompok pabda, Mystus cavasius, Mystus tengara, Heteropneustes fossilis, and Macrognathus aral are used for induction of spawning, nursing, and growth trials. The ISF aquaculture program fosters nutritional and livelihood security in rural communities.