Exploring the Nutritional, Ornamental, and Conservation Aspects of a Few Indigenous Small Fishes (ISFs) Belonging to the Genera Puntius and Pethia from Northeast India

The north-eastern region of India harbours considerable ISF (indigenous small fish) diversity bearing good nutritional and ornamental features. Locals of this region have been consuming ISFs from time immemorial, yet there is still a void in research on the nutritional and aquacultural aspects of ISF. Indigenous small fish species are considered as one of the richest single sources of dietary protein constituted by some of the benefitting micro- and macronutrients. Being highly nutritious, species belonging to the genus Puntius is recommended as a great dietary source of vitamins E, D, and K, calcium, Fe, and zinc. Many species belonging to Pethia and Puntius are also popular and have potentials as ornamental fish in the international market. Despite their ornamental and nutritional values, they are least popular commercially, and only a few records of small-scale culture are available to date. Moreover, habitat-degrading anthropogenic activities are putting the ISF population under pressure to become vulnerable and decline faster than ever.