Critical status review on a near threatened ornamental gourami, Ctenops nobilis: A recapitulation for future preservation

Abstract

Fish keeping in aquarium which was started from the Roman Empire in 50AD now become a very popular hobby among the world. Small ornamental species are mostly preferable in aquarium industry. Gourami is one of the most valuable and popular in small ornamental fish world. In India presently 8 indigenous Gourami species are very common and highly demanding. Ctenops nobilis is one of the highly demanding and important among the 8 indigenous Gourami species. It is the only known species in its genus. The fish is mainly cold water species. The species is widely distributed but it is a naturally scarce species. As per IUCN Red list, 2010 status the species is assessed as Near Threatened for its population declines in the wild. Very little data available of the fish resulting problems occur during maintenance of the fish in aquarium. So the proper study on the fish, captive breeding and rearing procedure of the fish is very important to meet the increasing demand of the fish among aquarium hobbyist.