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Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) Indian major carp Photo: McClelland, John, d. 1883 · No restrictions · source ↗

Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) Indian major carp

Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala, locally also Cirrhinus cirrhosus) is the bottom-feeder of the three Indian Major Carps. Native to the Indo-Gangetic river system, it is the principal detritus-feeder in composite carp ponds and rounds out the IMC trinity with catla (surface) and rohu (column).

Key characteristics

  • Family: Cyprinidae
  • Body: streamlined, silvery, with a dark dorsal surface and a small subterminal mouth fringed by short barbels
  • Feeding niche: bottom-feeder. Detritivore — feeds on decaying organic matter, mud, bottom plankton and bacterial mat
  • Growth: reaches 600-900 g in 10-12 months under recommended management; up to 1 kg in extended grow-out
  • Maximum size: about 1 m and 12 kg in natural waters

Cultivation

Mrigal is stocked at 10-20% of the total seed in three-species composite culture (catla 30%, rohu 50-60%, mrigal 10-20%). In six-species systems mrigal forms about 15% along with catla, rohu, silver carp, grass carp and common carp (Composite Fish Culture Six Species). Stocking density is 5,000-10,000 fingerlings/ha. Like other IMCs, mrigal does not breed in confined ponds. Seed is produced via induced spawning using carp pituitary or synthetic hormone (Ovaprim, Ovatide). ICAR-CIFA Bhubaneswar leads breeding R&D and has released improved strains for higher fingerling-to-table growth. Pond preparation follows standard earthen-pond engineering (Fish Pond Construction) with liming, organic manuring and inorganic fertiliser (single super phosphate 50-100 kg/ha). Supplementary feeding of rice bran + oilcake (1:1) at 2-3% body weight is standard.

Pests and diseases

Mrigal is susceptible to argulosis (Carp Disease Argulus Anchor Worm), Aeromonas dropsy (Carp Disease Dropsy Aeromonas), epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) which is particularly severe in this species, and bacterial gill rot. EUS outbreaks during cool months are managed by liming, salt treatment and removing infected fish. Stocking quarantined seed and avoiding overcrowding reduce losses.

Yield and adoption

Mrigal is cultured across Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Assam alongside catla and rohu in three-species polyculture, contributing about 15-20% of biomass. It is a popular medium-priced table fish in eastern and central India. Pond development and seed production are supported under PMMSY.

See also: Catla Catla Indian Major Carp, Rohu Labeo Rohita Imc, Composite Fish Culture Six Species, Carp Polyculture Pond, Fish Pond Construction.

Sources

  1. Cirrhinus mrigala. FAO Cultured Aquatic Species fact sheet.
  2. Freshwater Aquaculture: Indian Major Carps. ICAR-CIFA Bhubaneswar.
  3. Mrigal breeding and culture. National Fisheries Development Board.