摘要
The butter catfish,Ompok bimaculatus,belonging to the silurid family,is widely regarded as an important food fish for aquaculture diversification in India.Furthermore,the species poses a threat due to habitat degradation and other anthropogenic factors,and has been categorised as“near threatened”,therefore,its culture promotion is warranted.To establish a successful breeding programme,a precise understanding of the life history,and biology(reproductive/feeding)of the fish will assist hatchery managers and researchers.Studies in these areas have been undertaken by several groups over the years,but without much coherence,the data are still fragmented.Few attempts on the culture attributes of this catfish have been performed under both mono-and polyculture systems to bring about parallel promotion through aquaculture in a larger part of the subcontinent.Highlighting this,we have tried to analyse and present a consolidated account of the morphological characteristics,feeding habits,reproductive biology,early developmental ontogeny,and culture potentials of O.bimaculatus in India.This review was also prompted by the paucity of information on the cultural aspects of the species.Additionally,based on the reported studies,future directions and perspectives of the culture promotion of the species are proffered to ensure future research initiatives.
