Centre succeeds in breeding ikan kelah

JERANTUT: The aquatic industry made a major breakthrough when the Perlok Aquaculture Development Centre near here succeeded in efforts to cultivate ikan kelah.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Sharif Omar said that research and cultivation work on the fish started in 2000.

He said the centre collected samples of the fish from Sungai Krau and Sungai Tanum in Kuala Lipis and Sungai Air Lanas in Jeli, Kelantan.

“Subsequently, research and development was carried out on the fish before the incubation process took off in 2003.

Mohd Sharif holding an ikan kelah injected with the hormone at the Aquaculture Development Centre in Perlok, Jerantut, recently.

“Today, we are proud to announce that the efforts have been successful and are bearing fruit,” he said during his official visit to the centre to gauge its success recently.

Mohd Sharif said the project was undertaken to regenerate and restore the supply of the fish, which was dwindling as a result of an “over-catch” situation.

He said the “hormone injection” method applied to cultivate the fish would enable the species to be bred in abundance continuously.

“Previously, the fish required fast-flowing water or a stone-filled stream to multiply naturally,” he said, adding that it fetched a high price of RM250 a kilo in the market.

Mohd Sharif said the Fisheries Department would explore ways to commercialise the breeding of the fish using the new method.

“It can also be bred as a pet for sale in local and foreign markets,” he said, adding that the centre had 250 breeders which could produce eggs three times a year.

He said of the 4,000 to 8,000 eggs, 60% could be bred to mature adults.

Mohd Sharif said the centre had also succeeded in cultivating other species of freshwater fish such as sebarau, lampam sungai, kerai kunyit, baung, temoleh, patin buah, tenggalan and jelawat putih.

He said, so far, the centre had produced 1.7 million off spring, the majority of which were being cultivated at fish farms while the remaining were released into seas and rivers nationwide.

Mahseer: Alaknanda River Rafting

Alaknanda is of special interest to the daring tourists who visit the famous pilgrimages in Uttaranchal. This river actually starts at the confluence of the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers in Uttarakhand. It also has the major contribution in the flow of the Ganges River, more than River Bhagirathi, which is regarded by the Hindus as the origin of the Ganges.

Alaknanda River lies within the two famous mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan with the Neelkanth peak. There is the famous pilgrimage Badrinath Temple and the natural spring Tapt Kund. This beauteous view is a breathtaking and an enchantment for tourists. It is also known as the `Garhwal queen`. Many adventurous activated including rafting and kayaking are enjoyable.

Alaknanda is famous for river rafting. An adventurous trip starts from the Ganges River near Rishikesh, and launches on Chamoli River to end at Rudraprayag. Camp Silver Sands, which is located on a large sandy beach on the banks of the Ganga river, briefing on camp, its activities and the trip to experience. Thereafter, drive down the valley to arrive at Camp Silver Sands for camping.

The journey of 128kms to Rishikesh, will take you through thick forests and deep gorges. Your each day ends at a different river beach to make camp for the night, enhancing the adventure of being on the river. Foaming rapids, sandy beaches and starry nights make your trip a truly outdoor journey, even for the first time rafter!

Lower expedition is an expedition for children, and family groups apart from people who want an expedition which gives them a beautiful outdoor experience and ample time to enjoy that experience.
River rafting expedition begins with a big Grade IV rapid, "The Holy Hole", at the confluence with the Mandakini. Rapids keep coming in quick succession Spend long day on the river, covering about 36 river kms till Maletha beach.

Raft down to Devprayag the confluence of the Alaknanda & Bhagirathi Rivers. Camp at Beas Ghat, a famous fishing spot for the Mahseer also called the Ganga Gold.

Make 30 kms to reach camp below Kaudiyala, after running a couple of Grade IV rapids, "Daniel's Dip" and "The Wall". Final day runs with big rapids, the "Roller Coaster" and "Golf Course" to make it an exciting end to a grand adventure!

Angling in Cauvery

Coorg since the British Raj days has succeeded in mesmerising many with its beauty. Whether it is the roads or home stays or waterfalls or meadows, Coorg never fails to entice its visitors. The landscape of Coorg is characterised by unending coffee plantations and roaring waterfalls. The Cauvery which is carpeted in green is covered with sprawling white mist and rosewood forests, bamboo and sandalwood which surround the river. Coorg known as Kodagu because of the brave breed of men and women represent a fantastic blend of culture.

Located on the Western Ghats, 252 km from Bangalore, Coorg is known as the Scotland of India. Coorg is a great eco-tourism destination with its lush green deep forests, misty hills, blinding fog. The most significant of all is Nagarhole National Park which is boasts of superb wildlife of Coorg. Many rivers including Cauvery start their course from here.

A number of adventure activities are carried out in Coorg. They are:

Durbare Elephant Training Camp

Durbure offers a very unusual adventure activity – Elephant training. It has a huge bathing spot for and a resting spot for elephants from the training camp.

If the local trainer gets impressed by you then you might get to enjoy a free elephant ride or pay a very nominal amount. The best time to visit Dubare would be post monsoon when the climate is pleasant.

River Rafting At Dubare

This place is run by the local resorts and jungle lodges and you should choose to start as early as 8:30 and spend full three hours gliding and swaying down the river. Make sure you don’t bring along kids below 12 years of age.

Angling in Cauvery

The Cauvery River in Coorg is a favorite of for anglers and fishing freaks.

There are a wide variety of fishes like mahseer, rohu, katli and trout. You might even come across mackerel, marlin and sea bass. Valnur Fishing Camp, on the banks of Kushalnagar, is also a good place for angling and fishing enthusiasts. You will find Ladyfish and Mahseer in abundance. No wonder it’s a fisherman’s paradise. The Forest Department, in collaboration with Coorg Wildlife Society, offers angling at departments Riverside Cottage at Valanoor.

River Rafting in Barapole River

The rafting base is near Ponya Coffee Estate on the Barapole riverbed.

This base is constructed for rafters and is has changing facilities, a good reception area, hot water showers and a fire place. Barapole has amazing rafting opportunities as well. It has an hours rafting session with three plus rapids. The best times for rafting here are between the months of June and October.

Tip Aquarium: Aquarium Miller red decorator, kolah

Mahseer is known for unique red and difficulty to get either to be preserved or relish as it normally resides in a river in the interior of thick forest.

This species has gained attention for owners of aquarium and maintain the price can reach up to thousands of dollars. It is also not violent and can be maintained with other fish. Fish reared in the aquarium can be given food pellets (pellets of koi fish) and shrimp hanging (Macrobrachium lanchestri). If previously only big fish to be caught juadah, children now complain captured and sold in aquarium shops with expensive price.

Practice of preserving fish in the aquarium or pond in this small house is a fun hobby. Hobbies and interests like this should be encouraged and planted himself in the younger generation at an early age.


Favorite ornamental fish preserve our society more concerned about the type of fish that are raised, not to the system at the aquarium itself is creating the biological balance in the aquarium ecosystem. This can be done by planting aquatic plants and provide biological filter that can accommodate waste generated pet fish until a few months without changing the water.

If among the ornamental fish enthusiasts complain that preserve fish until reaching a certain size or too large for the aquarium is maintained in order to release the fish into the river or lake to breed it.

Such an act is a highly acclaimed business. Unfortunately there are less of us are concerned about the actions done with the fish indiscriminately and marketed outside the country illegally.

"Menuba" or poisoning or using equipment that is not allowed should be avoided altogether because this will destroy the source of many fauna and ecological damage to our waters.

Kelah survival

Scientific name	Tor tambroides; Tor tambra
English name	Malaysian Red Mahseer; Thai Red Mahseer; Greater Brook Carp
Local names	Kelah (Peninsular Malaysia), Empurau/Semah (Sarawak), Pelian (Sabah)
Salient features	Large strong head, thick lips with median lobe lower lip. Body cylindrical with slight compression; large scales. Colour ranges from pale to bright red. Fins range from pink to red to blue. Large forked tail and rudder-like anal fin.
Distribution	Indian, Myanmar, Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra.
Habitat	Medium to large rivers with rocky, sandy and leafy bottom. Prefers highly oxygenated water and dark environment.
Habits	Stations itself in prime lies where its needs of security, shelter and food it readily served. May forage in shallow areas or close to rapids when it is assured of security. A very shy fish.
Diet	Jungle fruits, insects, crustaceans. When mature, it may forage on small baitfish.

Deep in our pristine jungle rivers swim a fish so majestic, so beautiful and so elusive, it has become a holy grail for Malaysian and international anglers. The kelah invariably represents the ultimate challenge for these sportsmen. To locate this fish is already a triumph. Then comes the challenge of enticing it to take a bait, lure or fly. Finally, the angler has to contend with its extreme strength and tenacity before it can be brought to the sandy river bank, to be lovingly photographed and released, none the worse for wear. In fact, many a time it’s the angler who is exhausted, albeit elated!

The kelah is one of Malaysia’s precious ecological heritage; a fish that is unique to the region. It is of very high economic value too. Anglers and eco-tourists are willing to pay significant sums of money to meet this fish! The kelah is essentially a carp, placed in the order of Cypriniformes, although it is loosely related to the European barbel (Barbus barbus).. It’s closer relatives are the mahseer species of India (Tor spp.) and several other countries in Asia. You could say that kelah is amember of Asia’s prime sport fishes.

Kelah can be found in the mighty rivers of our country: Sg Pahang and its tributaries (Tembeling, Jelai, Tanum, Tahan, Keniam, Sat etc), S. Perak and its tributaries (Kejar, Chiong, Singor, Temengor), Sg. Muda and its tributaries (Teliang, Gawi), the rivers feeding Lake Kenyir (Petuang, Cacing, Terenggan, Tembat), Sg. Kelantan and its tributaries (Galas, nenggiri, Lebir, Aring, Pertang), The Endau-Rompin rivers (Endau, Kincin, Kemapan, Jasin, Mas, Lemakuh), and the Batang Rajang and Sg Kinabatangan systems. In fact, almost all the major rivers in the country – with the exception of Perlis – used to have stocks of this beautiful fish.

However, factors like pollution, river degradation due to silting, the straightening of rivers and deforestation have combined to destroy the habitat of this fish. Further aggravating the problem is the unscrupulous fishing activities like illegal netting, bombing, poisoning and electro-fishing that have severely decimated the stocks of kelah.

If you were to be a kelah today, these are the probable scenarios you would have to face in your now-shortened life:

With these scenarios, the kelah and other prime fishes like the temoleh, kelisa, kerai and tengas are doomed and heading for extinction. Ethical anglers were the first group to realise this issue. As fishermen, they are in a unique position to be able to see first hand what is happening in our rivers. Many have started the self-imposed practice of ‘catch-and-release’, preferring to go home with a cherished photo rather than a dead fish. Now, a group of concerned citizens have got together to help the authorities and the angling fraternity to conserve this precious fish. Eventually, it is hoped that it will be for the good of all – the eco-tourism industry, the recreational fishing groups, the country, and most importantly, the fish!

Trout Species - Cutthroat Trout and Golden Trout

Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat Trout are generally found only in high alpine lakes or in some selected areas of the Pacific Northwest.

The Cutthroat Trout is the original trout of the Rocky Mountains. Unlike Brown Trout which were originally introduced to the Eastern United States, Cutthroat Trout are originally from the
Western half of the United States.

What separates the Cutthroat Trout from other trout is that Cutthroat Trout are found primarily in remote and pristine locations. Unlike their larger cousins, the rainbows and the
browns, Cutthroat Trout tend to fare poorly in highly competitive environments – especially when predatory fish like Pike are introduced into their waters. As such, the range of the Cutthroat Trout has been driven back over the years.

While Cutthroat Trout are still found in good numbers in many of the rivers in Montana (such as the Yellowstone), the best Cutthroat Trout fishing will usually now be found deep in the backcountry - in isolated mountain lakes and streams. This requires lots of effort by the angler just to reach the Cutthroat Trout, because they are often found in very remote areas. Cutthroat Trout do not receive as much fly fishing pressure as their rainbow and Brown Trout cousins. As such, they are generally easier to catch and found in greater numbers. However, Cutthroat Trout do not get as large as rainbow or Brown Trout, and generally lack the aerial abilities that other trout display when hooked.

Cutthroat Trout can be easily identified by the two red slashes under and on the outside of its lower jaw. The sides of the Cutthroat Trout are brownish yellow and are highlighted with black spots. Other colorings of Cutthroat Trout can occur, but only as a result of crossbreeding between Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, and are called cut-bow trout.

Golden Trout: Rare and elusive, the Golden Trout inhabit some of
the most remote lakes in the United States.

The Golden Trout is one elusive species of trout. Golden Trout have very limited range, as they are only found in high alpine lakes and streams found in the Rocky Mountains and the Cascades. Because of this, reaching good Golden Trout waters is no easy task – usually requiring a long hike or horse pack in.

Additionally, due to the environment in which the Golden Trout live in (very cold, low nutrient water), Golden Trout are generally quite small, as there is just not enough food to support larger trout.

Despite the relatively low fishing pressure they receive, Golden Trout can be somewhat difficult to catch, as they tend to be fickle about what they eat. Moreover, not all high alpine lakes and rivers contain these trout – so simply locating waters that have good Golden Trout populations can be an effort in and of itself.

That said, since Golden Trout live in the most beautiful scenery in the United States, a day spent looking for or fishing for Golden Trout can never be wasted – even if you don’t catch any. For an angler looking to catch trout in a splendid and scenic environment, chasing the Golden Trout is the way go.

It’s hard to miss a Golden Trout, as their name conveys. These beautiful trout are golden in color, so are hard to mistake for other types of fish. The Golden Trout also has a scattering of
black spots and a red striping along its lateral line, belly and gill plates.

Since Golden Trout are not very common, it is recommended that anglers who catch Golden Trout release them instead of eating them. If you’re looking for a fish you can eat, go hook some Brook Trout instead. Brookies are usually found in the same waters as Golden Trout are, but are not nearly as rare. Most agree they taste better too!

Jim Corbett National Park - The Tiger Country

The first wildlife reserve of India, the Jim Corbett National Park - also called the Corbett Tiger Reserve - is located in Uttarakhand, India. The Park has a total area of 1318 sq km and a core area of 520 sq km. In its buffer area the Jim Corbett National Park has the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Earlier called the Hailey National Park and later the Ramganga National Park, the Jim Corbett National Park, or the Corbett Tiger Reserve, is named after the famous conservationist and naturalist Jim Corbett who had shot many man eaters and also authored the "Man Eaters of Kumaon".

Jim Corbett's winter home is located just outside the Corbett Tiger Reserve at Kaladhungi around which the Chotta Haldwani village is situated. Jim Corbett's house now has been converted into a wonderful museum which is one of the many attractions of the area.

The successful "Project Tiger", to protect tigers and increase their population, was started at the Ramganga National Park in 1973. Presently, the national park has the highest density of tigers in India with one tiger every 10 sq km. No wonder, the Jim Corbett National Park is called the "Tiger Country".

Flat valley, hilly ridges and mixed deciduous forests characterize the landscapes through which the Ramganga River flows. The scenic river has rich populations of the Mahaseer Fish and Ghariyal (crocodile).

The Corbett Tiger Reserve offers many thrilling adventure activities that include, among others, fishing and angling, elephant safari, and jeep safari to its visitors. Elephant safari and jeep safari enable the visitors to explore the park and enjoy great views of the dense jungles and its many inhabitants.

Flora and Fauna

With 575 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, 110 species of trees, 51 species of shrubs, 27 species of climbers, and 33 species of bamboo and grass, it is rich in flora and fauna.

Apart from the tigers for which the Jim Corbett is renowned the world over, the national park also has chital, elephant, jackal, wild pig, barking deer, sambar, common langur, and rhesus macaque. The tiger reserve is also a haven for the bird watchers and boasts of several species of the winged creatures that include, among others, sandpiper, woodpecker, kingfisher, peacock, jungle fowl, duck and stork.

How and when to visit

The Jim Corbett National Park is well connected and located 250 km away from Delhi. For the visitors, it remains open from November to June. The first three months (Nov-January is perfect for bird watching).

Goonch - A Giant Pest Or Great Sport?

The first sportsmen fishing in India , rated Mahseer so highly that pretty much any other fish that dared take their bait was considered a pest. Goonch, a giant form of catfish found in many of the same rivers as Mahseer, soon gained this reputation particularly as the flesh spoils quickly and would have caused more than a few upset stomachs.

Goonch have recently acquired an even less savoury reputation. One recent documentary linked the scavenger diet of this species to the human remains found below Ghats - the traditional cremation sites preferred by Hindus in India.

Following on from the concept of man-eating tigers they then developed the idea that a local teenager had been taken (and presumably eaten) by one exceptionally large Goonch whilst swimming in the local river. This river, the Kali River, which divides India from the Western end of Nepal, takes its name from the Hindu goddess of death and destruction which added a little cultural spice to the mystery. Otherwise, the only evidence seemed to be one reference by a witness to the boy being taken by an 'elongated pig'.

The documentary ends with one very large fish being caught and held up as the culprit. At six feet long and weighing over one hundred and fifty pounds, it is the sort of catfish you (and I) would love to have at the end of our lines but still, perhaps, a little bit small to take a healthy human alive.

So, are these big catfish worthy of being called sport?

I'll concentrate on two factors:

Size:

Undoubtedly, we are talking about a size of fish that excites most anglers. Many of us have only seen photos of freshwater fish in excess of one hundred pounds. The real prospect of hooking into and landing a fish this big must be something to make a fishing holiday abroad appeal to even the most timid traveller. Just one point here: should you be lucky enough to catch one of these giants, please try to release it unharmed. This species has been abused enough and now deserves our voluntary conservation efforts.

Challenge:

Like most catfish, these fish feed mostly on the river bed. They are thought to feed mostly after dark, using their powerful sense of smell to locate food scraps. Locating and tempting one of the really big Goonch to bite is going to take patience and stamina.

Any angler determined enough to get a strike still has a battle on their hands. Pound for pound Goonch may not rate as powerful as Mahseer, but with a big fish on the line in the strong currents that they prefer, at night, the result can easily go with the fish. There are too many tales of screaming bite alarms, screaming reels ... and screaming anglers winding back their slack line to think that there is no sport in the issue.

Fishing in India is only just beginning to take off as a serious recreational activity for the masses. Most will favour the highly prized Mahseer or the fine art of fly-fishing for trout up in the Himalayan foothills. Catfish are never a glamourous fish but perhaps Goonch fishing will become appreciated with time as good sport, especially for those who rate quality above quantity.

River Fishing Tips

If you want to know how to fish a river these river tips should be added to your fishing arsenal sooner, rather than later.

1. Tread Lightly - In most instances (at least for me and my mentor before me) river fishing involves wading. This means that you want to tread lightly and make as little noise as you can. Avoid stepping on and breaking sticks, and rocks' banging together is a bad thing. Remember sounds travels great distances underwater and fish will become "spooked" if they are hearing sounds that are out of the ordinary. Tread lightly and watch your step so as not to make too many unnecessary sounds.
2. Be On The River At The Best Times - You need to be on the river fishing when the fish are the most active. This is accomplished by keeping an eye on two things; the weather and the moon. These two forces of Mother Nature impact the behavior of fish greatly and the more you understand and use this information to your advantage the better off you will be. When it comes to river fishing tips this one is one of the best. Being on the river at the best times is of the utmost importance.
3. Have A "Got To" Technique - You're go to technique could be spinners or jigs. You're go to technique could be to use live minnows or to use artificial flies. Whatever you're go to technique is, you need to have your favorite that you practice and become adept at. My mentor taught me my "go to" technique (which I still use twenty plus years later). It's the gang hook technique which utilizes gang hooks and live worms. My point is that if you want to know how to fish a river, decide on a favorite technique and then spend as much time as possible using it to learn all the nuances.

These river fishing tips will serve you well in your search to learn how to fish a river. River fishing is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to catch fish and the more you do it, the more you will fall in love with it.

Sonmarg - Mahseer Fishing

Sonmarg is synonymous with quiet meadows and flower-carpeted fields surrounded by amazing glaciers, miniature plateaus, snowfields, pines and islets. The entire region, 80 km from Srinagar, has some of the highest mountain ranges of the world. These snow clad peaks when reflect the golden rays of the sun, give a sparkling effect to the entire valley. This is the reason why the hill station is named Sonmarg or Sonamarg. The word Sonamarg literally means 'the Meadow of Gold'.

The glaciers, waterfalls and placid lakes add some more beauty to this tranquil valley. Situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level, at the foot of the Zojila pass, Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh. It is a perfect place for the excursionists. A few nearby places to explore are:

• Zojila pass (20 km) at an altitude of 3540 m which heads towards the Ladakh plateau
• Sonmarg is another base to the holy cave of Amarnath (July-August)
• Yushmarg, an adjacent picnic spot, is renowned for its green pastures, pines and firs
• Glaciers at Thajiwas (wonderful camping sites)
• Nilagrad (the confluence of a mountain river and Indus river; water here is pure red)
• Krishnasar Lake (at a height of 3801 m above sea level, popular for Trout fishing)
• Baltal (stunning grassland, more close to Amarnath cave than Sonmarg)

Adventure

If this is not enough, Sonamarg has ample opportunities for adventure enthusiasts also. On one hand the Krishnasar Lake and Sind River are frequented for trout fishing and mahseer fishing respectively while on the other, all the frozen glaciers are perfect for sledging. Those who love to go for trekking, can try out the routes to the lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. Nichnai Pass is the place that offers breathtaking views of the entire valley.

Apart from that, in Sonamarg you can get to try some other adventure sports like angling, alpine skiing, white water rafting etc. May to September and November to February is the most suitable time to visit Sonmarg for the best of vacations.