Couse Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Ornamental Fisheries (6 hour/ 2 credit)

• Definition, scope & importance in India and global context
• History and development of ornamental fish culture
• Demand and market potential (domestic & export)
• Popular ornamental fish species of India

Module 2: Biology of Ornamental Fishes (6 hours/ 2 credit)

• Anatomy and physiology relevant to breeding
• Growth and development stages
• Sexual dimorphism in ornamental fishes
• Behaviour and reproduction types

Module 3: Ornamental Fish Breeding Techniques (12 hours/ 3.5 credit)

• Breeding of Livebearers and Egg-layers
• Induced breeding techniques
• Brood stock selection and management
• Use of hormones (when applicable and permitted)
• Spawning habits and parental care
• Breeding tank setup

Module 4: Hatchery Management & Larval Rearing (6 hours/ 2 credit)

• Hatchery systems: types & design
• Water quality management
• Larval nutrition & feeding protocol
• Fry care, grading, and grow-out systems

Module 5: Aquarium Design, Equipment, and Maintenance (3 hours/ 1 credit)

• Aquarium construction, filtration types, aeration, and lighting
• Setting up planted aquariums
• Water conditioning & maintenance

Module 6: Feed and Fish Health Management (9 hours/ 2.5 credit)

• Types of feed: live, frozen, formulated
• Nutritional requirements of brooders, fry, and adults
• Feed formulation & preparation
• Feeding schedule
• Common diseases: bacterial, fungal, protozoan, parasitic
• Quarantine practices
• Use of salt, methylene blue, and other basic treatments

Module 7: Marketing, Business & Entrepreneurship (3 hours/ 1 credit)

• Value chain: Breeder → Retailer → Customer
• Government schemes & subsidies
• Business planning and costing and licensing

PRACTICALS :( 5 hours/ 1 credit)

• Identification of common ornamental fishes
• Visit to an aquarium outlet
• Setup of breeding tanks
• Hands-on live breeding of guppy/molly
• Aquarium installation and cycling
• Preparation of simple formulated feeds