LUCKNOW, Sept. 10 -- Scientists at ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, have developed India's first 'designer clownfish' through selective hybridisation, a breakthrough that could transform ornamental fish farming in the country.

India is home to 15 of the 30 known clownfish species, but hybridisation efforts have so far been limited. "This achievement paves the way for sustainable ornamental fish production, reducing dependence on wild-caught species while creating new livelihood opportunities," said Kajal Chakraborty, director of ICAR-NBFGR.

The research team crossbred Amphiprion percula (male) and Amphiprion ocellaris (female) in a project funded by the Mangrove Foundation, Maharashtra government. The stu...