'Miss Kerala', a highly priced ornamental variety of fish, which is on the verge of extinction, continues to be netted widely in the state and exported to foreign countries despite a government ban on its export, according to official sources.
Based on reports that its population is shrinking in Kerala waters, the state government had recently issued a ban on the export of 'Miss Kerala'.
The export of some other fish species like dwarf puffer fish and yellow catfish was also banned in the same manner, sources said, adding that the ban is not being executed properly by state agencies.
Scientifically known as 'Puntius Denisonii', Miss Kerala is considered one of the most exotic fish variety and is being exported from various rivers of the state to international aquarium markets without following any regulation.
"The fish species is mainly netted from Chalakkudy, Achencoil and Pampa rivers. Many agencies are active in the state for collecting the ornamental fish on behalf of various foreign companies and private fish hatcheries," said K G
Padmakumar, associate director of Kumarakom Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS).
Its attractive and colourful features make 'Miss Kerala' a hot-cake in the ornamental fish market. With the increasing demand, aquarium traders across the world are trying to obtain it, industry sources said.
A pair of the fish, which is collected at a price of Rs 30-40 from the local fishermen, is sold at Rs 1000 at the international market, they said.
The unregulated and unscientific catching of the species for aquarium trade is posing a threat even to its very existence, experts warn.