Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Beauties in water

CREATURES OF THE SEA: A lobster at the aquarium show being held in connection with the Onam Week celebrations in the city. Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar

An aquarium show, organised as part of the Onam Week celebrations, on the premises of the Institution of Engineers Hall has been drawing crowds.

On display are a variety of ornamental fish ranging from arrowana to angelfish in 14 stalls put up under the auspices of Matsyafed, the Fisheries Department and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.

The arrowana, also known as dragon fish, is one of the main attractions. A majestic-looking freshwater fish, it fetches fancy prices of around Rs. 1 lakh a pair. The Chinese believe that the arrowana brings good luck to the owner, especially if it is red. Miss Kerala, or Puntius dentisoni, evoked curiosity because of its fancy name and because it is indigenous to the country's southwest coast. Also called redline torpedo fish, because of the bright red line on their bellies, they look impressive in a group.

The thin disc-shaped butterfly fish, with its pointed nose and black-and-white zebra stripes, the Murray eel and banner fish are also turning heads.

According to K. Sobhana Kumar of Matsyafed, the show is aimed at creating a demand for ornamental fish. Equipment such as glass tanks and air-filters are also on sale.

M. Harish Govind

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