No. 5 (1922) INLAND PISCICULTURE 117 



station. In spite of this, notable success has been achieved, parti- 

 cularly with the seththakendai {Etroplus suratcnsis) of the Madras 

 neighbourhood, with the large indigenous carp, Catla catla, and 

 with certain of the mullets. The life history of the first of these 

 has been worked out in detail, and it is now being bred regularly 

 and in large numbers in all three of our existing fish farms at 

 Perambur, Sunkesula and Ippur. The value of scientific research 

 is well demonstrated in respect of Etroplus; consistent success 

 only resulted when the breeding habits had been ascertained; the 

 secret of success lies in the provision of suitable stone-built 

 breeding refuges where the eggs may be deposited safely in the 

 manner peculiar to this species. This fish is found naturally in 

 estuaries and tanks near the sea-coast. By the efforts of the 

 department it has been acclimatized successfully to waters far 

 inland; Sunkesula is 130 miles from the sea. Similarly with the 

 catla carp. It is numerous in the Kistna, the Godavari and the 

 rivers further north, but till some 50 years ago the Kistna formed 

 the southern limit of the distribution. Since the opening of the 

 Cuddapah-Kurnool canal and the stocking of its reaches by this 

 department with fry of this species, the catla has found its way 

 into the river Pennar and is now very common in the Pennar-fed 

 tanks in the Nellore district. Two years ago it was introduced 

 into the great Madurantakam tank in the Chingleput district and 

 this year large numbers were liberated in the Cauvery thereby 

 extending its range still further south. Further extension will be 

 made when the Chingleput Fort fish-farm is in operation. 



Other useful acclimatization centres in the distribution of the 

 fry of certain species of mullet from estuaries to inland waters. 

 This is the most recent of our efforts in this direction. The results 

 are very gratifying for fry ranging in length from 2 to 5% inches 

 have been found to increase in inland tanks to 9 and II inches 

 within a period of 10 months. 



The successful stocking of the Nilgiri streams with rainbow 

 trout from New Zealand is another demonstration of what is 

 possible when these operations are skilfully conceived. When 

 these streams were first administered by this department, they 

 were, with the exception of some carp and small minnows, devoid 

 of fish life ; now they teem with trout bred at the hatchery at 

 Avalanche. 



Sea Fisheries. — The development of our sea fisheries by intro- 

 ducing improved boats and appliances has presented greater 



