Mangur fish– benefits, side effects, banned, farming
Mangur fish or Thai magur fish is a special kind of catfish from Southeast Asia. Mangur is an air-breathing catfish native to freshwater environments in India and Bangladesh. It was identified as a distinct species of Larias batrachus in the year 2008. This catfish uses its pectoral fins to stay upright and moves in a wiggling motion.
This fish can do this when its usual watery home dries up, allowing it to move to other aquatic places. You can find the walking catfish in slow-moving waters like ponds, swamps, streams, and rivers. It’s also seen in flooded rice fields or temporary pools that might dry out.
Mangur fish benefits-
This special kind of fish is not only really good to eat because it has a lot of protein but also has a bunch of healthy fats called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (25.56% of total fat). It’s one of the best freshwater fish for this. People in the Northeast Region of India love it for its delicious taste and health benefits.
People have been using this fish in traditional ways too. They have specific recipes for new moms and people with Pox to help them get better quickly. It’s thought to give them strength and protect them from other infections. It stands out as a highly nutritious fish, boasting elevated levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12, and protein.
Mangur fish isn’t just good for eating. People use it in traditional medicine for things like low iron and other illnesses or injuries. It’s believed to help with healing and make people stronger. What’s really cool is that this fish can even heal itself by growing back lost tissue and important organs like the testis. Scientists are interested in studying this to see if it can be used in medicine.
Why is mangur fish banned in India?
A fish called Thai Magur is causing a big problem in India. It has led to a 70 percent decrease in the number of native fish, which is bad for the water environment. The National Green Tribunal banned the farming of Thai Magur in India in 2000 due to the threat it poses to other fish in water habitats, as it is a carnivorous species.
Thai Magur grows really fast and can live in different places, which is not good for the local fish and water animals when it gets into rivers and canals. Even though there are fines and warnings, people in Punjab are still doing illegal business with this fish, making it hard for the authorities to stop it.
The issue gets worse when people farm Thai Magur in dirty ponds because the fish eats things like chicken waste, pesticides, and human waste. This is not only bad for the environment but also risky for people’s health, and it could even lead to cancer.
What are mangur fish side effects?
The district administration in INDORE has recently prohibited the cultivation of Thailand catfish, also known as Magur, due to its harmful effects on local fish varieties and human health. Studies suggest that Thailand Magur contains 80 percent lead and iron content. In contrast, desi mangur fish varieties are not only nutritious but also high in vitamin D.
Hence consuming Thailand Magur fish increases the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver problems, stomach, and reproductive diseases. This is because these fish are often farmed in ponds that are contaminated with pollutants such as pesticides, poultry waste, and human waste. These contaminants can be harmful to human health when the fish are consumed, potentially leading to health problems, including an elevated risk of cancer. It’s essential to be cautious about the source of the fish and ensure that it comes from clean and safe environments to minimize health risks.
There is a concern that Thailand Magur fish may be contaminated with mercury and other heavy metals like arsenic, chromium, lead, etc. These pollutants can be harmful to human health if the fish is consumed regularly. Mercury and heavy metals can have toxic effects on the nervous system and other organs.
Consuming fish contaminated with these substances can pose health risks, especially for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children, as mercury exposure can adversely affect the developing nervous system. It’s crucial to be aware of the potential contamination in fish and to choose sources that adhere to safety regulations and guidelines to minimize health hazards associated with heavy metal exposure. Regular testing and monitoring of fish products can also help ensure their safety for consumption.
Desi mangur fish farming is totally legal in India
The Thai magur fish, known for its indiscriminate feeding habits, has been prohibited in India due to concerns about its dietary preferences, which include consuming human waste. However, locally cultivated desi mangur fish are considered lawful and safe for consumption.
Desi mangur fish are small in size and can be raised by using Biofloc fish farming. This is a high market-value fish ranging from Rs 600-800 per Kg. They can be raised in both small tanks with less Oxygen and a 1000 ft open area pond. For more details watch the video below-
These fish are raised in controlled pond environments, where they are fed specially formulated catfish food under meticulous supervision. The farming practices involve careful disease management, regular oxygenation of the water, and continuous monitoring of water quality, ensuring that there is no risk of exposure to substances such as mercury or other industrial pollutants.
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