Pearl Spot Fish

July 8, 2024

The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) is preparing to launch a genome editing mission to boost pearl spot fish production.

About Pearl Spot Fish:

  • It is commonly known as “Karimeen” in Kerala is an indigenous fish extensively found along the east and south-west coasts of Peninsular India.
  • Habitat: It is an important candidate species for aquaculture in ponds in both brackishwater and freshwater environments.
  • It has an elevated laterally compressed body and a small cleft mouth. In the natural habitat, the fish is light green in colour with eight vertical bands. 
  • Seed of pearl spot is available throughout the year along the east and south-west coasts of India. The peak season of abundance is during the months of May-July and November-February.
  • Distribution: It is one of the most widely available varieties in the South, especially in the Kerala backwaters, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
  • It is a low-fat, high-protein food, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which keep our heart and brain healthy.
  • This variety is also rich in Vitamin D and riboflavin, as well as in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

What is Genome Editing?

  • It is the complete genetic information of an organism and genome editing is a type of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in the genome of a living organism.
  • Genome editing targets the insertions to site specific locations.