Fisheries Laboratory
Laboratory Activities and Initiatives
About the Laboratory
The Department of Fisheries at Pandit Shambhu Nath Shukla University has undertaken a range of practical and research-driven activities to promote sustainable aquaculture, entrepreneurship, and education. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing student training (Skill), supporting local aquaculture industries, and contributing to research and development in the field.
Under the expert supervision of Dr. Vandana Ram, Assistant Professor, the department's laboratory serves as a hub for innovative research, practical learning, and community outreach in fisheries science and aquaculture.
Key Research Areas
- Live Fish Food Culture - Production of essential nutritional organisms for various fish life stages
- Ornamental Fish Culture - Sustainable breeding and management techniques
- Aquatic Plants Farming - Cultivation of diverse aquatic flora for ecosystem balance
- Fish Behavioral Studies - Understanding patterns to improve breeding and care practices
- Sustainable Aquaculture - Developing eco-friendly farming methods
- Problem-based Learning - Practical application of fisheries science to real-world challenges
Facilities & Resources
- Live food culture units for Artemia, Daphnia, Infusoria, and Azolla
- Ornamental fish breeding tanks and systems
- Aquatic plant cultivation infrastructure with 30+ varieties
- Controlled environment tanks for behavioral studies
- Water quality testing and monitoring equipment
- Net preparation and tank construction facilities
- Field research and documentation tools
- Consultancy service infrastructure
Laboratory Activities and Initiatives
1. Live Fish Food Culture
The laboratory culture of live fish food plays a critical role in supporting healthy fish growth and breeding. The department actively cultures:
- Artemia (brine shrimp) – Essential for larval nutrition due to high protein content
- Daphnia (water fleas) – Used as live feed for juvenile fish
- Infusoria – Ideal for feeding fish fry in their earliest stages
- Azolla – A floating aquatic fern rich in nutrients, also used as supplemental feed
2. Ornamental Fish Culture
A startup initiative has been launched focusing on the sustainable culture and management of ornamental fish species. Currently, the culture involves:
- Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
- Molly (Poecilia sphenops)
- Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
This project not only supports environmental sustainability and biodiversity but also opens avenues for economic empowerment and entrepreneurship through ornamental fish farming.
3. Consultancy Services
Students and faculty are offering consultancy services in the following areas:
- Ornamental fish culture and breeding
- Aquatic plant cultivation
- Aquarium setup and design
- Maintenance services for aquariums
- Fish health management and medicine
- Accessories and equipment guidance
These services cater to both residential and commercial clients, aiming to promote informed and sustainable aquatic ecosystem management.
4. Aquatic Plants Farming
The department is engaged in the cultivation of 30+ varieties of aquatic plants, which are crucial for creating balanced and healthy aquatic environments. These plants not only enhance aesthetic value but also contribute to water purification and habitat enrichment in aquariums and ponds.
5. Fish Collection and Behavioral Studies
Fish are collected, maintained, and observed under controlled laboratory conditions to study their behavior. This work supports:
- Breeding program design
- Research and development in aquaculture
- Species-specific care practices
6. Project/Problem-Based Learning
This module focuses on hands-on, experiential learning to equip students with practical skills in aquaculture and sustainable farming. Activities include:
These activities foster critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving while encouraging sustainable resource use and local knowledge integration.
7. Field Visits & Training Programs
Field visits and training programs are organized to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. These include:
- Visits to fish farms, hatcheries, Azolla production units, and integrated farming systems
- Hands-on training in water quality management, fish breeding techniques, and sustainable aquaculture practices
- Interaction with local farmers, experts, and industry professionals to understand challenges and innovations in the field
- Exposure to government schemes and extension services to enhance entrepreneurship and employability
Laboratory Supervision
All activities are carried out under the expert supervision of Dr. Vandana Ram, Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries.