People throng Kochi aquatic exhibition

Kochi, Dec.18 (ANI): Scores of people thronged an aquatic exhibition 'De Aquaria 10' displaying wide range of ornamental fishes in Kochi.

The exhibition showcased nearly 2,000 varieties of fishes, 20 odd varieties of pigeons, poultry and pheasants.

The exhibition was held in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council and Ornamental Fish Association of Kerala.

"I have introduced here about 100 varieties of fishes, fully exotic breeds coming from abroad. Most of them are born and brought up in India itself," said Abdul Rasheed, the Ornamental Fish Association secretary.

"The specialty of the show is we have organised with the Ornamental Fish Association. This is a registered organisation in Kerala. And now we are planning to promote this industry all over India and abroad," he added.

Rasheed further said the aim of the exhibition was to promote fish breeding, and motivate youngsters to love animals and also increase the exports from the State.

Some of the aquatic creatures at the exhibition were multi-coloured Parrotfish, the mud crab, the Red Pacu, the Arapaima gigas fish, the catfish, the Mickey Mouse platy fish and the lobster.

Most of these creatures were on sale. Besides fishes, fish tanks, accessories for aquatic animals and marine plants were also on sale.

"It is a very great show. We have seen many varieties of fishes here, ranging from small to big ones. Apart from fishes there are a few and rare species of pigeons. We also got a chance to see some exotic and foreign varieties of fishes. Overall it was a good one," said Vineet, a visitor.

The pigeon section was organised by the Pigeon Foundation of India and featured rare and exotic varieties like the jacobin pigeon, which hides its head under a feather tent, the pouters pigeon, imported from Pakistan, the American fantail pigeon and the English carrier pigeon, which was earlier used for sending messages.

Hens and few rare colourful pheasants like the Lady Amherst Pheasant, many of which have been imported from United States, were also displayed in the exhibition.

The exhibition started on December 9 and will end on December 19. By Juhan Samuel (ANI)