KOCHI: Want to know and learn about the marine world? If yes, the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) beckons you to their newly opened museum of aquatic species and public aquarium, which showcases a wide variety of indigenous and exotic ornamental fishes. The museum will be opened to the public from 10 am to 7 pm, including all Saturdays and Sundays.
Visitors will get the chance to watch and observe the wonders of aqua-species in marine and inland water bodies, in addition to acquire knowledge in connection with aquarium keeping, ornamental fish culture, details on species in the museum and basics in fish farming and disease diagnosis.
The varsity is ready to hold classes for those who visit in groups with prior information. Awareness will be given on backyard ornamental fish farming, a less expensive self-employment mean especially for housewives, as part of the programme. The museum has a wonder of a collection of 200 species of molluscs including gastropods and bivalve. It also showcases a wide array of indigenous fish varieties including the rare species in the Western Ghats which are facing extinction. Around 400 species of freshwater and marine fishes with sharks and rays are included in the museum.
The public aquarium includes marine aquarium, freshwater aquarium, plasma aquarium and koi pond. Nearly 1,500 fishes of different aquatic environment comprising of over 15 species of indigenous and exotic freshwater fishes can be seen. The marine ornamental fishes, the highlight of the aquarium include lion fish, butterfly, blue damsel, moray eel, reef cod, and clown fish. Combinations of several indigenous and exotic aquatic plants set in different style are also on display.
The fish and shrimp farms, experimental ponds and hatchery have also been included in the exhibition-cum-education package to attract visitors. People can learn the basics of the aquaculture by visiting the farming ponds. In order to make the project self-sustainable, an entry fee of Rs 20 for adults, Rs 10 for children of the age below 15 and Rs 5 for school students visiting in groups not less than 10, will be charged from the visitors.