38 students of II B.Sc. Zoology (2023-2026) accompanied by Dr. P. Kaliraj, Assistant Professor of Zoology, visited the Alagarkovil hill forest, Madurai and Live Tropics Ornamental Fish Farm at Kadachanendhal, Madurai, on 27.09.2024. The students visited the Alagarkovil Hill forests at 9.30 a.m. to observe the different species of butterflies in the forest ecosystem. Then the students visited the ornamental fish farm around noon, and they learned about the fish breeding techniques, feeding methods of fish, daily care for the fish, maintenance of water quality, and cleaning of fish tanks.
They also learned about the construction of fish tanks, the size and shape of fish tanks, the types of materials (glass, cement, and earthen pond) used in the construction of fish tanks, accessories used in the fish tanks, and the importance of fish tanks in the ornamental fish culture. In addition to that, the student learned the techniques of transport of fish, oxygen packing, different types of fish diseases, and their treatment. Students observed the different types of feeders used for the fish.
From this industrial visit, the students observed the different species of ornamental fishes like goldfish, guppyfish, koi carp, mollyfish, sharkfish, aligatorfish, and Arowana-Vaastu fish (majestic fish known for its faith in bringing luck). Students learned about the identification of fishes, fish morphology, behavioural differences, sex differences, and their life cycle. Students were trained to identify the export opportunities available in this field. Apart from fish, students also had a chance to visit the Spirulina cultivation methods, their nutritional value, their byproducts (powder, capsules, tablets), their demands around the globe, their packaging methods, economic importance, and export opportunities. Students also visited the medicinal plants farm inside the aquarium. In the medicinal farm, students learned about different types of medicinal plant varieties, species identification, their medicinal value, the parts used as medicine, and their cultivation techniques.
Spriulina culture: Paddle wheel aerator for oxygen and for evenly mixing nutrients
Students observing the Spirulina culture
Students observing ornamental fishes
Students feeding ornamental fishes in cement tank
