Small Indigenous Fish Species in Aquaculture in Bangladesh: Contribution to Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron Intakes

Fish plays an important role in the Bangladeshi diet, constituting the main and often irreplaceable animal food in rural households. Fish consumption is dominated by wild small indigenous fish species (SIS). The vitamin A content in SIS varies from less than 100 to more than 2,500 retinol equivalents (RE) per 100 g of raw edible parts. This study assessed the dietary contribution of vitamin A, calcium, and iron from fish and the potential of producing vitamin A–dense SIS with carp in aquaculture. Seasonal fish consumption (wild and cultured fish) was surveyed in 1997–98 through five-day recall interviews in 84 poor rural households in the Kishoreganj district. Fifty-nine of the households participated in an aquaculture production trial in which carp were cultured with SIS, including the vitamin A–dense species mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), in small homestead ponds. Wild SIS contributed 84 percent of total fish consumption. Total household fish consumption was unaffected by household aquaculture production. In October, the peak season for fish consumption, wild SIS contributed 40 percent (median 23 percent) of the recommended vitamin A intake at the household level. Thirty-four households cultured mola along with carp in polyculture. Cultured mola used for household consumption contributed 20 percent (median 18 percent) of the recommended intake of vitamin A at the household level. Wild SIS are an important vitamin A source in Bangladesh. Mola can be integrated into existing carp culture without negative effects and can contribute to increased vitamin A intake in rural households.