Abstract

Genetic diversity within a species is a cornerstone of sustainable aquaculture, population resilience, and long-term viability of breeding programs. Indian major carp (IMC) species — Labeo rohita (Rohu), Catla catla (Catla) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Mrigal) — are key to South Asian freshwater aquaculture. However, overexploitation, unscientific broodstock management and genetic bottlenecks in hatchery stocks threaten the genetic integrity of wild and cultured populations. This paper reviews and synthesizes current genetic diversity studies in IMCs using molecular markers (mtDNA, microsatellites, SNP), highlighting population structure, allelic richness, heterozygosity patterns and implications for conservation and selective breeding strategies. Findings indicate significant within-population variation with low to moderate population differentiation, underscoring the necessity for improved brood-stock management and genetic monitoring in aquaculture programs.