This publication, written for resource managers, aquaculturists and scientists, reviews the genetic resources of Indian major carps: catla (Catla catla), rohu (Labeo rohita), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and kalbasu (Labeo calbasu). The review includes information on spawning behaviour and breeding under natural and culture conditions, distribution, genetic characterisation, status of genetic resources, conservation efforts and hybridization among Indian major carps and with other cyprinids. Research on genetic improvement through selective breeding, chromosomes-set manipulation and genetic engineering in India is reviewed. The status of Indian major carps in Bangaldesh, Thailand and Viet Nam as well as work in India on cryopreservation and gene banking are also discussed.'