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CHAPTER 4: REARING AND CAPTIVE BREEDING
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4.1 INTRODUCTION
Ornamental fishes are also called ‘living jewels’ for their beautiful colours and
playful behaviour. Ornamental fishes are typically small sized; attractive and bizarre
shaped in appearance (Dey, 1996). Therefore, it is a source of attraction for fish lovers
and aquarists all over the world. With the inspiring popularity of aquarium keeping in
households in many part of the world, ornamental fish has become an important part in
international trade. World trade of ornamental fishes has reached more than one billion
dollars and is growing rapidly at around 10% per year. India currently exports only
around Rs. 30 million (US$650,000 million) of ornamental fish. However, the
northeast of India has many species of fish that have great potential in the ornamental
trade and many of which are attractive to foreign markets. There is great potential to
expand this industry. In Assam there is no organized trade at present. Only a very few
people are supplying these fishes to the exporters in places such as Kolkata and
Chennai. The rivers, hill streams, reservoirs and other freshwater bodies of the country
possess considerable wealth of indigenous ornamental fishes. Many attractive loaches,
barbs, zebra fishes, rasbora, catfishes, killifishes and glass fishes are indigenous to the
lentic and lotic water ecosystems of north east India and comprehensive information
about the availability and abundance of these varieties is yet to be documented.
Development of captive breeding and seed production techniques for the indigenous
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species is the major research requirement that needs immediate attention.
Establishment of brood stock centers and hatcheries for major varieties of indigenous
ornamental fishes has to be done on a priority basis. Periodic replenishment of the
natural stock by resorting to seed production and ranching can compensate the natural
loss by exploitation of these varieties. Since, they are not directly involved in
exporting they are always deprived of the actual price prevailing in the global market.
Considering their potential captive breeding can serve the purpose for introducing the
indigenous species in the global market generating foreign exchange (Das & Kalita
2003). Although populations of rare fishes can be restored by moving individuals from
one locality to another, many fishes most in need of conservation exist in populations
that are too small to supply individuals for reintroduction or in translocation projects.
Since most of such rare species are either not economically or recreationally important
therefore few incentives exist for developing techniques for captive their propagation.
However, during last one or two decades, several captive propagation and
reintroduction projects have been initiated and appear successful (Rakes et al., 1999).
The debate over the value of captive breeding as a means of preserving species from
extinction will probably go on for decades to come. Conservation-minded people are
divided as to the value of this approach to the long term maintenance of biodiversity
(Huntley & Langton, 1994). Captive breeding programs have become one of the
principal tools used in attempts to compensate for declining fish populations and
simultaneously to supplement and enhance yields for fisheries (Fleming, 1994). It is
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also an approach solution for fish conservation by means of restocking their natural
habitat with hatchery-reared individuals (Philippart, 1995; Poncin & Philippart, 2002),
and a viable alternative to capture fisheries in providing a sustainable source of
proteins for fishing communities and local populations. The mastery of artificial
reproduction is a key aspect as it permits intensive production of a given species in
controlled conditions. This allows continuous production of juveniles for restocking
natural water courses, artificial lakes or fish breeding ponds (Montchowui et al.,
2011). Artificial propagation of fishes is done by induced breeding technique. Induced
breeding of endemic major carps has been established as a dependable source of fish
seeds since the mid 1960’s (Ali, 1967) in hatcheries for production of fry or
fingerlings which contributes significantly to the overall aquaculture production of
Bangladesh. However despite of prolonged practice and considerable refinement,
hypophysation procedure still seems to be lacking in sufficient standardization,
basically from the dose selection and brood selection point of view (Bhuiyan et al.,
2006). The high demand for fish fingerlings in the phenomenal growing aquaculture
industry has stimulated the need for artificial propagation of cultural warm water
fishes. Statistics of global fish production shows that fish farming represents about
15% of the global fish yields and was expected to exceed 20% by the year 2000. FAO
(1995) noted that inland capture fisheries yields had continuously increased from 6.5
million tons recorded in 1984 up to 1989. Since 1990, catches appeared to have
stabilized or even declined slightly. Considering both inland and marine capture
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fisheries, in 1989 world fish production reached 100.3 million tons. Production
increased slightly from 1992 to 101.3 million tons in 1993 (FAO, 1995). Such increase
in the production of food fish was considered feasible if aquaculture production could
be doubled in the next 16 years. The extraordinary effort needed to care for and breed
fish for the purposes of conservation requires that those who make the effort be
philosophically committed to the task. Without a positive perspective and the resulting
motivation, participants in Aquatic Conservation Network programs are likely to give
their captive breeding efforts a very low priority. When this is the case, they will
probably drop out of the program after a short period of time. This is not to say there
are not many aspects of life that justifiably have a higher priority, but commitment to
the captive breeding programs must have a high enough priority to ensure long-term
participation. One will be devoted to answering some of the most often heard
objections to programs designed to keep endangered fish alive in aquariums.
One of the expectations of people involved in captive breeding is that some
fish species will eventually be reintroduced into their natural habitat. It is true that
many habitats will not be able to support aquatic life for many decades or perhaps
forever. The conservation aquarist chooses to maintain the fish even if the future of its
habitat looks bleak. Captive breeding is the first milestone for artificial propagation of
any species. Successful technology for breeding and rearing of a species in captivity is
the prerequisite for rehabilitation of natural stocks as well as for culture. The key to
further success lies in growth and survival during captive rearing especially at early
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stage. For wider acceptance of the new species technology of seed production and
culture should be commercially viable. Although the technique of induced breeding in
fishes has undergone significant transformations since it was first developed and with
the adoption of ‘second generation techniques’ involving alternate inducing agents, the
practice of brood stock selection, maintenance and management, however has not
made much head way. Brood fish care exerts considerable influence on vital processes
such as onset of sexual maturity, development of gonads and response to inducing
agents. In effect, the various processes such as ovulation, fertilization, hatching rate
and hatchling survival are all dependent on quality of brood stock. The development
and management of brood stock through nutritional, breeding, rearing, stocking etc.,
environmental and hormonal manipulation is the key for successful captive breeding.
Culture operations (breeding, rearing, stocking etc.,) by fish farmers are necessary to
supplement natural resources especially when intensive exploitations are contempted.
There are innumerable technical problems varying with the locality, kind of fish,
climate, etc., which require investigations before piscicultural practices could be
attempted (Satyanarayana, 1996). Hence, investigations are necessary on spawning
season, breeding habits, character of egg and young ones, feeding habits and growth
aspects. Organized trade in ornamental fish depends primarily on assured and adequate
supply as and when demand arises, possible only if mass breeding technology to
produce quality and popular species are available. To breed aquarium fish successfully
a breeder must have information on biology of the target species. Breeding in the
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ornamental fishes can be broadly categorized into egg layers and live bearers based on
breeding habits. Among the egg layers the method of breeding differs from family to
family. Such as in the families Cyprinidae, Anabantidae and Characidae, suggestion of
male and female prior to breeding helps for increased fecundity and higher
fertilization. Among the cyprinids (such as gold fish, koi carps, etc.) artificial breeding
techniques such as hypophysation and hand stripping method can be applied for
desirable result. The hope is that habitat reconstruction will become an important area
of research in the next few decades and that eventually many species will be placed
back into nature even if the habitat has to be engineered by humans. If the fish no
longer exist, this will not be an option. Due to its market preference, smaller size, the
species offers a good scope for aquaculture. It’s is also suitable species for culture in
shallow water bodies and paddy-cum-fish culture.
4.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Breeding of fish in captivity, using wild fish parents, is a widely used
management practice that aims to restore wild populations of endangered species.
‘Supportive breeding’ is an approach to captive breeding which uses wild parents and
returns offspring into the wild at an early stage of development (Blanchet et al.,2008).
The mastery of artificial reproduction is a key aspect as it permits intensive production
of a given species in controlled conditions. This allows continue production of
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juveniles for restocking natural water courses, artificial lakes or fish breeding ponds
(Montchowui et al., 2011). For endangered and highly threatened species, captive
breeding programme is often discouraged; although induced breeding of various
species of fish has long been successfully established (Chaudhury, 1960; Sokolowska
et al., 1984; Peter et al., 1988 and Nandeesha et al., 1990). The rearing of fry in the
aquarium conditions poses many problems, particularly when live feeds like Daphnia
spp. unavailable (Pethiyagoda, 1991). Therefore, captive breeding and rearing of the
young prior to introduction are very important tasks for conservation. However, no
successful methods are available for captive breeding (Sundarabarthy et al., 2004).
Skelton et al. (1991) suggested artificial multiplication of these species in captivity in
order to sustain natural stocks. Standardization of breeding protocol and mass
production of seed of endangered fish species are important techniques in aquaculture.
With a view to re-establish their population in the wild and to develop brood fishes for
stock enhancement and management programme, induced breeding and larval rearing
of fish are attempted. Intensive rearing practices often aim to maximize production by
selecting on preferred traits For the species of declining fishes in freshwater, breeding
programmes were the least with the above purpose although induced breeding of
various species of fish has long been successfully established (Chaudhury, 1960;
Sokolowska et al., 1984; Peter et al., 1988 and Nandeesha et al., 1990). The rearing of
fry in the aquarium conditions poses many problems, particularly when Daphnia spp.
Like live feeds are not available (Pethiyagoda, 1991). Therefore, captive breeding and
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rearing of the young prior to introduction are very important tasks for conservation.
However, no successful methods are available for captive breeding (Sundarabarthy et
al. 2004), such as enhanced growth rate, which can indirectly affect correlated traits
such as aggression (Price, 1988). Adaptation to the captive environment
(domestication) can also promote behavioural traits that are advantageous in captivity
but maladaptive in the wild, such as tameness and a reduced response to stress
(Kohane & Parsons, 1988). Furthermore, captive environments often differ
substantially from wild habitats causing behavioural differences to arise as a result of
differential experience (Price, 1999). The captive population has been allowed to
interbreed freely. Few conservation studies have specifically investigated the
relationship between rearing environment and those behaviors that are likely to be
fundamental to post-release survival (Kelley et al., 2005).
Fishes exhibit various types of spawning, which are closely related to the
development and distribution of eggs (Prabhu, 1956). Otubusin (1996) noted that the
only means of meeting up with the projected fish demand in the country was through a
pragmatic option of intensive fish farming. Rearing culturable fish species under
controlled environment has proved to be a successful method of enhancing fish
supply. However, in spite of the break through reported for its artificial propagation
(Richter & Van der Hurk, 1982; Madu et al., 1987; Madu et al., 1989), the demand for
fish seed still outstrips the supply. Richter & Van der Hurk (1982) reported that the
problem of inadequate supply of fish seed can only be solved through induced
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breeding by the application of various inducement materials. Various types of fishes
have been induced to spawn, using various hormonal materials (Nwadukwe, 1993;
Eyo, 1992, 1998, 2002; Nwuba & Aguigwo, 2002). Parameswaran & Murugesan
(1976) attempted induced breeding by carp pituitary glands while Richter & Van der
Hurk (1982) reported that the problem of inadequate supply of fish seed can only be
solved through induced breeding by the application of various inducement materials.
Skelton et al. (1991) suggested artificial multiplication of the fish species in captivity
in order to sustain natural stocks. According to Senanayake & Moyle (1982), Fleming
(1994) captive breeding programs have become one of the principal tools used in
attempts to compensate for declining fish populations, translocation of the fish species
and simultaneously to supplement and enhance yields for fisheries. A number of
studies of commercial species have demonstrated that intensive rearing practices can
result in a divergence of behavioural traits in captive and wild animals (for example a
salmonid) as suggested by Gross, (1998). Price, (1999) reported that captive
environments often differ substantially from wild habitats causing behavioural
differences to arise as a result of differential experience. Culture and breeding of
exotic Puntius species, P. gonionotus has gained large momentum in India and other
adjoining countries (Jhingran, 1985; Haroon et al., 1994; Ayyapan et al., 2000;
Bhuiyan, 2006).
Several workers have initiated researches on ornamental fish breeding in
captivity using various hormonal preparations (Horvath et al., 1997; Sen Gupta et al.,
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1992; Mukherjee & Das, 2001; Haniffa et al., 2001; Mercy, 2006; Sunita, 2006;
Marimuthu et al., 2001, 2007). Captive breeding and preparation of hormonal
doses of certain fish species were reported by Singh et al. (2002). Sundarabarthy et
al. (2004) conducted the captive breeding and rearing of fry and juveniles of
Cherry barb (Puntius titteya). Successful induced spawning has been reported
either through hypophysation or by administrating synthetic GnRH (Sarkar et al.,
2005).
As far as rearing and captive breeding of ornamental fish from N.E India
is concerned, important works on this aspect from this region include Das & Kalita
(2003) on Macrognathus aculeatus, Kharbuli et al. (2004) on Devario
aequipinnatus, Sarma (2008) on Puntius gelius, Borah et al. (2010) on
Amblypharyngodon mola and Singh (2011) on Macrognathus aral and M.
pancalus. Further, the efficacy of hormone dosage and spawning response of
Anabas testudineus using ovaprim was reported by Bhattacharyya &
Homechaudhuri (2009); Kumar et al. (2010) and Pius (2010). The biology and
rearing feasibility of spiny eel was also studied by Singh & Biswas (2010). In case
of Rasbora daniconius and Esomus danricus, scanty information is available.
Recently, Jyoti et al. (2010) conducted the possibility and efficacy of a synthetic
hormone, Ovatide, in the induced breeding of Esomus danricus.
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4.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS
Matured specimens of Esomus danricus and Parluciosoma daniconius were
collected using scoop net and mosquito nets from the Maijan beel. Collected live
specimens were at first passed through quarantine phase and subsequently treated with
4 gm of NaCl or 2 to 3 drops of KMnO4 solution mixed with 6 liters of waters kept for
4 days and then transferred in to glass aquaria (size 75 x 37 x 37 cm3 with a water
depth of 25cm) for acclimatization. Floating aquatic weed, Pistia stratiotes (in small
nos) were provides in aquaria. Plankton obtained by filtering water from nearby fish
pond using15 µm plankton net, consisting mainly Euglena, Pandorina, Microspora,
Netrium, Cosmarium were initially provided as natural food.
Rearing of brooders (P. daniconius and E. danricus) was done in separate
aquaria for about three months prior to spawning (Plate 4.1A, Fig. 4A & B).
Supplementary feeding with Tokyu floating food, Tubifex worms, dried grinded fish,
mosquito larvae and zooplankton was done twice daily throughout the rearing period
(Plate 4.1A , Fig. 4 C- F). Water of the aquarium was changed partially every fortnight
in order to maintain the water quality and water parameters were monitored.
Submerged and floating aquatic plants were also provided during breeding trial (Plate
4.2B, Fig. 4 G & H).
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Growth of brooders was recorded on a monthly basis. Further, survival rate and
mean weight gain rate were also calculated following Francis (1996) and Pillai &
Lakra (2000).
The breeding season of E. danricus and P.daniconius starts from April and lasts
till August. If the water quality undergoes deteriotion, all the fishes are required to be
transferred immediately to another tank containing water at optimal conditions. Keeping
infected fish in the aquarium can result in transmission of disease to other fish
populations. Induced breeding of the selected species was carried out using synthetic
hormone (ovaprim) following standard methods (MPEDA 2007). Initially, ripe E.
danricus and P. daniconius were injected with a low dose of ovaprim hormone (0.2- 0.5
ml kg-1 for male and female respectively) between the dorsal fin and lateral line with a 6
ml hypodermic syringe and were released in separate aquaria.
4.4 RESULTS
At the time of breeding, males and females of both the species were released in
the ratio of 1:2 (M: F). At first, a low dose (0.2 ml/kg b w) was administered to
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females of both the species, but none of the brooders spawned. Although at higher
doses of ovaprim (0.5- 0.8ml/kg b w) both the species laid eggs, but unfortunately, the
spawn did not survive during the 1st year of experiment in 2008-09 (Table 4.1A).
However, in the next year (2009-10), both males and females of E. danricus and
P.daniconius were injected with higher doses of ovaprim. The female brooder of E.
danricus having a length of 4.6 – 5.2cm and weight of 1.06 to 1.15 gm were injected
with a dose of 0.8 ml/ kg bw while males (size 3.8 to 4.7cm and weight 0.87-0.98gm)
were injected with 0.5 ml/ kg bw failed to spawn even after 6 hours of injection (Table
4.1B). Again, the same female brooders were injected by changing the dose to 1ml/
kg bw; after 12 to 14 hrs of hormone injection, females were found very active, as
stripping helps the female to release eggs in the roots of Pistia and also at some stone
chips floor of the aquarium. During this time the males too showed chasing and
pairing behaviour and took part in fertilization of eggs. The no. of eggs released was
between 220 and 300 per female (Table 4.1B), out of which 30–60 eggs were hatched
out. Incidentally, both the species were often found devouring their own eggs at the
time of first breeding trial. Therefore, the parents were promptly removed from the
aquarium soon after fertilization which generally occurred in late afternoon or at dusk
in order to avoid predation on eggs. After egg lying, the water of ‘the nursery aquaria’
was not changed but slow aeration was provided for better survival of hatchlings.An
average of 26 number of spawns survived (47% survival) for 24 days. However, the
overall survival rate was further decreased as only 16 individuals survived till they
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attained adulthood (180days). Hence, final percentage of survival rate is estimated as
35.3%. During the period, the E. danricus attained 0.82 - 1.02 gm in weight and 36-
41mm in length (Table 4.1D).
Similarly, in case of P. daniconius, female brooders having a size of 6.3 - 6.8
cm and weight between 2.28 and 3.35gm whereas males of 5.8- 6.2 cm and 1.72 - 2.67
gm were selected for breeding trial @ 1:2 (M:F) ratio. The administered dose was 0.8
ml/ kg bw for females and 0.5 ml/kg bw for males. However, both the sexes showed
negative response. Subsequently, the ovaprim dose was increased to 1 ml/ kg bw for
female, but the male brooders were injected @ 0.5 ml/ kg bw. Spawning occurred after
12 – 14 hours of hormone injection and females released about 200-350 eggs (per
female) serially of which 50 to 80 eggs were hatched. An average of 42 spawn
survived till they were 3 months old, with a survival rate of 60 %. Mean no. of
survival was only 27 till they grew to adult stage (130days). Hence, final percentage of
survival in P.daniconius was 41.4%. During this period the species attained body
weight of 2.12 - 2.34gm and a length of 48 – 58mm (Table 4.1D). Likewise, the
captive breeding conducted in 2010-11 showed almost same trend of results (Table
4.1C). The survival rate of spawn to adult was recorded as 38.7% and 45.2% for E.
danricus and P. daniconius respectively.The hatchlings were observed to feed actively
after absorption of yolk sac i.e., on 2nd day onwards. The tiny hatchlings feed on
planktonic organisms initially, and subsist on macro food particles like grinded
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Tubifex and mosquito larvae after about 10 days. The feeding preferences and
behaviour of both the species were observed almost identical.
Certain physico-chemical parameters of aquarium water were recorded during
the breeding trial. These were as follows: - water temperature 26.5 o – 31oC, pH 7.2 –
7.8, dissolved oxygen 4.8 – 5.6 ppm and free CO2 within 3.5 ppm (Table 4.1E). In
aquarium condition water temperature was found crucial for the survival of hatchlings
and fry. During winter, special arrangement for light was made to regulate water
temperature so that the temperature should not drop down below 200C.
Table 4.1A: Breeding experiment in aquaria during first year (2008-09)
Ovaprim
dose ml/kg-1
B.W
Immediate Reaction after
injection
Effect of hormone on the
species
No. of eggs laid Survival Rate %
E. danricu
s
P. daniconi
us
E. danricu
s
P. danicon
ius
E. danric
us
P. danicon
ius
E. danric
us
P. daniconi
us
0.2 No reaction at all. No behaviour changes & no
chase
No egg
No egg 0 0
0.5-0.8 Exhibition of courtship (pairing and chasing) behaviour, body colour is slightly brighter
After 12-14 hr of hormone
injection females lay eggs serially 3-4 in number, attached to the Pistia root and spread on the floor of the aquarium.
200 -280
180-300 0 0
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Table 4.1B: Breeding experiment in aquaria during second year (2009-10)
Species Length (cm)
Weight (gm)
Hormonal dose (ml kg-1B.W)
Latency period (hours)
No. of eggs
released
No. of eggs
hatched
Survival
rate %
Male
Female
E.
danr
icus
s
M
3.8-4.7
0.87-0.98
0.5 .
0.8 --- --
---
---
F
4.6 -5.2 1.06 – 1.15
1.0 12 – 14 220-300
30 – 60 35.3
P.
dani
coni
us
M 5.8-6.2
1.72-2.67
0.8 --- --- ---- ---
F 6.3 -6.8
2.28– 3.35
1.0 12 – 14 200-
350 50 – 80 41.4
Table 4.1C: Breeding experiment in aquaria during third year (2010-11)
Species Length (cm)
Weight (gm)
Hormonal dose (ml kg-1B.W)
Latency period (hours)
No. of eggs
released
No. of eggs
hatched
Survival
rate %
Male
Female
E.
danr
icus
M
3.8-4.6
0.82-0.93
0.5 .
0.8 --- --
---
---
F
4.2 -5.4 1.09 – 1.18
1.0 12 – 14 237-323 37 – 62 38.7
P.
dani
coni
us
M 5.4-6.7
1.78-2.81
0.8 --- --- ---- ---
F 6.1 -6.7
2.22– 3.15
1.0 12 – 14 220-350 55 – 90 45.2
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Table 4.1 D: Growth rate of E. danricus & P.daniconius for 2009-10
Species attain adult stage Final survival
individuals
Body weight range
(gm)
Body Length
range (mm)
E.danricus 180 days 16 0.82 - 1.02 36 -41
P.daniconius 130 days 27 2.12 - 2.34 48 - 58
Table 4.1E: Parameters of the aquarium during induced breeding experiments
4.5 DISCUSSION
Captive breeding is a means of preserving species from all kinds of extinction.
Conservation-minded people are divided as to the value of this approach to the long
term maintenance of biodiversity (Huntley & Langton, 1994). Natural breeding of
commonly available barbs in aquarium did not meet much success probably due to
lack of natural environment for spawning. Fish pituitaries in general were found to be
most effective in artificial fish breeding practice (Chaudhury, 1969). Effectiveness of
carp pituitary extract in artificial breeding of fishes was also reported by Davy &
Aquarium parameters Ranges
Temperature (o C) 26.5 o C – 31 o C pH 7.2 – 7.8 Dissolved Oxygen (mgl-1) 4.8 – 5.6 Free Carbon dioxide (mgl-1) Trace – 3.5
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PHOTO PLATE 4.1A: BREEDING AQUARIUM AND FOOD PROVIDED
Fig. 4A: E. danricus for breeding trail Fig. 4B: P. daniconius for breeding trail
Fig. 4 C: Grinded dried prawn & fish Fig.4 D: Dried tubifex worm
Fig. 4E: Grinded rice bran Fig. 4F: Grinded baby pellets
4(B) 4(A)
24(C) 4(D)
4(E) 4(F)
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PHOTO PLATE 4.2B: AQUATIC PLANT AND COURTSHIP BEHAVIOUR
Fig. 4G: Submerged plants Fig. 4H: Floating aquatic plant
Fig. 4 I & 2J: Courtship behaviour of P.daniconius
Fig.4K & 4L: Courtship behaviour of E.danricus
4(J) 4(I)
4(L) 4(K)
4(H) 4(G)
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PHOTO PLATE 4.3C: BREEDING OF E.danricus AND P.daniconius
Fig.4 (M & N): Development of embryo and 36 hours of P.daniconius
Fig.4 (O & P): 10 days old and 15 days old P.daniconius
Fig.4 (Q & R): 5days old and 15 days old E.danricus
M
R Q
P O
N
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Chouinard (1980) and Rothbard (1981). Synthetic hormones are now widely used for
breeding culturable fish species. Therefore, ovaprim was used for captive breeding of
E. danricus and P. daniconius. However, in the present case the first attempt of
captive breeding of both the specimens was not successful. It seems to be lacking of
standard protocol of the technique basically arised from the problems of dose and
selection of brooders. Although, at 0.5-0.8 ml/ kg bw dose, none of the species breed
but some bubbles were spread over the surface of the water indicating partial response
to hormonal injection. This may be due to an insufficient release of gonadotropins and
water temperature as also experienced earlier workers such as Van der Kraak et al.
(1983), Billard et al. (1984), and Sahoo et al. (2005). Marx & Kumar (2004) found
ovaprim injection at the rate of 0.5ml/kg bw to be ineffective in producing an
ovulation response in Channa striatus. In the present study also, ovaprime at a dose of
0.5 -0.8 ml/kg bw was ineffective in inducing successful ovulation also the high water
temperature. Again Sahoo et al. (2005) studied the effect of different doses of ovatide
(viz. 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml and 2.0 ml kg bw) on Clarius batrachus and reported 1 ml
kg to be optimum dose for best breeding performance of the fish. Similarly, Jyoti et al.
(2010) also reported the effect of different doses of ovatide (viz. 0.4 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.6 ml
and 1.0 ml kg BW) on spawning of Esomus danricus. The dosage of ovaprim selected
by earlier workers for induced spawning in carp and murrel ranged between 0.3 and
0.6 ml/kg mass (Nandeesha et al., 1993; Francis, 1996; Hanifa et al., 1996). According
to Chaudhuri (1976), Jhingran & Pulin (1985), Woynarovich & Horvath (1980) and
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Bhuiyan et al. (2006) slightly higher dose of hormone was required at the beginning
and latter part of the spawning season and comparatively lower dose was required at
the middle of the breeding season. The findings of the present study are thus almost in
complete contrast with the findings of the above workers. In terms of fertilisation and
hatching, ovaprim yielded better results (Nandeesha et al., 1990, 1993; Alok et al.,
1993). The highest percentage of fertilisation (95-98%) was observed in ovaprim-
injected C. striatus. In mrigal injected with ovaprim, 90% fertilisation was observed
by Azad & Shimray (1991).
However, in the next year (2009 – 10), both the species responded when higher
doses were administered by showing courtship behaviour. The brooder were very
active by chasing each other (Plate 4.2B,Fig. 4 I, J, K, L) and female released their
eggs in the roots of the Pistia and at some stone chips floor placed in the aquarium
before hand. As soon as the female release their eggs, the males also release the
spermatozoa and fertilized the eggs (Plate 4.3C, Fig. 4 M-N) and growth increased
(Plate 4.3C, Fig 4 O-R). Mild aeration during the developmental stage helps to
minimize adverse water conditions which may cause gill damage thereby reducing the
fish's ability to respire efficiently (Huntley & Langton, 1994).
The experiment conducted in the 2nd year (2009-10) may be considered as
partially successful. The breeders showed aggressiveness after 10 hours of injection
irrespective of the type of the hormone. Each female paired with only a single male
(Parameswaran & Murugesan 1976; Thakur 1976; Moitra et al., 1979) and the other
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male was rejected. Mating was preceded by an elaborate courtship. During spawning,
the male bents its body to reach close to the female and released its milt and the eggs
were fertilized externally (Yaakob & Ali 1992). Both parents particularly the males
guarded the juveniles (Devaraj, 1973).
During the experiment both the species thrived well at a pH between 7.2 and
7.8. Both the species were found comfortable in slightly alkaline water. According to
Depasse (1956), a pH range of 6.5-9.0 is ideal for fish culture. A slightly alkaline pH
of 7-8 is characteristic of good water, suitable for fish life (Hora & Pillay, 1962).
Water temperature was recorded as 26.5–310 C during the experiment. According to
Chaudhuri (1960) temperature in water between 240 to 310C plays a successful role in
spawning. The DO limits during the present experiment remained 4.8 and 5.6 ppm.
The dissolved oxygen concentration of above 5 ppm is favourable for most of the fish
species (Banerjee, 1967). FCO2 was found about 3.5 ppm. Exceedingly high
concentration of carbon dioxide (30-40 ppm) is known to kill fishes (Chow, 1958) and
therefore, this parameter had no adverse effect on the fish. Similarly, Kumar et al.
(2010) reported that Anabas testudineus accept a pH between 7.4 and 7.8, temperature
should be between 23.3and 30.60C and DO between 3.2-4.0 ppm. As in all fish tanks
nitrates and ammonia should be absent and nitrates should constantly be kept low with
regular water changes.
197
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