Preliminary observation on the induced breeding and hatchery rearing of an endangered catfish, Horabagrus brachysoma (Gunther)

Abstract

Induced breeding and seed rearing of an endangered bagrid catfish, Horabagrus brachysoma were conducted. The female brood responded to stripping either in single or double dose of ovaprim at 0.8-1.5 ml/kg body weight at 13-20 h latency period. The stripped egg weight varied between 14-20 g and the fecundity of the catfish ranged 1.6-1.8 lakhs/kg body weight indicating it as a high fecund catfish. The fertilization and hatching of the eggs were observed to be 50-81 and 27-68% respectively during different trials. The hatchlings were 1.28 mg in weight and 5 mm in length. The larvae accepted well to live plankton and performed well, resulting in a survival rate of 64-76%. The fry also performed well at two density levels (50 and 100/m 2 ) resulting over 90% survival during fingerling production.