Present status of breeding biology of Schizothorax niger in Dal Lake Kashmir

Abstract

Present study was undertaken to study the breeding biology of Schizothorax niger (Heckel,) in Dal Lake, Kashmir with respect to its gonadal development, fecundity and gonadosomatic index. The fish samples consisting of total number of 238 specimens of S. niger were collected from four sites (Gagribal, Nishat, Hazratbal and Nigeen) of the lake and assessed for the analysis of gonadal development, fecundity and gonadosomatic indices using standard methodologies. Results revealed that S. niger is an annual breeder, with maximum GSI values observed during spawning periods (February to March). Mean monthly GSI in males fluctuated between 1.12 ± 0.08 and 6.77 ± 0.56 in female from 3.13 ± 0.35 to 13.80 ± 1.21. The peak values of GSI were 13.80 in females and 6.77 in males. The mean absolute and relative fecundity observed was 11590 ± 718.33 and 48.90 ± 1.83 respectively. Gonadal cycle was concluded to be divided into five stages viz. Early Maturing stage, Maturing stage, Spawning stage, Spent stage and Resting stage.