Early larval development stages of nest building dwarf gourami Trichogaster lalius (Hamilton, 1822) in laboratory condition

Abstract

The dwarf gourami, Trichogaster lalius is a high valued ornamental fish remarkable for its nest building behavior. The species, mainly the male is having high domestic as well as foreign demands to the aquarium traders due to its sparkling, translucent blue colour with red or dark orange stripes in the body. The present study was conducted to know about the early larval development of dwarf gourami in control condition. The hatchlings become free swimming by 3 to 4 day of hatching. Yolk size was totally absorbed by the 4th day and they were fed with laboratory prepared green water containing micro algae, mostly chlorella up to 10th days. From 10th day onwards the hatchlings were fed on laboratory prepared pellet feed and Tubifex worm. For successful conservation of the species, mass propagation as well as larval development technique should be disseminated among the ornamental fish breeders which will generate employment opportunities to the unemployed rural youths.