Comparative growth performance of diploids and triploids Snow Trout (Schizothorax richardsonii)

Abstract

A field study of 60 days was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of the diploid and triploid Schizothorax richradsonii, which is one of the preferred indigenous food fish in Himalayan region. Slow growth of this fish is the major constraint for being a candidate species for coldwater aquaculture. Due to extra genetic material, triploid fish remain more heterozygous and supposed to be useful for increasing growth. Triploids were produced by heat shock after post fertilization of eggs. The control group of diploids was observed for final body length and weight in the range of 32.9±0.83mm to 33.0±0.84 mm (0.89±0.083g to 0.91±0.081g), while treated triploids were observed as 42.8±0.79 to 43.25±0.77 mm (1.05±0.033 to 1.07±0.033 g). Observed data showed a significant difference (p< 0.05) with 17.58% higher growth in triploids over diploids. Survival rate was in the range of 94-96% without any significant difference in both the groups. Study showed feasibility for achieving better growth of this fish in captive rearing with triploids.