Studies on the maturation and reproduction of pristolepis marginata jerdon under captive conditions

Abstract

Pristolepis marginata Jerdon commonly called “Malabar catopra” or “Malabar sunfish” or “Chutichi” in the vernacular is an attractive ornamental fish belonging to the family Nandidae. This species, which is endemic to the Kerala part of Western Ghats inhabits clear and rapid streams. The species has been enlisted as vulnerable by – the Conservation Assessment and Mangement Plan Workshop (CAMP, 1998) for fresh water fishes of India held at NBFGR, Lucknow. Conservation of the endangered/vulnerable fishes cannot become successful without protection to the resources, which support the diversity and abundance. Hence Pristolepis marginata was one of the prioritized species for the development of captive breeding technology under NBFGR – NATP programme entitled “Germplasm inventory evaluation and gene banking of fresh water fishes of India”. Anna Mercy et al., (2003) developed the captive breeding technology for Pristolepis marginata. In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the maturation and reproduction of P. marginata in captivity. Captively reared fishes from the NATP project of College of Fisheries were utilized for the present study. A total of 209 fishes (12 to 149 mm) were used for the study of reproductive biology. A six-stage key was used for the classification of the maturity stages. The size at first maturity for females and females were found to be 54 mm and 72 mm SL respectively. Gross picture of distribution of ova stocks in the anterior, middle and posterior regions of the ovary remained almost the same except for the slight variation in the percentage composition of the mode. Based on the ova diameter frequency studies, P. marginata was found to be a multiple spawner, which release eggs in two or three batches. Absolute fecundity of the fishes ranged from 1102 (first time spawner) to 4965 (repeat spawner) in fishes of size range 66 to 80 mm SL. Number and size of eggs was found to be directly proportional to the size and age of the fish. Fecundity showed a positive linear relationship with the length and weight of the fish as well as to length and weight of the ovary. The reproductive organs of P. marginata were built on the usual percoid plan with paired ovaries and testis. The ovaries of P. marginata showed asynchronous development, in which oocytes at all the stages of development were present in the same ovary at the same time. During the spermatogenesis, there is a gradual decrease in size of different stages from spermatogonia to spermatozoans. Length – weight relationship values showed that the juveniles are exhibiting allometric growth pattern with ‘ b’ value equal to 2.83. Males also showed allometric growth pattern with ‘b’ value equal to 2.68. Females have shown isometric growth pattern with ‘b’ value equal to 2.94. Average relative condition factor values were higher in juvenile (1.43) due to the higher growth rate encountered during this stage of the life cycle. Males showed higher average relative condition value than females