First attempt of captive breeding, embryonic and larval development of Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton 1807)

Abstract

The study describes, for the first time, captive breeding, embryonic and larval development of Barilius bendelisis. The captive breeding trial was carried out in April, in fish farm of Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, India using differnet doses of ovatide. The most appropriate dose of ovatide was reported to be 0.3 ml/kg body weight to males and 0.6 ml/kg body weight to females. Fertilized eggs measuring 1.4-1.7 mm were spherical, demersal, and transparent with dark yellow coloured yolk. Hatching occurred 140 -160 hours after fertilization at 19.09C ± 0.395. Newly hatched larvae were transparent with yellowish yolk reserve, measuring 5.57 - 6.71 mm in total length and characterized by pigmented eye and yolk sac which completely absorbed in 72 hours.