Efficiency of three reproductive hormones in artificial propagation of <i>Heterobranchus longifilis</i> (valenciennes, 1840)

Abstract

Efficiency of three reproductive hormones: ovaprim, ovulin and carp pituitary extract (C.P.E) in artificial propagation of Heterobranchus longifilis was investigated. Total of twelve broodstock fish, comprising nine females and three males at eighteen months of age were used. Females were divided into three groups. Each group was induced to spawn with different hormones. Pooled sperm from the three males were used to fertilize the eggs obtained from individual female. The effect of the hormones on latency period, fecundity, fertilization, hatchability and larval survival was recorded. Latency period (P<0.05) lasted for nine (ovaprim), ten (ovulin) and eleven hours (C.P.E.) at 26 ^oC. Fecundity (P<0.05) mean values were 57.67±2.186 (ovaprim), 43.00±10.970 (C.P.E.) and 35.00±8.544 eggs (ovulin). Fertilization rate (P<0.05) mean values were 94.00±1.15% (ovaprim), 82.00±2.31% (ovulin) and 82.00±1.73% (C.P.E.). Hatchability success (P<0.05) mean values were 84.33±3.48% (ovulin), 94.67±1.45% (ovaprim) and 89.33±0.88% (C.P.E.) as survival rate was not significant. The study has provided data, comparing the effectiveness of the hormones, revealing that the three hormones can be used for artificial propagation of H. longifilis with varied degree of success.

Keywords: Artificial breeding, ovaprim, ovulin, carp pituitary extract, broodstock, Heterobranchus longifilis