Embryonic and larval developments of brackish water catfish, Mystus gulio (Hamilton and Buchanan, 1822) induced with human chorionic gonadotropin and consequent larval rearing

Abstract

Mystus gulio, the long whiskers catfish, is a popular food fish and potential candidate species for aquaculture in Sundarban area of India and Bangladesh. Recently, catch of this species has declined due to overfishing and various ecological changes. In the present study, mature fish was induced to spawn in captivity through intramuscular injection of human chorionic gonadotropin at the doses of 10 IU/g to female and 5 IU/g to male. Photomicrographs of all developmental stages of live embryo and larvae were documented with the aid of a light microscope. Results demonstrated that morula, blastula, gastrula and neurula and organogenesis ended at 1:30-, 3:00-, 5:30-, 7:30- and 17:15-hour post-spawning (hps) respectively. Heartbeat and muscular contraction of embryo commenced at 8:30 and 11.15 hps respectively. Hatching of embryo started after an incubation period of 17:30 hour at an ambient temperature of 29 1°C. The newly hatched larvae measured 2.17 0.29 mm in total length with a yolk volume of 0.165 0.03 mm3 started feeding 36 hr after hatching. The present study, on induced breeding and chronological development of M. gulio embryo, will have significant implications on conservation and seed production for aquaculture.