Induced spawning and larval rearing of the grey Mullet Liza macrolepis (Smith)

Abstract

The paper deals with the results of experiments on induced spawning and larval rearing of Liza mecrolepis (Smith) during the years 1981 and 1982 at Mandapam. Major carp pituitary glands and chorionic gonadotropin were used for hypophysation. The effective dosages varied between 600 and 1200 mg and 110000 and 340000 I.U. per kg body weight of the fish in the case of major carp pituitary gland and chorionic gonadotropin, respectively.' In the combination of both, the dose required was 1200 mg and 12000 to 15000 I.U. The size of fully mature egg ranged from 0.70 to 0.74 mm and that of fertilized egg from 0.74 to 0.78 mm. The newly hatched larva measured 1.43 mm. Mouth formation was observed at 42 h after hatching when the larvae were 2.36 mm. High mortality occurred on the third day. The larvae could be reared for seven days, when they attained a size of 2.47 mm. The larval development is described in detail.