Induced spawning of captive stock of threatened bronze featherback, Notopterus notopterus, for stock improvement and conservation

Abstract

Notopterus notopterus, a commercially important food and ornamental fish, is showing declining trends in natural habitat. Since artificial fecundation and ranching are the envisaged strategies for conservation and rehabilitation of endangered species, N. notopterus, collected from Gomti river, was successfully bred by intramuscular (i.m.) administration of GnRH-based drug, ovaprim @ 0.5 and 1.0 ml/kg body weight to male and female, respectively. There was 100% breeding, fertilization rate varied from 85-94% and survival from 80-85% at water temperature 26±2°C. Fecundity of the female fish was found to be 2570±198 kg-1 body weight. Captive breeding will aid in stock improvement and conservation, ensuring species survival as well as sustainable fishery.