Dohutia et al., S. (2023). Investigation on the captive propagation of the endemic murrel Channa stewartii (Playfair, 1867). Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 27(2), 209-219. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.291752
Seuj Dohutia et al.. "Investigation on the captive propagation of the endemic murrel Channa stewartii (Playfair, 1867)". Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 27, 2, 2023, 209-219. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.291752
Dohutia et al., S. (2023). 'Investigation on the captive propagation of the endemic murrel Channa stewartii (Playfair, 1867)', Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 27(2), pp. 209-219. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.291752
Dohutia et al., S. Investigation on the captive propagation of the endemic murrel Channa stewartii (Playfair, 1867). Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 2023; 27(2): 209-219. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.291752
Investigation on the captive propagation of the endemic murrel Channa stewartii (Playfair, 1867)
Channa stewartii occurring in the Eastern Himalayan region is an important ornamental fish commanding good value in domestic and international ornamental trade markets. Rampant exploitation from the wild has resulted in a declining population trend that necessitates immediate conservation measures for replenishing natural stocks. Since ex-situ propagation has shown reliability in restoring the population of many extant fishes, the present investigation was undertaken to propagate and standardize breeding protocols of the species. For captive propagation, five pairs of brooders were selected. The length/weight ranged from 19.5-20.4 cm/55.12-68.85 g in the cases of male specimens and in the case of females, it was 20.9-24.2 cm/69.61-83.92 g. The physicochemical parameters of water were maintained in the sustenance of brooders and breeds. Successful batches of fries were obtained from each pair via captive breeding following the pairing method. The highest fertilization rate (87-89%) was observed in the pair with standard length and weight of 19.8 cm and 58.13 g in males and 23.5cm and 83.92 g in females. Fertilized eggs were round, floating and 0.8-1.0 mm in diameter. Fries were measured as 0.4-0.6 cm and weighed in the range of 0.02-0.04 g. Parental care was distinct in both sexes. The breeding experiment carried out without the induction of synthetic hormones can be regarded as a novel approach toward the captive propagation of fish which will surely aid in formulating management and conservation approaches in near future.