Breeding and Culture of an Indigenous Small Fish Species Puntius sophore

The biology of Puntius sophore is a prerequisite for breeding and culture. The mean length and mean weight corresponding to the age of 20 days to 170 days were found to be 13–76 mm and 0.02–6.3 g, respectively. P. sophore is basically an omnivorous fish with algae is most dominant. The low values of GaSI was observed in June, during its breeding period. The minimum length at first maturity is 65 mm in females and 60 mm in males. Male fish matures at 2.45–2.54 g whereas female matures at 3.17–3.52 g. The peak of GSI value fell in the months of June–July. This indicates that the peak of the breeding season coincides with the peak of GSI value. The breeding season is during May to July. The number of ova produced by a female was found to range from 1220 to 27,052. The number of mature eggs per gram of body weight (fecundity factor) ranged from 403.97 to 1281.48 with an average of 723.10. The study of reproductive biology of P. sophore shows that the breeding of this species is seasonal, and the ova are shed in a single spawning act. Positive response was obtained by Gonopro-FH hormone injection in captive condition. Gonopro-FH hormone was diluted with distilled water in the ratio of 1:1 and mixed well. The dose of the diluted supernatant was 2 ml/kg body wt. to both male and female fish. Fertilization Percentage was 90.60. Successful spawning took place within a period of 6–7 h. The incubation period was found to be about 14–16 h. Mass scale seed production of this fish species is possible in small improvised specially designed ponds. Culture of P. sophore along with carps in composite fish culture pond is more promising in terms of flesh biomass production and economic return.