Hormonal Induction and Reproductive Performance of Mystus bleekeri (Day, 1877): Optimization of Ovaprim Dose and Latency Period

Abstract

Mystus bleekeri is an economically important freshwater catfish widely distributed in Pakistan and Southeast Asia. Increasing anthropogenic activities and habitat degradation have contributed to the decline of its natural populations, emphasizing the need for effective captive breeding techniques. The present study evaluated brood stock development and induced breeding of M. bleekeri under captive conditions. The gonado somatic index (GSI) was used to determine the optimal breeding season, while spawning fecundity, fertilization, and hatching rates were assessed to evaluate reproductive performance. The highest GSI (20%) was recorded in the mid of July, indicating the peak breeding period. Induced breeding trials showed that Ovaprim effectively stimulated spawning, with a dose of 1.0 mL/kg body weight producing the highest fertilization (80%) and hatching (69%) rates. A latency period of 9-h provided optimal reproductive performance, with no further improvement at longer intervals. The study establishes an effective protocol for captive breeding of M. bleekeri, with potential applications in conservation, seed production, and sustainable aquaculture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.