Reproductive biology of Amblypharyngodon melletinus muriyadensis – an ornamental fish of the Western Ghats of India

Abstract

Ornamental fish industry directly depends on the fish and their ongoing availability. Fish spawn during a certain stage of their reproductive cycle some breed just once a year, while others do so at regular intervals all year long. Each species carefully chooses the best season to have the greatest number of offspring. Since all phases of fish are not appropriate for the ornamental fish market a scientific foundation is necessary for each species collection. Keecheri and Puzhakkal rivers are two important rivers of Thrissur district, Kerala. The region has immense potential with respect to ornamental fish trade. Therefore, the availability of Amblypharyngodon melettinus muriyadensis for the trade was assessed in this work. In this study sex ratio and distribution of mature stages was conducted to provide management cues and promotional basis for sustainable yield of ornamental fish. The study revealed female dominance over male. It was identified that the fish breed during monsoon season and mature at short length increasing their potential to produce offsprings.