Artificial Fertilization and Embryonic Development of Sinocyclocheilus grahami (Regan) from Dianchi Lake, China

Xiao-Fu Pan Xiao-Ai Wang

doi:10.4172/2376-0214.1000101

Abstract

Sinocyclocheilus grahami, a troglophile species, is a cyprinidae fish endemic to Dianchi Lake, Yunnan, China. We have attempted the artificial propagation of S. grahami for several years and recorded the success of S. grahami artificial fertilization for six years and found that egg quality improved with enhanced broodstock management, with negligible effects on S. grahami artificial fertilization resulting from the injection of LHRH-A2. In this study, we also provide a comprehensive staging series of this species. The eggs have relatively large yolks (1.8–2.2 mm) and are strongly adhesive. The egg envelope is thick and transparent. The embryonic development of S. grahami can be divided into thirty stages based on morphological features visible using light microscopy. Stages can be further grouped into six periods: zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation and hatching. Embryos hatched 144.0–168.0 hours after fertilization (HPF). S. grahami embryonic development is generally similar to that of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Anabarilius grahami but is relatively slower.

Highlights

Sinocyclocheilus grahami (Regan, 1904) is a troglophile species found only in Dianchi Lake, Yunnan, China
The various in fertilization rates reported in the literature may be caused by gamete quality or by different artificial fertilization methods used [8]
Studies on artificial fertilization methods S.grahami have been carried out and the suitable method has been used from 2007 to 2013, so S.grahami gamete quality may contribute to variety of the rate of fertilization, hatching and malformation

Summary

Introduction

Sinocyclocheilus grahami (Regan, 1904) is a troglophile species found only in Dianchi Lake, Yunnan, China. It was an economically valuable fish, but because of pollution and overharvesting, it has been categorized as a second-class, stateprotected animal on major national wildlife protection lists [1] and endangered of China species red list, Vol 1 red list [2]. To further protect and study this valuable species, we attempted the artificial propagation of S. grahami for several years and succeeded in 2007 [9]. Five hundred thousand larvae are propagated per year at the EFCC (Endangered Fish Conservation Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences), and from 2009 to 2012, six hundred thousand fingerlings were returned to Dianchi Lake [10]

Methods

Results

Conclusion