Impact of seasonal variation and feeding on reproductive behavior of fresh water spiny eel Mastacembelus armatus from Cauvery River

Abstract

Abstract Objective To analyze the effect of seasonal variation and nutritional factors over the fecundity, gonado somatic index (GSI) and sperm motility of fresh water spiny eel Mastacembelus armatus (M. armatus) under artificial cave fitted tanks in laboratory condition. Methods Forty pairs of M. armatus were collected from River Cauvery and are acclimated under lab condition. The fishes were fed with three different feeds like Fresh water prawns, earthworms and fish larvae for 60 days. Fecundity, sperm motility, Length weight relationship and GSI were analysed using standard procedures. Results The fecundity rate was increased when body weight and gonad weight increased. The lograthemic relationship of the fecundity–total length and fecundity–body weight were found to be more correlated than the fecundity–gonad weight relationship. Maximum GSI was recorded in both male and female fishes during the breeding season (June–October). The condition factor (K) was maximum at the non breeding seasons and reduced in peak breeding season of M. armatus. In male fishes the sperm motility was recorded maximum (70%–85%) in the breeding season and regressed gradually to 0–15%. Among the feeding groups earthworm fed group showed higher body weight and fecundity rate than the control group which was statistically significant at P Conclusion The outcome of the present study shows the seasonal variation and feeding increase the reproductive performance. It can be effectively used for the healthy brooder selection, captive breeding and conservation of M. armatus.