Spawning biology and fertility of clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus Bleeker 1852) in captivity

Abstract

The Clown Loach (also known as Tiger Botia), Chromobotia macracanthus Bleeker 1852, is a tropical freshwater fish, endemic in Indonesia (Sumatera and Borneo). The Clown Loach was one of the most important fish in the trade, so called ‘bread-and-butter’ species; those were very popular in the trade and exported in large number. The aim of this study is to observe spawning biology and fertility rate of clown loach in captivity. Induced breeding of Clown Loach in captivity was successfully conducted using Ovaprim [1 mL of Ovaprim (contains 20 µg of GnRH and 10 mg Domperidone] and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Ovaprim were administrated by intramuscular injection of single dose of 0.6 mL/kg body weight of male and female fish. HCG hormones were administrated at 500 iu/kg body weight of female fish, given 24 h before the Ovaprim ovulatory injection. Induced breeding was occurred at 26 °C. Latency period was recorded ranged 9-16 hours after injection. The fecundity and fertilization rate of Clown Loach (C. macracanthus) ranged 5,733-30,806 and 53.35-95.78 %, respectively.