Onset of Sexual Maturity: Observed differences between Pond-raised and Recirculation system raised Heterobranchus longifilis (Teleostei: Clariidae) Val. 1840

Abstract

On-set of sexual maturity in pond-raised and recirculation system-raised Heterobranchus longifilis was studied. Males of both groups matured at 9½ months. The females of the first group matured at 11½ months, while females of the second group matured at 14 months. Histological examination of the ovaries revealed that this difference in onset of sexual maturity was due to the fact that the progression of the gonads of the second group of fish from the immature to the maturing stage suffered a 2½ month delay relative to the first group. The possible reasons for this delay are discussed.


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Volume 16, April 2001, pp. 64-69



KEY WORDS:

Heterobranchus longifilis, Sexual Maturity Onset, Ponds, Recirculation System.