General
Finfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)
- N.Basavaraja and Mrs.Jaculine Pereira
Overview
The importance of captive breeding and hatchery management assumes greater significance in increasing the freshwater finfish production. This course has been structured to give an overview of natural breeding habitats of finfish from riverine sources and seed collection from riverine as well as brackish water sources. The importance of hydrological and hydro-biological factors in relation to natural breeding of finfish has been dealt in detail. The sexual maturity and breeding seasons of various cultivable species emphasizing the development of gametes in male and female fishes have been dealt. The embryonic development of Indian major carps and exotic carps have been described in detail along with histology of egg during various stages of development. Different methods of breeding of carps in wet and dry bundhs, its advantages and disadvantages have been highlighted. Induced breeding of warm water fin fishes, effect of environmental factors on spawning have been explained.
In order to undertake induced breeding it is important to understand the structure and function of pituitary gland and various hormones associated with it. The preparation of pituitary extract, dosages and methods of application has been explained. Different aspects of management of brood stock and methods of transportation of brood fish to distant places have been explained.
The structure and function of synthetic hormones have been dealt emphasizing its advantages and disadvantages.
Different types of hatcheries- Hapa, Chinese type hatchery, glass jar hatchery and modern control hatcheries have been dealt in detail.
Causes of mortality of fish eggs and spawn and methods to minimize the same have been explained. Spawn rearing techniques, nursery pond preparation, stocking and post-stocking management as related to industry have been explained. Different methods of packing and transportation of fish seeds have been explained.