Reproductive biology of Chela fasciata Silas – an endemic ornamental barb

Abstract

Reproductive biology of Chela fasciata, an ornamental cyprinid fish endemic to the Western Ghats of Kerala, was studied from144 specimens (94 females and 50 males) ranging in size from 26.0 to 82.0 mm. The ovaries showed asynchronous oocyte development. The first mature female appeared at 40–45 mm total length (TL) and male at 25–30 mm TL. The size at first maturity estimated was 45.75 and 36.25 mm for females and males respectively. All females were mature at 60 mm TL and males at 45 mm TL. C. fasciata was found to be a multiple spawner with a protracted spawning season; the individuals spawn intermittently. Absolute fecundity ranged from 2669 to 4437 in fishes of size range 49.5 to 82 mm TL. The number and size of eggs were found to be directly proportional to the size and age of the fish. Fecundity showed a positive linear relationship (p<0.05) with the length and weight of both the fish and ovary.