EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON INCUBATION PERIOD AND HATCHING SUCCESS OF NEON TETRA, PARACHEIRODON INNES/ EGGS

Abstract

In the commercial development of freshwater ornamental fish culture, provision of appropriate temperature for egg incubation and further development of the fish at various stages is an important aspect in successful attainment of seed requirement. Hence, a study was conducted to determine response of ornamental fish species Paracheirodon innesi (Neontelie) to different temperatures with respect to breeding, hatchability and survival of larrvae. During the experiments, broodstocks were fed with bloodworms, tubifex and cladocerans, three times a day, at the rate 4% of body weight. Artificially fertilized eggs obtained by spawning of cultured broodstock were incubated at 18°C, 20°C, 22°C, 24°C and 26°C in triplicates. The optimal temperature for embryonic development ranged from 24 to 26°C. Highest (70 ± 1.9 %) mean hatching percentage of eggs was observed at 26°C, whereas, the lowest (52.2 ± 4.8%) was observed at 18°C (P < 0.05). The incubation period varied inversely with temperature. The hatching period was found to be 38-40 hours at 18°C while only 24 - 26 hours at 26°C (P< 0.05). Hence, the temperature from 24 to 26 °C can be recommended as optimum range for artificial propagation and larval rearing of P innesi.