Vol. 11, Special Issue 2 (2022)

Author(s):
GB Wani, AM Najar, SI Darve, FA Shah and SA Dar

Abstract:
Sex steroid hormones play an important role in many physiological processes, particularly in the reproduction of vertebrates including fish. The complete knowledge of reproductive hormones and their actions at different stages of maturity of fishes is essential in the implementation of breeding and conservation management programmes of fishes. Sex steroid hormone can be estimated through blood or from tissue. As blood collection is not possible in dead fishes, a detailed procedure was adopted for the estimation of hormone from tissue. Schizothorax esocinus ovaries form the good source of reproductive steroid hormones viz. estradiol-17 β (E₂) and progesterone (P₄). These hormones were studied and quantified in the ovaries of S. esocinus extracts throughout the year. On the basis of this study, it was recommended that spawning season of S. esocinus extends from May to June. However, spawning may occur in April and May extending upto July. This represent the extremes of spawning and were governed by prevailing weather conditions. Therefore, for the scientific breeding programmes of this species these months are considered best.