Ovarian maturation and histological observations of Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton) in captivity

Fish samples of Indian hill trout Barilius bendelisis, were collected from the Gaula river (29⁰ 17^’ 25^’’ N Latitude, 79⁰ 32’143’’E) and reared in captive condition at Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal (29⁰21´ N, 79⁰34´ E, altitude 1370 m MSL). Gonadosomatic index was found maximum in May for females (13.24 ± 0.92) and males (1.13 ± 0.07) respectively indicating a single spawning period of this species under captivity. Absolute fecundity(total number of eggs) varied from 320 to 4000. The average absolute fecundity was 1661 ± 304.6 at a total length 10.07 ± 0.30 cmand body weight of 11.92 ± 1.23 g. Histological study of the ovary revealed the presence of oocytes at different stages of maturity with a maximum number of the mature oocytes during April to May. Results of the present investigation suggest that B. bendelisis belongs to a category of low fecund fish and spawns during April and May under captive condition.