Induced breeding of climbing perch Anabas testudineus by SGnRHa and study of its embryonic development under controlled conditions at Mawpun Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya

The climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is a highly sought-after fish in northeastern India, but the lack of a standardized breeding method presents a significant challenge for the development of its aquaculture. This study aimed to induce the breeding of Anabas testudineus in an aquarium using SGnRHa. The broodstock was injected intramuscularly, typically in the muscle just below the tip of the dorsal fin, at a 45° angle. The fish were left to spawn in the aquarium at a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Males received an injection of 0.1 ml/kg, while females were given 0.3 ml/kg. Spawning was observed 8-10 hours after the SGnRHa injection, followed by fertilization. The first cleavage occurred within 20 minutes, with the 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, and 32-cell stages observed at approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, 1 hour and 25 minutes, 1 hour and 55 minutes, and 2 hours and 15 minutes, respectively. The morula, blastula, and gastrula stages were completed at around 3-4 hours, 7 hours, and 8-9 hours post-fertilization. Detailed photographs were taken to document the fertilized eggs, cleavage, and various developmental stages. Healthy larvae hatched 32-34 hours after fertilization.