Enhancing breeding performance of Osteobramabelangeri (Valenciennes, 1844): Quantitative evaluation of synthetic hormone HATCHME®dosage and water quality parameters

The present study focused on enhancing the breeding performance of Pengba (Osteobrama belangeri) employing the synthetic hormone HATCHME®. Across all trials, twenty-seven brooders were equally allocated and configured at a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Separation occurred randomly, placing the designated individuals into three distinct groups. Every group was given different dose of the inducing agent. The results demonstrated variations in reproductive performance under the varying experimental conditions. Notably, the best outcome was seen in Treatment 3, where females received 0.6 ml kg-1 body weight and males received 0.3 ml kg-1 body weight. Treatment 1 was ranked ahead of treatment 2, reflecting differences in reproductive outcomes linked to varying hormone doses. Detailed statistical analysis revealed strong correlations between improved breeding success and a combination of factors viz., fish size, hormone doses and key water quality parameters, notably temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels. These important findings provide valuable insights for fish culturists seeking practical and sustainable solutions for successful induced breeding of O. belangeri, simultaneously promoting species conservation and leveraging its lucrative market potential after attaining marketable size. Keywords: Conservation, HATCHME®, Induced breeding, Pengba, , Reproductive parameters