Study on fecundity and GSI of Carassius carassius (Linneaus, 1758-introduced) from Dal Lake Kashmir.

Abstract

The fish population of Kashmir has been introduced from the Central Asian Highlands during the second inter glacial period. Carassius carassius a beautifully armoured fish is either used in aquarium as ornamental fish or as food fish.It is an exotic fish to Kashmir, locally known as ‘’Gang gaad’’   and specifically it is known as  crucian carp which was introduced accidently with comm carp in Dal lake during 56-58 and since then it established itself successfully to varying environmental conditions of the Lake. The fish in pre-spawning was selected for estimation of fecundity. The mature Specimens ranged in weight from 11.80g to 89.60g and in length from 98mm to 200mm were used for determining the various relationships. Absolute fecundity fluctuated from 661 to 18192 and relative fecundity from 18.5 to 344.5 with a mean value of 127. The ovary of this fish ranged in length from 27mm to 81mm and in weight it fluctuated from 0.74 to 14.50g.  Regression analysis was applied to assess the dependence of various body parameters upon absolute fecundity. It was observed that absolute fecundity is highly dependent on the body weight, body length, and ovary weight and ovary length respectively and has positive influence on absolute fecundity.  In order to explain these relationships of the mathematical equations were developed to describe these relationships. The equations of these parameters are highly significant (p<0.001) and can be used to determine the absolute fecundity with a high degree of accuracy. Gonadosomatic index with highest average value was recorded in April (12.65, 12.99 and 12.82) in male, female and combined ones.The fecundity increased with Increase in size and it obtained its highest values in length group IV, V and VI.

Key Words: Dal Lake, Crassius carassius, Fecundity, Gastrosomatic index