Abstract

In view of domestication of the endangered species Nandus nandus, the artificial breeding of the fish with carp pituitary gland (PG) was trialed. The optimal dose of PG was found to be 150 mg kg–1 of fish body weight. Best fertilization rate (92±5%) was obtained at 175 and 200 mg kg–1 body weight PG application and best hatching rate (90±2, 90±5, 90±5%) was revealed at 150, 175 and 200 mg kg–1 body weight PG application. Fertilization and hatching rate were 92 and 81% respectively in case of the experiment where only females were injected. Ovulation occurred after 10 to 14 h of injection and the eggs hatched out after 18 to 20 h of fertilization. The larvae started feeding after 56 h of hatching and best survival rate (16%) was achieved by supplying zooplankton as food. It was also found that larvae denied egg yolk and Tubifex worm as their first food.