Gourami fish breeding techniques
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Water Quality and Environmental Manipulation in Gourami Breeding
Water quality, especially pH, plays a crucial role in successful gourami breeding. For Siamese Gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis), using tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) leaf extract to adjust water pH has been shown to improve breeding activity. The optimal pH for breeding was found to be 6.5, which created the best environment for nest building and spawning in controlled tank conditions .
Hormonal Induction and Artificial Reproduction Techniques
Artificial reproduction using hormonal induction is effective for snakeskin gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis). Administering human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) at 1,000-1,500 IU or pituitary gland extract at 0.54 mg can induce spawning within 18-19 hours at water temperatures of 27-28°C. This method allows for multiple spawning cycles per year, with fry survival rates between 75-78% when nursed at densities of 300-900 fry per square meter .
Breeding System Design and Broodstock Management
For giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy), breeding success is influenced by pond design, nest support, and broodstock management. The best egg production was achieved in ponds divided into 8 m² compartments, each with one nest support, and a 1:1 male-to-female ratio. Broodfish should be maintained in these conditions for 6-7 months, followed by a one-month resting period. Males can fertilize eggs every 2-4 days, while females can spawn again after a minimum of 20 days . Natural spawning in concrete ponds with a 1:1 sex ratio also yields high hatching rates (76.4%) and embryo survival (94.8%) .
Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Spawning Practices
Comparisons between controlled spawning (with female broodstock replacement after spawning) and uncontrolled spawning (without replacement) in giant gourami show no significant differences in fecundity, fertilization rates, hatching success, or productivity. Both methods are effective and can be used based on operational preferences .
Selective Breeding and Genetic Improvement
Selective breeding programs using family selection methods have proven effective in improving growth rates in giant gourami. By crossing individuals from different populations and selecting the best performers, heritability for body weight was found to be high (0.88), with a selection response of 11.18%. This demonstrates that selective breeding can significantly enhance growth performance in subsequent generations .
Stocking Density and Larval Rearing
Stocking density is a key factor in the survival and growth of gourami fry. Lower densities (e.g., 10 fish per 30 liters) result in better growth, higher feed efficiency, and higher survival rates (up to 96.7%) compared to higher densities . Water quality parameters such as temperature (26.7-28.4°C), pH (6.9-7.5), and dissolved oxygen (5.2-5.9 mg/L) should be maintained within optimal ranges for best results 610.
Breeding Behavior and Parental Care
In honey gourami (Colisa sota), males build bubble nests and exhibit strong parental care by guarding eggs and hatchlings. Spawning typically results in 200-400 eggs per event, with hatching occurring within 28-30 hours. Larvae become free-swimming by the third or fourth day, and male territoriality is important for protecting the brood .
Challenges and Recommendations for Gourami Breeding
Despite natural spawning capabilities, the availability of fry remains a limiting factor in giant gourami aquaculture. Practices vary widely among farmers, and there is a lack of standardized production methods. Key challenges include climate variability, food quality, and proximity to urban areas. Addressing these issues through research and the adoption of best practices can help improve fry production and overall breeding success .
Conclusion
Gourami fish breeding techniques benefit from careful management of water quality, hormonal induction, optimized pond design, and selective breeding. Both controlled and uncontrolled spawning methods are effective, and maintaining optimal stocking densities and environmental conditions is essential for high survival and growth rates. Continued research and standardization of practices will further enhance the efficiency and productivity of gourami breeding in aquaculture.
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