author(s)
S Felix, S Selvaraj, Cheryl Antony and TLS Samuel Moses

abstract
Pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis) belonging to the family cichlidae are commonly found in the brackishwater lakes and inland waters of India and Sri lanka. In recent years, aquaculture of pearl spot undertaken in experimental cages in India. However, commercial aquaculture is hampered due to sustainable seed production and slow growth in the nursery rearing phase. The present study evaluated the suitability of synthetic human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone for induced spawning of pearl spot. The present study evaluated the application of hCG with doses ranging between 1000 and 2000 IU, through different route of administration at different spawning periods in captive maintained pearl spot. Doses of hCG ranging between 1500 and 2000 IU through subcutaneous injection resulted in superior performance. The results of the present study indicate the possibility of evaluating other synthetic hormones for induced spawning of pearl spot in captivity. Administration of hCG through subcutaneous injection in pearl spot produced better performance in comparison to the dietary administration in inducing spawning.