ISSN: 2639-216X
Authors: Syeddain Zaidi SG and Singh AK*
Natural spawning of Barilius bendelisis a cold-water cyprinid species of Himalayan region without applying any stimulating hormone in captive conditions was attempted for the first time. At the beginning of the breeding period, we observed various characteristics conduct of male fish, such as single male parental care, the presence of dominant males in the group, territorial and nesting behavior. It was observed that males exhibit series of agnostic behavior at the time of nest forming and there was territory guarding such as chase, lateral thrusts, butts, and rim circling and some unique behavior like yawning and body burying. Further, it was also confirmed that B. bendelisis did not exhibit true nest making fish characters. We also observed that the nesting and spawning process of B. bendelisis was a simple rock-loving broadcast spawning behavior, which was a polymorphic reproduction mode of cyprinids. During spawning process eggs were deposited by females in the nest pits subsequently fertilized by males. Male further covered the eggs under gravel layers where they got protection from predation and natural threats. Our results expand detailed understanding of the territorial and nesting behavior of male B. bendelisis during breeding, which will provide new knowledge of the breeding behavior of this cold-water cyprinid.
Keywords: Cold-Water Cyprinid; Barilius Bendelisis; Males; Environment
