Induction of spawning in Capoeta aculeata, (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val., 1844) (Teleostei, Cyprinidae), using carp pituitary extract

Capoeta aculeata is a benthopelagic fresh-water fish that lives in subtropical climates and has awidely distribution in Iranian river basins. Hatchery production of fish for stocking is an important means oftemporarily supplementing insufficient natural reproduction, thus help to maintain or restore eroded fishpopulation. This study was done in May and June 2007 on captured brood fish from Zayandeh-Rood River,Iran in order to reach a suitable technique of artificial reproduction of C. aculeata. Caught brood fish wereinjected with carp pituitary extract at doses of 0.75 and 1.5 milligram per kilogram body weight of fish.Brood fish were tested for ovulation each 12 hours from final injection for 3 days, but no sing of readinessfor spawning was observed. To gain confidence of experiment, the study was repeated after one monthfrom the first try with new fish. The result, however, was the same and didn’t attain to any success.Inadequate information about reproduction biology of this species is one of the most important reasons ofthe negative result. Furthermore, unsuitable hormone and dosages as well as inappropriate injection timescan be probable causes of this failure that should be evaluated in later studies.