Captive breeding and seed rearing of Assamese snakehead (Channa stewartii) for conservation and ornamental trade

Abstract

Aim: The indigenous Channa stewartii, an ornamental fish native to the Indian subcontinent, has faced significant population decline due to habitat loss and over exploitation for aquarium trade. This study aimed to develop broodstock, enable captive breeding, and optimize seed rearing for conservation and sustainable use. Methodology: Wild adult C. stewartii specimens were collected from Assam, India, acclimatized, and bred in captivity. Despite unsuccessful attempts with hormonal induction, replicating natural habitat conditions yielded successful spontaneous breeding in RCC tanks. Three habitat setups were tested: T1 (soil base, PVC hideouts), T2 (soil base, PVC hideouts, floating macrophytes), and T3 (soil-base only). Growth performance of fry and fingerlings was evaluated under different feeding regimes. Results: Habitat set up in T2 exhibited optimal breeding outcomes. Fry fed tubifex showed the highest growth parameters, while plankton-fed fry achieved the highest specific growth rate (SGR). In the second phase, juveniles were reared on mixed and sole feeding regimes. Juveniles fed a tubifex-floating feed combination exhibited the best growth (112.17 ± 8.84 mm, 12.13 ± 2.23 g), whereas those on plankton-feed combinations showed the least growth. Interpretation: This study highlights the feasibility of breeding and rearing C. stewartii in captivity, emphasizing its potential for conservation and sustainable trade. Key words: Channa stewartii, Gonadal development, Length-weight relationship, Natural breeding, Sexual dimorphism