50 SEPTEMBER • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG of this beautiful fish for both ornamental trade and conservation efforts. Breeding and Larval Development of Badis blosyrus To study the breeding behaviour and larval development of Badis blosyrus, a pair of healthy brooders was carefully selected and transferred to a rectangular FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) tank with rounded corners, designed to mimic their natural habitat. Courtship behaviour was observed between March and April, during which the male displayed vibrant colours and territorial aggression, actively patrolling the area and enticing the female into a chosen spawning site, usually a cave or sheltered hiding spot. The courtship included gentle fin displays, chasing, and body vibrations, signalling the female’s readiness to spawn. By June, successful spawning was recorded, with the female laying small adhesive eggs inside the cave, after which the male took over the responsibility of guarding them. Unlike many fish species where both parents care for the eggs, in Badis blosyrus, the male solely protects and aerates the eggs for approximately 10 days, ensuring their safety and optimal conditions for hatching. The female was removed after spawning to prevent disturbances to the male’s protective behaviour. The eggs hatched within 2 to 3 days, and the tiny larvae remained inside the cave under the male’s supervision. Over the next 6 to 8 days, the larvae developed further and transitioned into free-swimming fry. Once the fry became active, they primarily fed on microscopic live organisms such as infusoria, plankton, and newly hatched brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii), essential for their survival and growth. As they matured, they were gradually introduced to larger live foods like daphnia and mosquito larvae, promoting a steady growth rate and good survival. Conclusion In conclusion, the successful maturation and captive breeding of the dwarf chameleon fish, Badis blosyrus, mark a significant milestone in understanding and replicating its natural reproductive cycle. By ensuring optimal environmental conditions, maintaining suitable broodstock, and carefully managing spawning and larval development, this study demonstrates that natural breeding is a viable approach without the need for hormonal treatments. While this achievement lays the foundation for sustainable breeding, further efforts are needed to enhance mass production through meticulous monitoring, care, and feeding during the postspawning period. This research provides valuable insights into the species’ reproductive behaviour and environmental preferences, paving the way for future conservation and commercial breeding efforts. Acknowledgments The authors sincerely acknowledge the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, and the Director of ICARCentral Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, as well as the ICAR-Network Project on Ornamental Fish Breeding and Culture, for their invaluable support in providing the necessary facilities and financial assistance for this research. FIGURE 3. (Top left) Male chasing female fish, (Right) Cave spawning behaviour of Badis blosyrus, (Bottom left) Badis blosyrus juvenile (45 days old).
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