52 DECEMBER 2015 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Induced Breeding Successful induced breeding was achieved after several efforts made by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Behera et al. 2009). Pengba broodfish were collected from Loktak Lake, transported in oxygenated plastic bags and maintained in an earthen pond (200 m2, average depth 1.2-1.3 m). Spawners were selected for induced spawning in July. Broodfish were collected from the earthen pond by repeated netting, segregated and transferred to a hapa net (3.0 × 2.5 × 1.5 m) for acclimation (Fig. 1). All female and male fish were injected with gonadotropin releasing hormone (Wova-FH) at 0.6 m L/kg of female and 0.3 mL/kg of male. Free-oozing males and ripe females were stocked at a ratio of two males per female for breeding. Soon after administering the hormone, broodfish were released into the breeding hapa. Broodfish showed chasing behavior 5-6 hours after injection with Wova-FH. Each female was paired with two males. Mating was preceded by elaborate courtship that included male and female fish rubbing their bodies together, leading to the release of gametes and external fertilization. Fertilized eggs were spherical, translucent and demersal, measuring 2.5 ± 0.2 mm in diameter. Hatching took place 18 h after fertilization and hatchlings were visible after 24-26 h at 26 C. Newly-hatched larvae were 4.5 mm long and 1.5 mg in weight. Larvae depended on yolksac reserves for up to 72 h. On the fourth Osteobrama belangeri, locally known as pengba in Manipur, India and nga-hpeh-oung and nga-net-hua in Myanmar, is a medium-size cyprinid endemic to the eastern part of Manipur, Myanmar and Yunnan Province in China. Although the species is listed as near threatened by the IUCN, there is a sizable population in Myanmar but is extinct in the wild in Manipur. With emphasis on diversification of Indian carp culture in recent years, attempts have been made to incorporate other potential candidate species into mainstream carp culture. Despite its culture potential, no systematic attempt has been made to culture and propagate this species in India. Although it is a highvalue species, especially in the northeastern states, monoculture may not be a suitable proposition, considering its lower growth potential compared to Indian major carps. Pengba is suitable for pond culture because it is herbivorous and thus can be included in composite fish culture in place of grass carp. It has also been possible to produce most of its preferred foods through fertilization of culture ponds and provision of supplementary artificial feeds. Seed production technology and its supply is a major constraint. Hence, intensification of induced breeding and attempts to culture this fish have been given high priority. This article summarizes induced breeding technology, culture aspects, conservation strategies and future prospects for pengba. Pengba, a Prospective Species for Diversification of Carp Polyculture: Conservation and Future Prospects B.K. Behera, D. K. Meena, Pronob Das, N.S. Singh and S. Pakrashi FIGURE 1. Breeding and hatching hapa for pengba. FIGURE 2. Four-day-old pengba. Pengba is suitable for pond culture because it is herbivorous and thus can be included in composite fish culture in place of grass carp. It has also been possible to produce most of its preferred foods through fertilization of culture ponds and provision of supplementary artificial feeds.
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