REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE FOCUS “SEASONAL DIFFERENCES IN NATURAL BREEDING PERFORMANCE, FECUNDITY, AND SURVIVAL RATE OF POND-REARED GOLDEN MAHSEER (TOR PUTITORA)

Abstract

Seasonal variation in the reproductive performance of pond-reared golden mahseer (Tor putitora) was investigated at Fish Farm Hattian, Attock, Punjab, Pakistan, across two natural breeding seasons in 2025. A total of 137 broodfish — 69 in Season 1 (February–June, pre-monsoon/spring) and 68 in Season 2 (August–October, post-monsoon) — were stripped without hormonal induction across 11 combined spawning spells. Parameters recorded included total egg production, relative fecundity, fry production, and larval survival rate at seven days post-hatch. Water quality, broodstock morphometric, and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were also monitored. Statistical comparisons were performed using independent and paired samples t-tests. Broodstock body weight did not differ significantly between seasons (Season 1: 0.818 ± 0.016 kg; Season 2: 0.835 ± 0.020 kg; p = 0.501). Season 1 produced significantly more eggs per female (2,864 ± 151 vs. 2,338 ± 83; p = 0.003) and higher relative fecundity (289.71 ± 29.17 vs. 209.04 ± 32.73 eggs/kg; p = 0.046). Season 2, by contrast, produced significantly more fry per female (365.75 ± 15.62 vs. 217.25 ± 5.70; p < 0.001) and a 67% higher larval survival rate (15.59 ± 0.39% vs. 9.34 ± 0.72%; p < 0.001), generating 38.4% more total fry despite 18.6% fewer total eggs. Season 2 showed higher GSI (5.17% vs. 3.68%) and shorter incubation (8–12 vs. 11–16 days). These results establish that the post-monsoon season is decisively superior for fry production in naturally bred T. putitora, with clear implications for hatchery management and restocking programs targeting Indus Basin rivers.