First report on natural spawning of native Asian cichlid fish, pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis) maintained in FRP tanks in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India

Pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis), an indigenous Asian cichlid fish is a candidate species for Indian aquaculture. However, sustainable seed production is hampered due to lack of natural breeding techniques under captive condition. In the present study, an attempt was made to induce natural spawning in small FRP tanks, using wild parent from Pulicut Lake, Tamil Nadu. Brooders with size ranging between 8-14 cm were transferred and acclimatized to pearl spot breeding unit for a week. Artificial substratum, mud pot and hide out, PVC pipe were introduced into the tank for induction of natural spawning. All experimental fish were fed with crumble feed daily twice ad libitum and water exchange performed daily. Natural spawning, with egg attachment in the substratum was recorded after 35-40 days transfer from Pulicut Lake, Tamil Nadu.