N. Padhi, M.K. Bairwa, S. Ferosekhan, C. K. Misra, S.N. Sahoo, S. Banchhod and S.K. Swain
Abstract
Mascara barb (Dawkinsia assimilis) is vibrant and colourful hill stream indigenous fish which is highly prized as an ornamental fish on the international market. The goal of this research was to successfully reproduce this ornamental fish without the use of hormonal treatments. The morphological differences between the sexes are recorded during the breeding seasons. Males were seen to have tubercles on their snouts, while tubercles are absent in case of females. During breeding season males are more colourful and attractive in comparison to the females, pigmented large dorsal fins were spotted in case of males. The successful breeding of Mascara barb was accomplished between July 2021 to 2023. Embryonic development was recorded properly. It was observed that the eggs were demersal, semi-adhesive andspherical in shape. Colour of the eggs were observed to be pale yellow and unpigmented.