Induced breeding of

exotic carps (silver

carp and grass carp)

The silver carp and grass carp are native to China and hence are
known as exotic carps

First introduced into India in the year 1959

Both were successfully induced bred in 1963, through

hypophysation

The method of hypophysation of these species is similar to that

of IMC

However, there are a few minor differences the dosage of

pituitary is double compared to IMC and, unlike IMC, they do not
spawn naturally after injection, in captivity.

Figure: Silver carp

Figure: Grass carp

The sex of brooder is identified based on the morphological

characteristics such as fins, abdomen, genital opening, etc.

The same critera that are used for IMC can also be used for silver
carp and grass carp

Although they can spawn naturally when fed on artificial diet,

instead of aquatic plants, realization of spawn will be lower

To facilitate better fertilization, the eggs need to be stripped by

applying pressure on the abdomen and eggs fertilized by mixing
with similarly stripped milt

Of the two methods of fertilization, the wet method is more

successful

Figure: Male (top) and female (bottom) grass carp

Fertilization of eggs :

After hormone injection, the male and female brooders are

released separately in breeding hapas

The female brooder is checked for ovulation at 3-4 hours interval

After ovulation, the female is stripped and the eggs are collected
on to a clean basin/tray, avoiding any contamination with faeces,
mucus, blood, etc.

Eggs are then mixed with milt stripped from more than one male
(preferably 2-3 males) to ensure better fertilization as these fishes
produce comparatively less milt

The water-hardened developing

incubators for hatching

The method of hatching of eggs and hatching period are same as

that of IMC

eggs

are

transferred

to