Characterization of the Embryonic and Larval Development of Wild Pike-Barb (Luciobarbus esocinus) Biological Parameters, and the Possibility of Breeding

This study was conducted to obtain preliminary data on the possibility of breeding this species through artificial insemination and to determine the incubation period at different temperatures (degrees C) of hatchery water [20 (A1), 22 (A2), 25 (A3) and 26 (A4); (+/- 1)] and to determine the morphological and larval growth parameters of L. esocinus. The blastoderm formed an embryonic shield 43 h (A1 and A2) and 36 h (A3 and A4) after insemination. The eggs hatched after 113 h (A1 and A2) and 61.5 h (A3 and A4) after insemination, and new larvae were observed. Exposing the newly fertilized eggs to various temperatures during the incubation period resulted in significantly longer duration of embryo formation, egg hatching and yolk sac consumption (h) at 20 degrees C and 22 degrees C than at 25 degrees C and 26 degrees C (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between eggs exposed to 20 degrees C and 22 degrees C and those exposed to 25 degrees C and 26 degrees C (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in day-degree of hatching were observed among all the groups (P < 0.05).