Ovarian development and histological observations of threatened dwarf snakehead fish, Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822)

Channa gachua were monthly sampled throughout a year and the histological analysis of their ovaries was done to determine the changes occurring in ovarian development. Based on histological examination of the ovaries, the oogenic process of C. gachua undergoes distinct cyclic and seasonal morphological changes. Five different developmental stages were identified under three major categories: pre-spawning (immature, maturing, mature), spawning (ripe-running) and post-spawning (spent). The peak spawning period of C. gachua was noticed during December - February. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and ova diameter ranged from 0.79 to 3.61% and 543-1123 μm respectively. The highest mean GSI (3.61 ± 0.16) and oocyte diameter (1123 ± 55 μm) were observed in December indicating that during this month the gonadal development reached maturity.