Effect of temperature on incubation period and hatching of neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi eggs

NITESH V. KADTAN, DR. KIRAN S. SHILLEWAR

Abstract: In the commercial development of freshwater ornamental fish culture, provision of appropriate temperature for egg incubation and further development of the fish at various stages is an important aspect in successful attainment of seed production. Little work has been done on the breeding of Paracheirodon innesi. Since, this species is very temperature sensitive, the study was conducted to determine the effect of different temperatures on breeding behaviour, hatchability and larval rearing of P. innesi. Broodstock were fed three times a day with bloodworms, tubifex and cladocerans at 4% body weight. Artificially fertilized eggs of neon tetra P. innesi obtained after spawning of cultured broodstock were incubated at temperatures of 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26⁰C in triplicates. The results showed that the optimal temperature for neon tetra embryonic development ranged from 22 to 26⁰C. Highest (70 ± 1.9 %) mean hatching percentage of eggs was observed at 26⁰C, whereas, the lowest (52.2 ± 4.8%) was observed at 18⁰C (P < 0.05). The incubation period varied inversely with temperature. Eggs took 38 - 40 hours for hatching at 18⁰C while it took only 24 - 26 hours at 26⁰C (P< 0.05). Based on the results of the present experiment, the temperature range of 24 to 26 ⁰C can be recommended as optimum temperature for artificial propagation, larval rearing and higher survival of P. innesi.