Effect of Hcg Implants on Change in Testosterone and Estradiol Level in Blood Serum of Murrel, Channa Striatus

The breeding period of Murrels in India is variable. It is well known that environmental cues play an important role in regulating reproduction in teleost fish. Choosing a successful hormone therapy involves the selection of effective hormone formulations, proper duration of hormonal treatment and timing of the hormone administration. Recent advances in chronic hormone delivery vehicle have produced a variety of pellets and capsules which slowly release hormones when implanted into the musculature. Hence, in the present study, an attempt has been made to study the effect of hCG implants or change in hormone profile of both male and female striped Murrel, Channa striatus. An increase in the testosterone level was observed in hCG implanted male fishes during different sampling periods. The testosterone level was highest during the month of May (24.5pg/ml) in implanted fish. Like male fish, highest level of estradiol 17 ß level (62 pg/ml) was observed during the month of May in female fish. A highly significant differences (P<0.01) were observed between control and HCG implanted fish. The levels of estradiol 17 ß in the control and hCG implanted female fish were highly significant (P<0.01).