~ 2547 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2017; 5(6): 2547-2551 E-ISSN: 2320-7078 P-ISSN: 2349-6800 JEZS 2017; 5(6): 2547-2551 © 2017 JEZS Received: 21-09-2017 Accepted: 24-10-2017 Mangesh M Bhosale Department of Aquaculture, Fisheries College & Research Institute, TNFU, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India S Felix Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India Mahadevi Department of Aquaculture, Fisheries College & Research Institute, TNFU, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India S Aruna Assistant Professor, Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Fisheries College & Research Institute, TNFU, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India Cheryl Antony Professor & Head, Department of Aquaculture, Fisheries College & Research Institute, TNFU, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India A Gopalakannan Assistant Professor, Department of Aquatic Animal Health Management, Fisheries College & Research Institute, TNFU, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India Correspondence Mangesh M Bhosale Department of Aquaculture, Fisheries College & Research Institute, TNFU, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India Induced breeding of African Jewelfish Hemichromis bimaculatus (Gill, 1862) using gonadotropic signaling molecular analogue WOVA-FH Mangesh M Bhosale, S Felix, Mahadevi, S Aruna, Cheryl Antony and A Gopalakannan Abstract The present experiment was conducted to breed African Jewelfish, Hemichromis bimaculatus Gill, 1862 (Family Cichlidae) in captivity through GnRH based gonadotropic signalling molecular analogue WOVA-FH. All the sets induced at different dosage were bred except low dosage and control sets. Spawning success rate varied on the rate of inducement. WOVA- FH at a dose of 0.5 mL kg −1 for female and 0.3 mL kg −1 for male was found to be effective with 79-80% fertilization and 85-86% hatching rate from 500 to 550 eggs/female. Dose of hormone apparently affected the latency period (6-12hrs), egg output (180-520), fertilization (31-79%) and hatching rate (68-86%). Administering an over-dose of the inducing agents resulted in poor fertilization (31±2.2%) and under-dosing caused no inducement in animals. The present breeding protocol is simple and can be taken up by small breeders. It will be helpful in development of aquariculture and conservation of H. bimaculatus. Keywords: Induced breeding, Jewelfish, WOVA-FH, breeding technique 1. Introduction Cichlids have a wide geographical distribution and are natives of Africa comprising about 150 genera and 1300 species, [1] making it the second largest perciform family. Cichlids are found in fresh and brackish waters of southern India and Sri Lanka. Cichlids are an important group of relatively large and often colourful aquarium fishes [2] . They exhibit a broad range of morphological, ecological and behavioural variation. It is certainly possible to find quite a few cichlids that can legitimately be characterized as large, aggressive and predatory [3] . However, there are many cichlids whose size and temperament definitely qualify them as excellent ornamental animals [4] . India has vast potential of ornamental fishes. About more than 288 exotic species and 250 indigenous fresh water fish species and 150 marine water species have been reported as potential and suitable climatically in India [5] . The export of ornamental fishes started somewhere in 50’s, till 1980’s the earning through export was negligible (Rs. 18 -20 Lakhs). The value of international trade has increased steadily, touching US$ 350 million in 2007. The total value of ornamental fishes exported from India is Rs. 3.00 crores [6] . Out of the 2500 species are traded and a few 30-35 species of fresh water fish dominate the market. Very few of freshwater fish are captive bred while only 25 out of nearly 8,000 marine ornamental fishes are bred in captivity. According to the report of tenth 5 year plan in India, export is almost entirely dependent on freshwater species with the major exporting centres being Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai [7] . Hemichromis bimaculatus Gill, 1862 (Family Cichlidae) is also known as African jewelfish or jewel cichlid originated in Northern Africa [8] , associated with forested biotopes. It is considered as the true 'jewelfish' of aquarists and is also used as an experimental animal by physiologists and ethologists [9] . Jewelfish are beautiful creatures popular among fish keepers. The short identification description of the species includes 14-15 dorsal spines, 10-12 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, 8-9 anal soft rays, 3 black blotches on sides, first on opercle, second at midpoint of body and third on caudal-fin base. The upper profile of snout is convex [10] . Fluorescent dots on red with yellowish tinge body, wide attractive fins and incredible nature of living together in aquarium fetching high market demand. There is, however, no information