Authors : E. Montchowui, P. Laleye, J.C. Philippart and P. Poncin
Abstract: This study describes the reproductive behaviour of the Labeo parvus in aquarium. The breeding stock of L. parvus used in the present study, originated from the wild population of the Oueme river (Benin). Sexually mature fish were caught during their migration to their spawning pond, using gill nets from artisan fishermen. The experiments were conducted in a 540 and a 240 L aquaria. Reproductive behaviour was induced in 4 groups of two to six fish by means of a single injection of Ovaprim (0.6 mL kg-1 for females and 0.2 mL kg-1 for males). Behavioural data were recorded with a camera system 15 min h-1 during the day time between 8 and 19 h. Sexual behaviour was observed in 2 groups. Seven spawning sequences were analysed involving one male and one female, undulating rapidly towards the water surface and descending slightly before freeing eggs and sperm in a rolling display. Some sneaking males were sometimes observed participating in spawning acts. The complete spawning sequence observed included nonsexual behaviours such as swimming and surfacing as well as sexual behaviours including synchronous swimming (very rapid swimming of two individuals side by side), the rolling display and mating.
E. Montchowui, P. Laleye, J.C. Philippart and P. Poncin, 2011. Reproductive Behaviour in Captive African Carp, Labeo parvus Boulenger, 1902 (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Journal of Fisheries International, 6: 6-12.