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The climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is a freshwater fish that can withstand highly unfavorable environments and stay out of the water for extended periods. Its anatomical characteristics showed terrestrial adaptation and terrestrial locomotion properties enable the use of climbing perch as an animal model. Moreover, its bone and cartilage profiles at different stages are crucial to improving the anatomical information for the osteogenesis model candidate. The current study aimed to illustrate the skeletal profiles of juvenile and adult climbing perch with the whole staining method. The samples included two adults and two juvenile climbing perch from Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The fish were euthanized using β-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether in a lethal dose. The skeleton was examined using the Alcian blue–Alizarin red whole staining, which revealed the bones and cartilage under the stereomicroscope. The result showed that the bone is the main skeleton. Cartilage was detected in the area surrounding the orbit in the adult climbing perch and in the pterotic, pterosphenoid, prootic, and distal end of the hypural, parhypural, and basal pectoral girdle in the juvenile climbing perch. Endochondral osteogenesis was found in juvenile to adult climbing perch.

Several indigenous swamp fish species have been successfully domesticated and cultivated by fish farmers in Sumatera, Indonesia. However, the hatching phase in hatcheries commonly encounters fungal infections attributed to Saprolegnia sp. This study investigates the efficacy of betel leaf extract in protecting the eggs of kissing gourami and climbing perch from saprolegniasis. Mimicking natural infection conditions, all eggs were exposed to 5 artificially infected eggs per tank. Prior to infection, the water was treated with betel leaf extract at various concentrations. Results indicate that betel leaf extract significantly protects the eggs from this fungal infection. For the climbing perch, the optimal dosage was determined to be 300 mg L-1, resulting in a hatching rate of 90% and a prevalence rate of 10%. For the kissing gourami, the optimal dosage was found to be 120 mg L-1, resulting in a hatching rate of 86.66% and a prevalence rate of 13.34%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is a valuable fish species with significant potential for aquaculture. However, a low survival rate was observed at its early development stages, requiring an optimized protocol for sustainable aquaculture production. This paper presents an improved breeding and seed production technology for climbing perch. Mature climbing perch were induced to spawn using salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (sGnRHa) at a dose of 30 µg/kg-1 body weight of the breeder. The female broodfish spawn 9-10 hours after hormone injection. Developmental stages were defined based on the morphological features of the embryos from the first cleavage to the hatching stage. The first cleavage began at approximately 18-20 minutes after fertilization. Newly hatched larvae were observed within 18-20 h at 30°C, having an average larval size of 0.389±0.042 mm (total length). Successful breeding entails a selection of suitable algal species, an optimal aquaculture environment, regular feeding rates, consistent monitoring of larval development, and effective management of water quality. Survival rates from the larval stage to fry were achieved at 84.69% and 77.60%, respectively, while the survival rate to the fingerlings stage was 72.51%. Therefore, by implementing an optimized protocol, aquaculture practitioners can maximize the production potential of climbing perch while ensuring sustainable cultivation practices. The findings from this research contribute to the advancement of climbing perch aquaculture by providing valuable insights for the successful cultivation and increased economic profitability of A. testudineus species in hatchery productions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of sexual dimorphism in climbing perch, which shows that female fish grow faster than males, underlies the development of mono-sex culture. Female mono-sex culture is more applicable for farmers by crossing neo-male fish with normal females. The timing of sexual differentiation in climbing perch is still unknown. It is very useful in sex reversal procedures to produce neo-male climbing perch. This study revealed the time and status of climbing perch sexual differentiation. Ten samples of climbing perch from the spawning of five pairs of parents were taken from the nursery pond at 10–29 days post-hatching (dph). Samples were prepared through a histology preparation procedure. Observations of the structure and characteristics of the gonads were carried out using a light microscope and analyzed histologically. The results indicated that gonad samples aged 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16 dph showed primordial germ cells surrounded by somatic tissue forming genital ridges and mitotic division. Meanwhile, the gonads begin to differentiate as ovaries found at 18 dph with the presence of oogonia and ovarian cavities. Gonads aged 20–21 dph increasingly showed single oogonia cells (size 20–37.5 µm), germ cell cysts, genital ridges, oocytes undergoing the vitellogenesis process, perinucleolar oocytes, and the formation of the ovarian cavity. Sex differentiation of climbing perch was predicted from 18–21 dph. This conclusion underlies that the sex reversal procedure in climbing perch must be carried out before 18 dph.

The phenomenon of sexual dimorphism in climbing perch, which shows that female fish grow faster than males, underlies the development of mono-sex culture. Female mono-sex culture is more applicable for farmers by crossing neo-male fish with normal females. The timing of sexual differentiation in climbing perch is still unknown. It is very useful in sex reversal procedures to produce neo-male climbing perch. This study revealed the time and status of climbing perch sexual differentiation. Ten samples of climbing perch from the spawning of five pairs of parents were taken from the nursery pond at 10–29 days post-hatching (dph). Samples were prepared through a histology preparation procedure. Observations of the structure and characteristics of the gonads were carried out using a light microscope and analyzed histologically. The results indicated that gonad samples aged 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16 dph showed primordial germ cells surrounded by somatic tissue forming genital ridges and mitotic division. Meanwhile, the gonads begin to differentiate as ovaries found at 18 dph with the presence of oogonia and ovarian cavities. Gonads aged 20–21 dph increasingly showed single oogonia cells (size 20–37.5 µm), germ cell cysts, genital ridges, oocytes undergoing the vitellogenesis process, perinucleolar oocytes, and the formation of the ovarian cavity. Sex differentiation of climbing perch was predicted from 18–21 dph. This conclusion underlies that the sex reversal procedure in climbing perch must be carried out before 18 dph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotoxic and hepatotoxic effects of lead (Pb) on a freshwater fish, climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) were studied at an environmentally relevant concentration (43.3 ppm). The genotoxic potential of Pb was confirmed by micronucleus study, with increased frequencies of erythrocytic nuclear alterations like lobed, blebbed, notched, fragmented, and micronuclei were observed in erythrocytes in treated groups as compared to control. Inorganic Pb induces oxidative stress which is a consequence of elevated level of Reactive Oxygen Species. Hepatotoxicity was assessed both by the oxidative stress and cellular responses that emerged due to the toxic assault of Pb in the liver, the most important detoxifying organ. Upregulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme like catalase was evident after 15, 30, and 90 days of exposure, and a profound effect was observed on 30th days. The level of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione was increased after Pb exposure. Histoarchitectural damages of liver were distinctly evident in treated fish. Western blot analysis confirmed the expressional alterations of stress‐responsive marker proteins like Nrf2, Keap1, Hsp70, and Nqo1. Pb exposure resulted in increased expression of Hsp70, Nrf2, and Nqo1, whereas Keap1 was downregulated, suggesting the involvement of Nrf2‐Keap1 regulation as a cytoprotective mechanism against Pb toxicity. Genotoxic and hepatotoxic potential of lead (Pb) was assessed in Anabas testudineus at an environmentally relevant concentration. Erythrocytic alterations were prominent after Pb exposure. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and upregulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes indicated severe oxidative stress in the liver. Evidence of significant hepatotoxicity was prominent after Pb exposure. Pb induced stress triggered Nrf2‐Keap1 regulation as evident by western blot analysis as a cytoprotective machinery. The expressional alterations of Nqo1 and Hsp70 can be used as biomarkers of Pb toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the incidence of two foodborne pathogens, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in water used during live transportation of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus). Experiments were conducted in three commercially important fish supply channels of Bangladesh, starting from an important production area, Muktagacha, Mymensingh to Dhaka (supply channel 1), Sylhet (supply channel 2), and Rajshahi (supply channel 3). Water samples were collected from 0 hours (at the time of loading) to reaching at the final destination (unloading points/ retail markets) at every 2 hours interval during transportation. To assess the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and E. coli, Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar and Eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar plate counts were done. For confirmation and PCR detection, a total of 52 isolates were obtained from those cultured plates based on the colony characteristics. The finding showed a gradual increase in SS- and EMB agar plate counts in all the supply channels. Out of the 52 isolates, 10 (19%) were detected as positive for Salmonella spp., while 38 (73%) as positive for E. coli and the rest were unidentified. It was assessed that the pond waters of the cultured areas might be the primary sources of contamination of these two foodborne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fish species as environmental biomarkers was proposed. A bioindicator and monitor of their effect on the health of creatures and aquatic ecosystems may be found by investigating the toxicity of heavy metals in fishes. The acute toxicity of cadmium and their toxicological effects on median lethal concentration (LC50) of widely consumed three freshwater fishes included Silver barb, Barbonymus gonionotus (Bleeker, 1850), Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) were observed for 96 hrs to determine suitable ranges to be employed in the lethality test’s final trials, preliminary trials were done. In the final trials, mortalities were assessed and LC50 values were calculated values by Probit analysis. The results showed that LC50 values increased with a decrease in mean exposure times for Cd. The LC50 values of Cd on B. gonionotus for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs were 26.9946, 17.7884, 12.1246, and 5.1713 mgCd/L respectively. The values of LC50 on O. niloticus were 57.6966, 46.2676, 42.4668, and 41.7624 mgCd/L, respectively; and the LC50 values of Cd on A. testudineus were 134.5610, 108.5223, 73.2544, and 47.3254 mgCd/L, respectively. In the control group, no mortality and normal behavioral response of fishes were occurred during the experimental period. These results revealed higher tolerance among A. testudineus than O. niloticus and B. gonionotus. The outcome of this study provides index for management, monitoring, and surveillance of Cd accumulation and consumption of these fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) in aquaponics is a closed aquaculture system favored by Indonesian aquaculturists due to its environmental friendliness and can be applied on a small scale. Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) has the potential to be cultured in this system as small-scale livestock. This research aims to determine the performance of the NFT aquaponics system of Anabas testudineus and Brassica chinensis with different stock densities. A completely randomized design within four stock density treatments and five replications was applied to this study. The results showed that the specific growth rate, survival rate, and feed conversion rate (FCR) of A. testudineus differed significantly across treatments (p < 0.05). The best performance of specific growth rate (1.96 ± 0.15%), FCR (1.31 ± 0.13), and survival rate (88 ± 4.69%) were shown in the second treatment (50 fish/tank). On the other hand, the fourth treatment (100 fish/tank) yielded the tallest B. chinensis at 20.7 ± 0.90 cm and a leaf number of 10.68 ± 0.28. Higher fish stocking density resulted in a slower fish growth rate but a faster plant growth rate. It can be concluded that the aquaponics system of NFT with a density of 50 fish/tank could be applied to small-scale livestock. The amount of organic matter that plant roots can use as nutrients is the factor that determines the growth rate of B. chinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to analyze how the performance of growth and survival of climbing perch - papuyu fish (Anabas testudineus Bloch) aquaculture with the biofloc system whether there were differences in the sex ratio of the stocked climbing perch had an effect and to find the right sex ratio. The experimental design used in this research was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 5 replications, resulting in 25 experimental units. Treatment B100J0 = 100% female climbing perch and 0% male, treatment B75J25 = 75% female and 25% male climbing perch, treatment B50J50 = 50% female and 50% male climbing perch, treatment B25J75 = 25% female climbing perch and 75% male % and Treatment B0J100 = 0% female climbing perch and 100% male fish. The research was conducted for 90 days with daily growth parameters (SGR), weight and length growth, survival rate, food conversion, flock content, and main water quality parameters (water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and dissolved ammonia). From the results of the research it can be concluded that the difference in sex ratio has a significant effect on the weight growth of climbing perch with a 100% ratio of females for enlargement resulting in the best daily growth rate. The B100J0 treatment was better, that in subset 1 the treatments B0J100, B75J27 and B50J50 were the same. In subset 2, treatments B50J50 and B75J25 were the same, while in subset 3, treatments B75J25 and B0J100 had the same growth. However, based on the median value, treatment B100J0 was better than treatments B75J25 and B50J50 and other treatments. The difference in relative weight (%) between treatments indicates that treatment B100J0 23.72% from treatment B75J25, 54.57% from treatment B50J50, 86.39% from treatment B25J75 and 172.87% from the B0J100 treatment. thus treatment B100J0 = 100% female and 0% male is the best treatment. This phenomenon indicates the sex of the papuyu fish with a ratio of 100% female to rearing produces the best daily growth rate. The results of the research using the sex composition obtained an additional length (cm) for 90 days for each treatment B100J0 = 1.92 cm, B75J25 = 1.19 cm, B500J50 = 1.78 cm, B25J75 = 1.31, B0J100 = 1.61 cm, indicating length The standard depends on the other types of climbing perch, the variety of fish species tested and the length of time they are kept. Treatments B0J100, B75J25 and B50J50 had the same survival in subset 1, while in subset 2 treatments B100J0 and B75J25 had the same survival. Sex ratio was significantly different between treatments to food conversion. Then the Post Hoc test was carried out, the results of the analysis showed that the B100J0, B75J25, B50J50 and B25J75 treatments in subset 1 were just as good in their food conversion. Whereas in subset 2 the B0J100 treatment was not the same as the other four treatments. Floc content ml/L. Rangeflocs of all treatments within the range of 9.583-10.524 ml/L, were able to contribute in providing food in the rearing medium. The water temperature during the research period, air and water temperatures ranged from 26.89-27.62 °C (ºC). From the results of this research the range of acidity degrees in all treatments was in the range of 6.87-7.04. The DO concentration at the experimental site ranged 5.1-7.8 mg L-1, which is within the acceptable range for aquaculture.

The present study was conducted to understand the changes in gonads and hematological parameters in climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) exposed to synthetic estrogen and progestogen [mixture of ethinylestradiol (EE2) and desogestrel (DES)]. Climbing perch were exposed to four different concentrations of EE2/DES mixtures, viz. 0 ng of EE2 and DES/L (T0), 3 ng EE2 and 15 ng DES/L (T3), 30 ng EE2 and 150 ng DES/L (T30), and 300 ng EE2 and 1500 ng DES/L (T300) for 60 days. On days 45 and 60, samples were taken to assess changes in somatic indexes, gonad histology, and hematological parameters. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased in both females and males with increasing concentrations of estrogen mixtures except for T30 females, which was the lowest among all\four treatments. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) was observed to be increased in males as estrogen content increased. However, compared to fish at T0, HSI in female individuals did not vary in T30 fish, where the value was the highest among all the treatments. On day 45, histological observations showed no feminization or intersexuality but several germ-cell deformities in the ovary (adhesion, degenerated oocyte wall, degenerated granulose layer, increased interfollicular space, atretic follicle, and cytoplasmic clumping) and testes (increased interstitial area, focal loss of spermatocyte, dilation of the lumen, breakage of tubular epithelium, and elongated seminiferous tubule) were observed in fish exposed to EE2 and DES. Fish reared at T30 had lower RBC count, hemoglobin (Hb), glucose, and hematocrit levels. On day 60, fish reared at T30 had the highest Hb content compared to fish raised in other treatment conditions. WBC was progressively higher with increasing EE2/DES concentrations. Significant erythrocyte cytoplasmic abnormalities and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities were observed in fish exposed to higher EE2/DES concentrations. The present study provides insights into the adverse impacts of synthetic estrogens sourced from human contraceptive pills on fish physiology.

The present study was conducted to understand the changes in gonads and hematological parameters in climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) exposed to synthetic estrogen and progestogen [mixture of ethinylestradiol (EE2) and desogestrel (DES)]. Climbing perch were exposed to four different concentrations of EE2/DES mixtures, viz. 0 ng of EE2 and DES/L (T0), 3 ng EE2 and 15 ng DES/L (T3), 30 ng EE2 and 150 ng DES/L (T30), and 300 ng EE2 and 1500 ng DES/L (T300) for 60 days. On days 45 and 60, samples were taken to assess changes in somatic indexes, gonad histology, and hematological parameters. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased in both females and males with increasing concentrations of estrogen mixtures except for T30 females, which was the lowest among all\four treatments. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) was observed to be increased in males as estrogen content increased. However, compared to fish at T0, HSI in female individuals did not vary in T30 fish, where the value was the highest among all the treatments. On day 45, histological observations showed no feminization or intersexuality but several germ-cell deformities in the ovary (adhesion, degenerated oocyte wall, degenerated granulose layer, increased interfollicular space, atretic follicle, and cytoplasmic clumping) and testes (increased interstitial area, focal loss of spermatocyte, dilation of the lumen, breakage of tubular epithelium, and elongated seminiferous tubule) were observed in fish exposed to EE2 and DES. Fish reared at T30 had lower RBC count, hemoglobin (Hb), glucose, and hematocrit levels. On day 60, fish reared at T30 had the highest Hb content compared to fish raised in other treatment conditions. WBC was progressively higher with increasing EE2/DES concentrations. Significant erythrocyte cytoplasmic abnormalities and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities were observed in fish exposed to higher EE2/DES concentrations. The present study provides insights into the adverse impacts of synthetic estrogens sourced from human contraceptive pills on fish physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-random mating plays a key role in speciation and impacts the individual life history. Body size is known to be one of the most important traits on which the mate choice is based. Various patterns of body size preference are known in fish, but they have been studied in a limited number of species. Although the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is widespread and well known, a few reports of its spawning are published. Moreover, its breeding has only been described in captivity and in most cases it has been artificially induced with hormonal agents. This paper describes the main features of natural spawning of the climbing perch in aquarium compared to induced spawning. A positive size-assortative mating has been revealed. The mating system of Anabas has been shown to be flexible, presumably ranging from monogamy to polygamy. The results are discussed in the context of the general issue of the adequacy of fish behaviour research methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the changes in viable count of bacteria and physicochemical parameters, and their correlations in the changing pattern during live transportation of climbing perch, (Anabas testudineus). Investigations were conducted in three live fish supply channels of Bangladesh, started from Mymensingh to Dhaka (Channel 1), Mymensingh to Sylhet (Channel 2), and from Mymensingh to Rajshahi (Channel 3) where it took nearly 6 hrs in Channel 1, 8 h in Channel 2 and 8 hr in Channel 3 for the live fish to reach the unloading points of destination. Viable count of bacteria and physicochemical parameters, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and ammonia were recorded from 0 hr with 2 hr interval during transportation. The viable count of bacteria in water increased several folds from the initial values and showed a regrowth within the system. In all the supply channels, water temperature and pH were more or less stable with the headway of the transportation, but remarkable differences were observed in the concentrations of DO and ammonia. Although the initial (0 h) DO level was varying among the supply channels, a decreasing trend was observed at the end in every channel. On the other hand, ammonia concentration was gradually increased during the transportation process. Thus, a gradual decline in water quality (decreased DO level, increased ammonia concentration, and higher bacterial regrowth) may negatively affect the survival and quality of live fish during transportation. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2021; 4(2.000): 149-160]

The present study report on epizootiology, pathogenicity and haemato-immunological aspects of Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) serotype Ib (GBS-Ib) affecting climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) in southern Thailand. Study on growth of GBS-Ib under various conditions indicated that this bacterium grew from 25 to 35C, pH 5 to 9 and 0.5 to 4.0% NaCl. Climbing perch inoculated by intraperitoneally injected GBS-Ib at concentrations of 101 to 104 CFU/mL exhibited 60.00-96.67% mortality, with 60 h-LD50 and 72 h-LD50 at 4.5x102 CFU/mL and 6.3x101 CFU/mL inoculums, respectively. Study of the haemato-immunological changes in the fish infected with GBS-Ib revealed declines of haematocrit, haemoglobin, serum protein, red blood cells, and respiratory burst activity. On the other hand, white blood cells, lysozyme activity, phagocytic index, and average beads per cell, were significantly increased in the infected fish. Study on the effect of environmental factors on the susceptibility of fish to GBS-Ib infection indicated that high water temperature and low dissolved oxygen levels proved to increase mortality of climbing perch. These findings indicate that GBS-Ib is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for fish mortality in Thailand.

An experiment was carried out for quality seed production of indigenous climbing perch, Anabas testudineus using cross breeding technique. Live fingerlings of A. testudineus were collected from three wild sources such as Kailla beel of Mymensingh (Mk), Salakandi beel of Mymensingh (Ms) and Shamganj beel of Netrokona (Ns) of Bangladesh. The collected wild A. testudineus were separately reared for a year in three replicated cages installed in separate earthen ponds for each stock. Forty eight mature broods (16 from each wild source stock with 1:1 sex ratio) were successfully induced bred with carp pituitary extracts following cross-breeding technique for producing three conspecific and three heterospecific cross groups. Three conspecific groups were designated as Line-1, Kailla beel ♀ × Kailla beel ♂ (Mk♀ × Mk♂); Line 2, Salakandi beel ♀ × Salakandi beel ♂ (Ms♀ × Ms♂) and Line 3, Shamgonj beel ♀ × Shamgonj beel ♂ (Ns♀ × Ns♂); whereas three heterospecific groups were designated as Line 4, Salakandi beel ♀ × Shamgonj beel ♂ (Ms♀ × Ns♂); Line 5, Kailla beel ♀ × Salakandi beel ♂ (Mk♀ × Ms♂) and Line 6, Shamgonj beel ♀ × Kailla beel ♂ (Ns♀ × Mk♂). In general, heterospecific crossbred groups (Line 4–6) showed higher reproductive performances than the conspecific crossbred groups (Line 1–3). More precisely, Line 4 (Ms♀ × Ns♂) showed the significantly (p

Stocking density of fish is species specific and is considered as one of the crucial aspects for optimizing feed and water-quality management in biofloc system. The present study was carried out to determine the optimum stocking density of a prime aquaculture species, climbing perch Anabastestudineus in biofloc system. Fish fingerlings with a mean initial weight of 0.80 ± 0.02 g were reared in biofloc tanks for 13 weeks under three different stocking densities, 300 (T-300), 450 (T-450), and 600 (T-600) fish m−3 in triplicates, and the fish were fed with a commercial diet at 3% of their body weight. At final harvest, significant differences in growth and body composition were observed among the treatments. T-300 and T-450 showed similar growth pattern (p > 0.05), while fish in T-600 registered significantly poor growth (p < 0.05). The fitted models for all the growth variables were quadratic, and daily individual feed intake was linear. Although the regression model for yield was not significant (p = 0.072), the highest yield (kg m−3) was attained in T-450. Dry matter, protein, and lipid content of fish remained unaffected (p > 0.05), while significant (p < 0.05) difference in ash content was observed among the treatments with the highest being found in fish from T-600. These results suggest that at the initial stage of culture the optimum stocking density of climbing perch in biofloc system is 300–450 fish m−3 although higher stocking might be feasible considering periodic water exchange and solid management, a proposition awaits further elucidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fish embryo acute toxicity test (FET) was proposed as a promising alternative to the general practice of fish acute toxicity test (FAT). To date, the available information on freshwater fish embryos in Southeast Asia is limited. Hence, this study aims to present preliminary data on single and combined exposure effects of temperature and metals (zinc and cadmium) on the embryonic development of Anabas testudineus. Over 80% of the embryos died after 10 h post-fertilization (hpf) in 1.59, 7.02, and 13.0 mg/L cadmium treatments, whereas the same effect was only observed in 49.6 and 146 mg/L of zinc treatments as early as 8 hpf. The optimum temperature for embryos ranged from 27 to 34 °C, with a survival rate greater than 90% was recorded. The combined test of zinc + cadmium showed the additive effect with approximately 80% mortality at 12 hpf, while the combination of temperature + cadmium had increased the mortality rate up to 100% at 16 hpf. The constant temperature even at optimum rearing value was found to increase cadmium uptake in the embryos and magnified the concentration higher than in water. Therefore, this study suggests climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) could be an alternative FET test model in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to characterise the cultured and wild populations of Anabas testudineus in Malaysia using morphological parameters. Fish samples from the East and West coast of the country were obtained from fishermen (wild samples) and well-recognised climbing perch farmers in Kedah, Kelantan, Johor and Selangor. The Truss network method was applied to obtain necessary data and analysed to examine phenotypic variation between the cultured and wild stocks. Results obtained suggest that each hatchery population belonged to a distinct stock as revealed by their separate clustering into individual unique groups. However, an extensive overlap was observed in the wild population suggesting similarity of origin. The most important morphological parameters for the discrimination of the two populations are the homologous landmark B (i.e., snout to insertion of the pelvic fin) and C (i.e., above the eye to insertion of the pelvic fin). Genetic characterisation of the A. testudineus is needed to complement the findings of this study and establish a baseline for the development of a selective breeding programme for the fish species in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runoff of bauxite residues had caused severe turbidity in two rivers water near Kuantan. Such river turbidity is a global threat to aquatic fauna like fish embryo. To investigate the turbidity effects of suspended bauxite on climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) embryo, the organism was exposed to bauxite after post-fertilisation. The 24-h median lethal concentration (24-h LC50), the lowest effect concentration (LOEC), and no-observed effect concentration (NOEC) were 4.212 g L−1, 2.190 g L−1, and 0.125 g L−1, respectively. Sublethal effects observed were hatching rate and unhatched rate, and mean hatching hours. The lethal effects clearly shown in bauxite levels of 6.00–24.00 g L−1. Fatal effects were observed in these treatment groups which resulted in a mortality above 80%. Among the deadly effects recorded were malformations, shrinking of yolk, bauxite coating, and ruptured chorion. Overall, our finding suggest that the level of bauxite residues in the water should not exceed 0.125 g L−1 to ensure good development and survival of A. testudineus embryos.

Aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to excess iron load as it can cause direct or indirect effect on lotic organisms by disturbing the normal metabolism and osmoregulation. Furthermore, higher iron availability in water could also lead to endocrine disruption in fishes. However, the impact of iron overload on thyroidal and interrenal axes has not yet known in fishes particularly in salinity-acclimated fishes. We thus investigated the effects of in vivo ferrous iron on thyroid hormone and cortisol dynamics, metabolite pattern and hepatic ion transport status in Freshwater (FW) and Salinity-acclimated (SA) climbing perch, Anabas testudineus Bloch to identify the impact of iron overload on thyroidal and internal axes in salinity-acclimated fish. Exposure of Fe (II) iron exposure (FeSO4 of 103 and 104 µg L−1 for 48 h) disrupted thyroid and interrenal axes in fish kept in dilute seawater (20 ppt for three weeks) as evident in the rise of T4 and cortisol, though Fe(II) iron exposure had little influence on these hormones in FW fish. Both FW and SA fish, which were kept for 24 h and 96 h recovery after a pre-exposure of Fe (II) iron for 48 h, produced little impact on plasma T3, T4 and cortisol levels except a rise in T4 that occurred in SA fish after a recovery of 24 h. A shift in metabolite pattern occurred in SA fish after 24 and 96 h recovery due to reversal of plasma glucose, lactate and urea levels. Iron exposure lowered Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities in the liver of SA fish but showed reversed activities when kept for 96 h recovery. Further, we found a differential sensitivity of FW and SA fish to Fe(II) iron exposure as evident in the activity pattern of H+/K+-ATPase, mCa2+ATPase and vH+-ATPase in the liver. Overall, our data indicate that Fe (II) iron loading can activate thyroid and interrenal axes, shift plasma metabolite pattern and reverse hepatic ion transporter function in salinity-acclimated climbing perch, thus presenting evidence for an iron-induced endocrine disruption in salinity-acclimated fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the marketing channels, marketing margin, and farmer's share of the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) cultured with bioflock system. The fish were daily marketed in South and Central Kalimantan of Indonesia through two marketing channels i.e. the first channel: fish farmers→wholesalers→retailers→end consumers; and the second channel: fish farmers→institutional market→end consumers. The fish prices at fish farmers, wholesalers, and retailers were IDR 60,000, IDR 70,000, and IDR 77,667 per kg, respectively. In the first channel, the highest net profit was received by fish farmers (45%), followed by wholesalers (33%) and retailers (22%). While in the second channel, the restaurant earns profit (74%) almost 3 times higher than fish farmers (26%). The marketing margins of wholesalers, retailers,s and restaurants were 14%, 23%, and 50%, respectively. The current marketing system was considered efficient (farmer's share = 77.25%). Fish farming and culinary could be a promising business opportunity due to the high demand for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anabantoid fishes comprise a unique group, most of whose representatives are characterized by diverse forms of parental care. Evolutional reconstruction of the reproductive strategies of anabantoids is challenging, partly due to the lack of reliable evidence of parental care in a number of its representatives, the most famous of which is the climbing perch. Moreover, apparent contradictions between literary sources frequently occur on the subject. This brief overview attempts to analyze the situation and identify the possible causes of disagreement. The further development in understanding the phylogeny of life history strategies in the group, as well as the concept of evolutionary transitions among parental care patterns in fishes in general, depend on the clarification of this situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocrotophos (MCP) is one of the organophosphate pesticides extensively used in agriculture and animal husbandry. The present study reports the effects of sub‐lethal concentrations of MCP on gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonadal histology and breeding fitness of the fish Anabas testudineus. The fish were exposed to three sub‐lethal concentrations of monocrotophos (T1: 3.5 mg/L, T2: 5.3 mg/L and T3: 10.6 mg/L) for 45 days with 12 fish (males and females in equal numbers) in each tank, and one group was kept as control (C) without any treatment. GSI decreased in all treatment groups in comparison with control. Significant decrease in fertilization and hatching rate was observed at all concentrations in comparison with control on 15, 30 and 45 days of monocrotophos exposure. The decreased vitellogenesis, disruption of follicular wall and oocyte atresia were observed in all the treated females at 30 and 45 days of exposure. Rupture of seminiferous tubules was noticed in all the treated males irrespective of exposure periods. The results thus indicated that monocrotophos could deleteriously impact the gonadal structure and function in A. testudineus, which could seriously impact the reproductive success of the animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runoff of bauxite residues had caused severe turbidity in two rivers water near Kuantan. Such river turbidity is a global threat to aquatic fauna like fish embryo. To investigate the turbidity effects of suspended bauxite on climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) embryo, the organism was exposed to bauxite after post-fertilisation. The 24-h median lethal concentration (24-h LC 50), the lowest effect concentration (LOEC), and no-observed effect concentration (NOEC) were 4.212 g L−1, 2.190 g L−1, and 0.125 g L−1, respectively. Sublethal effects observed were hatching rate and unhatched rate, and mean hatching hours. The lethal effects clearly shown in bauxite levels of 6.00–24.00 g L−1. Fatal effects were observed in these treatment groups which resulted in a mortality above 80%. Among the deadly effects recorded were malformations, shrinking of yolk, bauxite coating, and ruptured chorion. Overall, our finding suggest that the level of bauxite residues in the water should not exceed 0.125 g L−1 to ensure good development and survival of A. testudineus embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of thiourea (keeping of fish for 32 days in 0.05% solution of thiourea) and of starvation (during 12 days) on the physiological and biochemical state and on the reproductive system of mature males of climbing perch Anabas testudineus are investigated. Combination of these two factors results in a decrease in the level of sex steroid hormones (testosterone and estradiol-17β) in blood, in changes in synthesis of thyroxine, in its conversion to triiodothyronine, and in acceleration of spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to optimize the fertility and hatchability of eggs from the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) by using an Ovaprim® and hCG hormonal treatment. The impact of the feeding method on the growth and survival of the fish larvae was also investigated. A completely randomized design of experiments with five treatments and three replications was used in the study. The optimum hormonal treatment was found to be an injection of 0.5 ml Ovaprim®/kg body weight yielding a fertility and hatchability rate of 74% and 75%, respectively. The best tested diet for the growth and survival of the fish larvae was Tubifex worms varying from 3 to 43 days after hatching. This yields an absolute weight value of 0.828 gram, an absolute growth of 2.9 cm, a daily weight growth rate of 0.170% and a survival rate of 88.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Square head climbing perch (Anabas testudineus Bloch, 1792) is a high quality fish without small bones. It grows in a wide range of temperatures (10-42 oC), pH (3.5-9.5) and salinity (up to 16%). As regards climate change, this species may become important for aquaculture in the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon near Hue city. To optimise the quality of fingerlings, we analyzed the effect of salinity levels on hatching and nursing in three subsequent experiments. Fertilization, hatching, survival and growth rates for 30 days were determined at salinity levels 0%, 5%, 7%, 13% and 15%. Water temperature and pH varied between 22-29.5 oC and 7.3-7.8, respectively. Between 0-5%, fertilization ratio was 77% to 83% and highest at 5%, but this dropped to 0% when salinity increased; hatching ratio was larger than 90%, but decreased to 0% at 13-15%. Between 0-11%, hatching time of fertilized eggs was not affected by salinity levels. The ratio of deformation gradually increased above 5%. After hatching at either 0 or 5%, survival ratios for square head climbing perch were above 13% up to 5%, but dropped to 0% at 9%. The growth after 30 days of nursing was higher at 5 and 7% compared with that of 0 and 3%.

Local and Thai climbing perch, Anabas testudineus are locally known as koi in Bangladesh. These two are important natural and cultured fish. This study was carried out the comparative investigations on morphometric and meristic of local and Thai A. testudineus. Both the varieties were collected from different fish markets in and around Savar. The morphometric characteristics were higher in Thai koi than local and among them; total length, standard length (SL), length of 1st and 2nd dorsal fin bases, length of 1st and 2nd anal fin bases, abdominal regional length were found different. Proportion of SL and head length (HL), HL and snout length, SL and caudal peduncle length were different between the two varieties. Among the meristic characteristics; number of dorsal spines, dorsal fin rays, anal spines, scale on upper lateral line were found difference between local and Thai koi. The body spots and the colour at pelvic fin region were also different. The present study suggested that local and Thai koi are morphometrically and meristically different in many aspects.

Summary: This study investigated the breeding parameters and embryogenic development of diploid and heat shock-induced triploid eggs of Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792). To this effect, broodstocks of A. testudineus were induced to spawn using the Ovaprim® hormone. After fertilization, the eggs were divided into two groups and one portion heat shocked at 41°C (for 3 min), at approximately 4 min after fertilization. Results of fertilization, hatchability, as well as the sequence and timing of embryogenic development were collated from three breeding trials. Fertilization percentages were similar in both treatments (≈90%) while hatchability was higher in the diploid eggs (79.56%) than the triploid induced eggs (50.04%). Both treatments had the same sequence of embryogenetic stages; however, the timing of development was significantly delayed in the triploids (i.e. beyond the 2-cell stages) as compared with the observations in the control group (diploid eggs). Consequently, hatching time was 5 h faster in the diploid eggs [i.e. 18 hours post fertilization (hpf)] compared with the triploid induced eggs (23 hpf). The most critical stage of embryonic development in which mass mortality occurred in the different treatments was the somite stage. The status of triploid hatchlings was affirmed using erythrocyte morphology in 2-month-old fingerlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Behavior of climbing perch Anabas testudineus in water flow exposed to 0.05% solution of thiourea for 20 days is investigated. Exposure to thiourea modifies the ratio of specimens having different types of rheoreaction (positive, negative, compensatory) and decreases the number of jumps made by fishes in the hydrodynamic installation, indicating to their decreased activity. Starvation stimulates the climbing perch to make jumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined effect of Vitashield 40EC (chlorpyrifos ethyl-CPF) and Bassa 50EC (fenobucarb-F) was compared with the effects from exposure to the two pesticides separately, by measuring the brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in climbing perch fingerlings (Anabas testudineus). The experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and included three treatments containing 0.173 mg/L of CPF, 1.137 mg/L of F, 0.173 mg/L of CPF + 1.137 mg/L of F (M), and a control. The inhibition of the brain AChE activity in fish exposed to F was weaker and shorter than in fish exposed to CPF. The inhibition by the mixture of CPF and F was significantly lower and less prolonged than the inhibition by only CPF but significantly higher than the inhibition by only F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of investigation of how social context affects responses to, and consumption of the novel food in climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, are presented. The fish living in group fed better from the first day of the experiment. The quantity of consumed pellets always exceeded that in solitary specimens. Their rate of habituation to the novel food was always significantly higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted between July and December 2012 at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia, to determine the effect of water salinity on the hatching rate and survival of newly hatched larvae of climbing perch Anabas testudineus. A total of 2,700 morula stage embryos of climbing perch were directly transferred to water salinities of 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 ppt at 27-28C. Control embryos were incubated alike in freshwater. Hatching rate (i.e. total and viable hatchings) and the survival of newly hatched larvae were recorded. Results showed the highest total hatching (97.3%) and viable hatching (95.3%) were both observed at 3 ppt. The survival of newly hatched larvae was highest at 3 ppt (90.0%), but was not significantly different (p>0.05) from the control (86.0%). Thus, our results suggest the feasibility to culture climbing perch in a slightly saline environment (i.e. 3 ppt) particularly during the endogenous feeding stage to increase the larval survival.

The effects of prebiotic-fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performances, lysozyme and phagocytosis activities of Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus Bloch, 1792) were determined. The factorial completely randomized experiment (2 × 3) was applied. Three experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 1, and 2% FOS in pellet diets with two feeding levels including either 3% of body weight or satiation. Fish (mean body weight of 9.33±0.06 g) had been raised for 120 days. The results showed fish fed 2% FOS supplementary diet at 3% of body weight and 0, 1, 2% FOS diets at satiation gained greater body weight, specific growth rate, and increased weight than perch received a feed without FOS at 3% of body weight (P<0.05). Moreover, climbing perch obtained feeds with 1 and 2% FOS at 3% of body weight and satiation had better daily feed intake and total feed intake (P<0.05). Furthermore, fish received diets with 1 and 2% FOS at 3% of body weight and satiation had significantly higher (P <0.05) lysozyme activity and percent phagocytosis than fish fed without FOS diet both two feeding levels. In sum, the 1% prebiotic-FOS supplemented diet with satiation feeding can improve growth performances and enhance non-specific immune responses of Climbing perch, also influence the total production and feed cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 70-day growth trail was conducted to investigate the effects of inclusion of high levels of meat and bone meal ( MBM) and protein concentrate ( PC) on growth, digestibility and economic performances of climbing perch, Anabas testudineus. Four isonitrogenous diets were formulated by lowering the level of dietary fishmeal protein at 0 (D1, control), 70 (D2), 85 (D3) and 100% (D4) with a mixture of MBM and PC protein (1:1). Triplicate groups of 300 fish (mean weight of 0.80 g) stocked in each 40 m2 pond and fed the respective test diets. A digestibility trial was conducted after the growth trial in indoor glass aquarium. The result showed that growth parameters were significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) with fishmeal replacement levels. However, significant differences were not found in feed conversion ratio and survival of fish. No difference was also found in protein efficiency ratio among D1, D2 and D3. Similar to growth parameters, total fish production was highest in D1, intermediate in D2 and D3; and lowest in D4. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein and lipid were highest ( P < 0.05) in D1 and lowest in D4. The economic analysis revealed that the benefit cost ratio was ranked by D3 (1.81), D2 (1.71), D1 (1.66) and D4 (1.46) respectively. Upon considering the overall performances and unavailability of finite protein sources, it can be concluded that 70-85% fishmeal could be replaced with a mixture of MBM and PC (1:1) in practical diets for climbing perch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Square head climbing perch (Anabas testudineus Bloch, 1792) is a high quality fish without small bones. It grows in a wide range of temperatures (10-42 °C), pH (3.5-9.5) and salinity (up to 16%). As regards climate change, this species may become important for aquaculture in the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon nearHue city. To optimise the quality of fingerlings, we analyzed the effect of salinity levels on hatching and nursing in three subsequent experiments.Fertilization, hatching, survival and growth rates for 30 days were determined at salinity levels 0%, 5%, 7%, 13% and 15%. Water temperature and pH varied between 22-29.5 °C and 7.3-7.8, respectively. Between 0-5%, fertilization ratio was 77% to 83% and highest at 5%, but this dropped to 0% when salinity increased; hatching ratio was larger than 90%, but decreased to 0% at 13-15%. Between 0-11%, hatching time of fertilized eggs was not affected by salinity levels. The ratio of deformation gradually increased above 5%. After hatching at either 0 or 5%, survival ratios for square head climbing perch were above 13% up to 5%, but dropped to 0% at 9%. The growth after 30 days of nursing was higher at 5 and 7% compared with that of 0 and 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, is an air-breathing fish having great consumer preference as a food fish and is considered a prime candidate species for aquaculture. Spawning success is an important issue while using hormones for captive induced breeding. In the first experiment, a trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of a synthetic Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone analog (sGnRHa) on the spawning success of climbing perch. Female fish were administered six different doses each with a single intramuscular injection of sGnRHa hormone at 0.002 (T OD1 ), 0.005 (T OD2 ), 0.01 (T OD3 ), 0.015 (T OD4 ), 0.02 (T OD5 ), 0.03 (T OD6 ) μg/g body weight. Similarly, males were administered half of the hormone dose of females in all the respective treatment groups. The greatest ( P < 0.05) relative fecundity (715.13 ± 15.0 eggs/g female body weight) and fertilization percentage rates (93.1 ± 8.0%) occurred when female fish were treated at the 0.015 μg/g body weight dose. There was a reduction in relative fecundity and hatching rate in female fish injected with the largest dose (1.5 μL/g body weight) of sGnRHa. A second experiment was conducted to assess the effect of a different male-female ratio on optimum spawning success in climbing perch. For this study a different female to male ratio (1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4) and male to female ratio (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) were used. There were a greater ( P < 0.05) relative fecundity (886.62 ± 17.9 eggs/g female body weight), fertilization (98 ± 6.7%) and hatching (99 ± 5.4%) rates with the female to male ratio of 1:2. This indicated that the hormone dose of 0.015 μg/g body weight and a female-male ratio of 1:2 are optimal for enhanced spawning success in the climbing perch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the effects of sequential applications of the insecticides Bassa 50EC (fenobucarb-F) and Vitashield 40EC (chlorpyrifos ethyl-CPF), sprayed at concentrations used by rice farmers in the Mekong Delta, on the brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in climbing perch fingerlings. After spraying the pesticides on the rice fields, the water concentrations of both insecticides decreased below the detection levels within 3 days. The sequential applications caused significant inhibition on the brain AChE activity in the exposed fish. The inhibition by F was quicker, but less prolonged, than for CPF. The inhibition levels caused by the sequential applications were lower than those caused by only CPF and by a mixture of CPF and F. The results indicate that sequential applications of pesticides could have a negative impact on aquatic organisms and fish yields, with implication for the aquatic biodiversity, local people's livelihood and the aquaculture industry in the Mekong Delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the sustainable aquaculture practices of climbing perch koi, Anabas testudineus experiments were conducted for a rearing period of 100 days in nine earthen ponds having an area of 0.35 ha each. The fry was stocked at 0.1976, 0.2470, and 0.2964 million ha in different farms of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh for treatment T, T and T. Fish fries having 1.82 ± 0.01 cm in length and 1.52 ± 0.04 g in weight were considered for experimentations initially. Under favourable conditions yield rate was noted highest in treatment T and lowest in treatment T. Final length, final weight and survival of A. testudineus also followed the same trends as weight gained. Individuals in treatment T produced significantly higher specific growth rate than treatments T and T. Feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in treatment T followed by treatment T and T in that order. Fish production in treatments T, T and T were 31758.66 ± 88.01, 31350.16 ± 98.07 and 28646.56 ± 100.50 kg ha day, respectively. Significantly higher production was recorded in treatment T than in treatments T and T, respectively. Consistently higher net benefit was found also from treatment T than from treatments T and T. Significantly higher economically benefit was also recorded in treatment T than in treatment T and T respectively. Overall, highest growth, survival and net benefit of climbing perch were obtained from treatment T at a density of 0.1976 million individual ha. Among three treatments, treatment T appears to be most sustainable aquaculture practice for koi, A. Testudineus in 100 days rearing system. The present findings indicate the feasibility of establishing sustainable aquaculture of koi in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sexual maturity of female climbing perch, Anabas testudineus was studied by determining fecundity and gonadosomatic index (GSI). It was found that the size at sexual maturity of female climbing perch was 15.20±1.24 cm (mean±SD) in total length and 61.10±17.32 g in body weight. The eggs were floating and rounded. The fertilized eggs had a diameter of 830±39 μm. The fecundity was 24,120.5±3,328.24 ova/ fish and gonadosomatic index (GSI) was 10.4±2.5%. Newly hatched larvae of climbing perch were produced by induced spawning using chemical injection (Suprefact and Motilium). The sexually mature fishes were cultured in fiber-glass tank (water volume 300 liters) with the ratio of male and female brooders 2:1. The fertilization rate, hatching out and hatching rate experiments were carried out using a 15-liter glass aquarium (water volume 10 liters) containing 7,000-9,000 eggs. It was found that the eggs were floating and rounded. The fertilized eggs had a diameter of 830±39 μm. The average fertilization rate was 92.67%, hatching out was 20 hr 30 min and average hatching rate was 87.44% at a water temperature of 27.0-30.5ºC. Sampling of the newly-hatched larvae was done at 2-hour intervals, when 20 of them were randomly taken and preserved in 10% buffered formalin for later deter-mination of yolk absorption time. Observation using a microscope revealed that newly hatched larvae were 2.02±0.20 mm in total length and had yolk sacs of 111.33±46.19 mm3 in volume. The yolk sacs were completely absorbed within 92 hr after hatching at a water temperature of 27.0-30.5ºC. Up until full mouth development (start of feeding), 2-hourly samplings of twenty newly hatched larvae were taken from an aquarium for observation of the size of mouth opening. All the larvae had open mouths about 28 hr after hatching (2.95±0.59 mm TL), with the mouths measuring 328.42±32.23 mm in height. The feeding experiments were carried out using a 15-liter glass aquarium (water volume 10 liters) containing 1,000 larvae aged 1 days post-hatching (just before the mouth opened). They were fed with rotifer at a density of 10 ind/ml. Twenty larvae were collected at random from the aquarium at 2-hourly intervals, preserved in 10% buffered formalin, and then dissected to determine the presence of rotifer in the digestive tract. The digestive tracts were fixed at 32 hr of hatching at water temperatures of 27.0-30.5ºC, and measured477.63±47.80 mm in mouth height. The average number of rotifer in the digestive tract at the start of feeding was 1.50 individual/larva. A starvation experiment was carried out using a 15-liter glass aquarium (water volume 10 liters) with three replications. Two hundred newly hatched larvae were kept without feeding. Larvae started to die at 216 hr and totally died within 348 hr after hatching at water temperature ranging between 27.0 and 30.5ºC. The feeding scheme experiments were done in a 15-liter glass aquarium (water volume 10 liters) containing 500 of two-day old larvae (stage at first feeding). It was found that larval climbing perch aged 3- 10 days (average total length 3.02-4.97 mm) consumed rotifer. The larvae of age 8-15 days (average total length 3.94-12.60 mm) consumed Moina. The larvae of age 8-10 days (average total length 3.94-4.97 mm)consumed both rotifer and Moina. The larvae of age 11-day (average total length 5.51 mm) consumed only Moina. The larvae of age 14-15 days (average total length 7.34-12.60 mm) consumed both Moina and artificial feed. Larvae aged more than 16 days consumed only artificial feed. Determining the daily food uptake by the larvae and juveniles was done in a 15-liter glass aquarium (water volume 10 liters) containing 100 larvae. The larvae consumed the living food organism i.e. rotifer or Moina depending on larval stage, with density of rotifer 100 individual/ml or with density of Moina 10 individual/ml. The amount of food intake was calculated based on changes of food density in the aquariumwith and without fish larvae at 2-hour intervals. It was found that the larvae of age 3-6 days (average total length 3.02-3.71 mm) consumed only rotifer. The average uptake of rotifer in digestive tract per day of larvae age 3 and 6 days old were 9 and 16 individual/larva, respectively. The 9-days old larvae (average total length 4.43 mm) consumed both rotifer and Moina, the average uptake of rotifer in digestive tract in a day was 19 individual/larva and that of Moina was 10 individual/larva. The larvae of age 12-15 days (average total length 6.11-12.60 mm) consumed only Moina. The average uptake of Moina in digestive tract per day of larvae age 12 and 15 days old were 98 and 113 individual/larva, respectively.

Some blood parameters of the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus Bloch) i.e. red (RBC) and white (WBC) blood cell count, percent haematocrit (HTC), hemoglobin, plasma protein as well as hepatosomatic index (HSI) were studied. There were no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in average body weight and length of fish from the earthen pond and net cage culture, which were 16.85±1.46 g and 16.24±2.42 g, respectively, for the weight and 10.02±0.25 and 9.74±0.37 cm, respectively, for the length. Haematologicalstudies revealed that RBC, WBC including percent HTC levels of the fish from earthen pond and net cage were not significantly different (> 0.05). Whereas hemoglobin and serum protein concentration of the fish sampling from net cage were higher than those sampled from the earthen pond (p