Early embryonic and larval development of Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis

The present study investigated the embryonic and larval development of Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis from fertilization until metamorphosis. The fully matured eggs and sperm were obtained by artificial insemination. The fertilized eggs were demersal, nonadhesive, spherical, and brownish green in color. The average diameter of the fertilized eggs ranged from 1.30 to 1.50 mm. The incubation period was from 23-24 h at an average temperature of 29±1°C. The newly hatched larvae were 2.5±0.2 mm in length. The yolk absorption was completed within three d after hatching. The aerial breathing behaviour of the larvae was observed 10 d after hatching. The larva resembled the adult in its external features and was metamorphosed to young juveniles within 20 d post-hatching.