STUDIES ON REPRODUCTION AND GROWTH OF LOACH

The age at first maturity in the Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is 1+—2 years for females and 1 year for males. The characteristics of gonad development and reproductive cells of the Loach are almost the same as those of the Common carp. The loach can spawn several times a year. Spawning lasts from mid-April until early-October. Fecundity increases with increased body size. The loach has its maximum growth in length in the first and second years of its life, but the maximum growth in weight occurred in he second year. In intensive culture, the loach should be marketed at two years of age, when the length is over 11 cm.