Induction of heterozygous and homozygous diploid gynogenesis in Betta splendens (Regan) using hydrostatic pressure

Abstract Optimum conditions for hydrostatic pressure treatment for duplication of chromosome set in gynogenetically activated fighting fish, Betta splendens (Regan), eggs were identified. Maximum survival of heterozygous gynogens was 50%, when 2·5-min-old eggs, after insemination with UV irradiated tilapia sperm, were pressure shocked at 7000psi for 6 min. The frequency (21%) of homozygous gynogenetic fry was high, when the 34min (post-insemination) old eggs, which were inseminated with tilapia sperm, were pressure shocked for 5 min. Sex ratio of gynogenetic progeny suggested that the mechanism of sex determination in this fish is homogametic female and heterogametic male.     

Masculinization of fighting fish, Betta splendens Regan, using synthetic or natural androgens

Abstract. The effects of two synthetic androgens, 17α-methyltestosterone (5–50mg/kg food), 19-nor-ethynyltestosterone (2–50 mg/kg food) and two natural androgens, 11 ketotestosterone (10–60mg/kg food) and androstenedione (20–100mg/kg food) were investigated in the fighting fish, Betta splendens Regan. Androgens were administered for 40 days from the first day of feeding. Masculinization occurred in 100% of individuals fed 8, 15, 60, 90 mg/kg food 19–nor–ET, 17α–MT, 11–KT and AT respectively. Mortality due to treatment of natural steroids was significantly less than that with the synthetic steroids. Sex–reversed males were sexually functional and their genotype was identified by progeny testing. Sex-reversed males produced 100% female monosex when mated with normal females, indicating that the mechanism of sex determination in this fish is homogametic female and heterogametic male.     

Effects of induced triploidy on aggressive display in the fighting fish, Betta splendens Regan

Abstract. Triploidy was induced in the fighting fish, Betta splendens Regan, by varying all possible combinations of temperature (37-41°C), time after insemination (2-3min)and shock duration (2-4 min). Heat shock at 39°C for 3 min duration initiated 2-5 min after insemination gave high frequencies of triploids (86%) as assessed from chromosome number and red blood cell nuclear volume. There was no significant difference in the growth rate of triploid and diploid fish. Gonadal development in both sexes was retarded in triploids at 5 months of age. Eggs fertilized with milt from triploids developed to gastrulation. Beyond gastrulation there was increasing mortality associated with abnormalities and none of them hatched. The display frequencies of air gulping, erection of operculum and fins, striking and biting, and undulating movements were fewer in triploids compared to diploids. It appears that triploids are less aggressive than diploids. The aggressive behaviour of fighting fish may be related Io their reproductive activity.     

Induction of triploidy in the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton)

Abstract. Triploidy was induced in the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton), by varying all possible combinations of the time after fertilization (AF) (1-3min after insemination), temperature (36-42°C) and shock duration (1-7min). A thermal shock of 41°C for 4min, 2.5min AF ensured 100% triploidy and maximum (51%) survival. Induction of triploidy was confirmed by measurement of erythrocyte nuclear volume and chromosome counting. There was no significant difference in the growth rate of triploid and diploid fishes. All surviving triploids developed into males, and produced a few spermatozoa unable to fertilize normal eggs. A study on thermal and other characteristics required to ensure 100% triploidy rate in fish indicates that these characteristics are species specific.