Influence of environmental conditions on the ovarian cycle and serum chemistry of Cyprinus carpio in the Dal lake, Kashmir (India)

Abstract

1. The study presents adaptive and acclimatory changes observed in Cyprinus carpio communis L with respect to ovarian cycle and serum levels of electrolytes, calcium, total proteins and albumin as a consequence of wide temperature and sunshine variation in the natural environment of Dal lake in Srinagar, Kashmir (India).2. The atmospheric temperatures in Srinagar show well-defined seasonal and diurnal variations. During the period of study, the mean monthly average temperature in summer (June-August) was 24°C whereas in winter (December-February) it fell to 3.6°C. The total hours of sunshine during the winter months were about half of those found in summer.3. Under local thermal and photo conditions the fish was found to spawn once a year compared to biannual spawning in tropical chmates. 4. A significant decrease was found in serum sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations during the months of January and February when the mean minimum atmospheric temperatures reached -2.5°C and -l.2°C respectively. 5. The serum calcium levels showed a marked increase during the period corresponding to ovarian maturity and spawning of fish. 6. A significant rise in total serum protein concentration was induced by decreased environmental temperatures. Serum albumin levels were found to exhibit a sharp fall coinciding with the spawning period.

Spawning dynamics of common carp in the River Murray, South Australia, shown by macroscopic and histological staging of gonads

“…This study provides a comprehensive synopsis of common carp spawning dynamics in the lower River Murray, South Australia, and is supported by histological evidence. Other histological data are available for common carp in natural waterways in Dagestan (Shikhshabekov, 1972) and India (Fida et al ., 1988), and for hatchery common carp (Gupta, 1975; Bieniarz & Epler, 1976; Horvath, 1985).…”

“…Most research on common carp spawning has focused on fish under intensive culture in Europe and Asia (Gupta, 1975; Crivelli, 1981; Fida et al ., 1988; Szabo et al ., 2000). From the few studies in natural systems it is clear that patterns differ between disparate environments (Swee & McCrimmon, 1966; Shikhshabekov, 1972; Fida et al ., 1988). In particular, the timing, frequency and duration of spawning, growth, fecundity and size or age at maturity all vary according to local temperature regimes (Alikunhi, 1966).…”

The Energy Metabolism of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) When Exposed to Salt Stress: An Increase in Energy Expenditure or Effects of Starvation?

“…Na ϩ concentrations in carp plasma/serum vary with the season: they average 121-126 mM from spring to autumn and then drop to about 85 mM in winter (Fida et al 1988;Martem'anov 1996). The control values obtained in this study fall well within these limits.…”