Influence of the daily distribution of light on reproduction in the barbel, Barbus barbus (L.)

Abstract

The influence of the daily distribution of light on the duration of the breeding season of the barbel was investigated. Interrupted night photoperiods (6L : 2D : 2L : 14D or 6L : 8.5D : 2L : 7.5D) allowed spawnings of male and female barbel (previously maintained under IOL: 14D or 16.5L : 7.5D) to continue, whereas a 2 or 8.5 h shorter photoperiod (8L : 16D) inhibited both sexes. The number of spawnings for each female was significantly higher under 6L : 2D : 2L : 14D or 6L : 8.5D : 2L : 7.5D (respectively 2.9 and 3.6 spawnings on average) than in control groups maintained under 8L : 16D (0.6 and 2-1 spawnings on average). These results suggest that there is a daily rhythm of photosensitivity in the barbel.

Spawning strategies in cypriniform fishes in a lowland river invaded by non-indigenous European barbel Barbus barbus

“…Whilst this multiple spawning strategy could have been mediated in B. barbus by plasticity in their reproductive traits, they utilise similar spawning strategies in their native range (Ovidio et al, 2009). For example, individual adult B. barbus in the River Ourthe, Belgium, were detected as spawning as least twice per year (Baras, 1995) and in captivity, B. barbus can spawn up to 15 times in 1 year under constant photoperiod and high thermal regimes (Poncin, 1992). Moreover, this apparent pre-adaption is not just limited to their spawning strategies, but also includes their somatic growth rates, as there were no significant differences in adult B. barbus growth rates between populations in their British indigenous and non-indigenous ranges (Britton et al, 2012).…”

Effects of photothermal manipulations on the artificial reproduction of barbel, <I>Barbus barbus</I> (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae): a pilot study

“…These factors refer to cyprinid fish species occurring naturally in moderate climate zones (Bieniarz and Epler 1991). In B. barbus, photoperiod and temperature were employed for stimulating spontaneous ovulation under controlled conditions (Philippart et al 1989, Poncin 1989, 1992, Baras and Philippart 1999, Poncin and Philippart 2002. Results of Poncin (1989) suggest that the minimum natural daylight length required for successful spawning of B. barbus females is about 9 h. In Belgium (51°N), such daylight length is reached in January.…”

“…In order to compensate for its diminished natural recruitment, artificial propagation of barbel has been conducted (Kouřil et al 1988, Philippart et al 1989, Poncin and Philippart 2002, Targońska et al 2011. The indoor method of reproduction of barbel was developed in the 1980's and 1990's (Philippart et al 1989, Poncin 1989, 1992. Pursuant to this method, spawner maturation was stimulated with daily lighting period manipulations at a constant water temperature of 20°C.…”

Effects of photoperiod on reproduction of Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens

“…Species such as Barbus barbus have their reproduction affected by photoperiod and the interruption of the dark period by light exposure for several hours increases the number of egg masses in relation to animals kept in conditions of normal uninterrupted photoperiod (Poncin, 1992).…”