Biochem. Cell. Arch. Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 327-331, 2017 www.connectjournals.com/bca ISSN 0972-5075 BREEDING BIOLOGY OF RAINBOW SARDINE, DUSSUMIERIA ACUTA FROM MANGALURU REGION K. Halesha, H. N. Anjanayappa, Mansing Naik, Jaya Naik , D. P. Rajesh and P. Nayana Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Science University, College of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries Resources and Management, Mangaluru - 575 002, India. e-mail :
[email protected] (Accepted 17 December 2017) ABSTRACT : The present study is based on the reproductive biology of Rainbow sardine, Dussumieria acuta from Mangaluru waters from August 2015 to April 2016. Studies on spawning periodicity indicated that this species spawned only once in a year over a prolonged period extending from January to April with a peak during March to April. Analysis of size at first maturity of D. acuta using cumulative frequency method showed that male and female attained first maturity between 16-18cm in total length. Male always recorded lower gonado-somatic index (GSI) values than female due to higher ovary weight compared to testis. The GSI values of female were high during January to April with peaks in March and April. The fecundity of fish ranged from 12,642 to 34,782 eggs with an average of 21796 eggs. Log linear relationship was established between fecundity and gonad weight. The sex ratio of male to female was 1:0.74. There was an overall male predominance in the population. Key words : Dussumieria acuta, breeding biology, Mangaluru. INTRODUCTION females. Fortnightly sample were collected from fish The rainbow sardine, Dussumieria acuta belongs landing center, Mangaluru during the period between to family Dussumieridae are small pelagic fishes, forming August 2015 to April 2016.