Induction of Artificial Spermiation in the Fresh Water Clarias batrachus (Linn.) by Clomiphene Citrate

Summary

Intramuscular thrice a week injections of clomiphene citrate (25 (μg/0.5 ml/100 g body weight) were administered for a period of 3 months to the animals in the experimental group. The control group received 0.5 ml/100 g body weight of physiological saline throughout the period of experimentation (February — April). The control testes were in recrudescence in February, since spermatids and sperms came to appear in these testes from early March onwards. On the other hand, in the experimental group, as a result of drug administration, there was a steady increase in testicular size, and the spermatocytes begin to enlarge and mature into spermatids and sperms. This is to our knowledge, the first document of a commercially important male teleostean fish Clarias batrachus with high nurtitive value being made to spermiate in the laboratory 4 months ahead of natural schedule, using a chemical inductor ‘Clomid’.

Key words

Artificial spermiation - clomiphene citrate - fish - testis