Floating Carp Hatchery on Tapi (Ukai) Reservoir: A Tool for In-situ Carp Seed Production in Reservoir Fisheries
Kuldip G. Pithiya
Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture, Kamdhenu University, Ukai, Songadh, Tapi – 394680, Gujarat, India.
B. A. Kandoriya *
Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture, Kamdhenu University, Ukai, Songadh, Tapi – 394680, Gujarat, India.
S. R. Lende
Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture, Kamdhenu University, Ukai, Songadh, Tapi – 394680, Gujarat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Reservoir stocking can depend on carp seed supplied from land-based hatcheries, with associated transport and handling requirements. This study evaluated a floating hatchery installed on Ukai (Tapi) Reservoir, Gujarat, for in situ breeding, incubation and spawn collection of three Indian major carps.
Methods: Field trials were conducted during June–August 2025. A modular platform supported plastic-coated breeding, incubation and spawn-collection units. Reservoir-caught broodstock of Labeo catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala were conditioned in adjacent floating cages for 21 days before hormone-induced breeding. Three replicate trials were conducted per species. Water quality was measured three times daily, and differences among species were assessed by one-way analysis of variance.
Results: Fertilisation rates were 79.4%, 76.2% and 79.5% for L. catla, L. rohita and C. mrigala, respectively. Corresponding hatching success rates were 66.5%, 65.0% and 60.0%, while 72-hour spawn survival rates were 68.2%, 60.5% and 65.0%. Hatchery water temperature ranged from 27.2 to 29.5 °C, dissolved oxygen from 6.2 to 7.4 mg L⁻¹, and pH from 7.5 to 8.2. The floating platform maintained pitch and roll below 2.5° under the monitored wind conditions. The reported operational comparison indicated no road-transit time for directly released spawn and a reduction in cost per 100,000 spawn from ₹3,200 to ₹1,450.
Conclusion: Under the monitored reservoir conditions, the floating hatchery supported in situ carp seed production while avoiding road transport of spawn.
Keywords: Floating hatchery, carp seed production, reservoir ranching, Ukai reservoir, Indian major carps