Tissue cholesterol and serum cortisol level during different reproductive phases of the female freshwater fish Notopterus notopterus (Pallas)

Abstract

In the present study tissue cholesterol and serum cortisol changes during two reproductive phases have been correlated in the freshwater fish Notopterus notopterus. The reproductive cycle of N. notopterus has two phases such as breeding phase (April - August) and non breading phase (October - December). The cholesterol content of the ovary and liver increased during breeding phase. The serum cortisol estimated by radio immuno assay (RIA) technique indicates that the level of the hormone was high during breeding phase compared to non breading phase. The increase in cholesterol during breeding phase may be because of increase in cortisol synthesis needed for ovarian growth and vitellogenesis. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) also increases during breeding phase.