ABSTRACT
Catla (Catla catla) is the most important commercial carp in South Asia due to its higher growth, flesh quality and increased market demand. Present study investigated the seasonal variations in gonadosomatic index (GSI) and profiles of sex steroids such as testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), estradiol-17β (E2), cortisol (C), progesterone (P) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-HP) during annual reproductive cycle under semi-arid climate conditions. GSI increased during March concomitant with gradual increase in levels of T, P and 17α-HP. Highest values of these parameters were observed at different stages of gonadal development. T and 11-KT played key role in progress of testicular development and final maturation in June however, spawning in captivity was not observed. Role of P and 17α-HP was identified more as substrate of sex steroids. Higher levels of sex steroids suppressed the synthesis of cortisol presumably interfering with pituitary-inter-renal axis.
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