Assessment of Reproductive Performance and Gonadal Development of Ornamental Goldfish (Carassius auratus) Under Laboratory Conditions in Iraq.

• Akram Haider Aliwi1*, Ali Mohammed Mahmood alshiblawi2, Ashwaq Mohan Mohsan3, Ali Abbas Fadel4, Sadiq Jaafar Jassim5

  Author

Studying the reproductive dynamics of ornamental fish in the local environment is a cornerstone for developing artificial propagation techniques and promoting sustainable fish stocks. Despite the economic and scientific importance of the ornamental goldfish (Carassius auratus), information regarding its reproductive traits under laboratory conditions in Iraq remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a laboratory evaluation of reproductive performance and monitor gonadal development during the spring breeding season .The results showed a clear variation in anthropometric and reproductive indicators. The average total weight for females and males was 19.47 ± 0.5 g and 18.4 ± 0.4 g, respectively, while the average standard length was 5.67 cm for females and 5.76 cm for males.

The gonadal weights were 1.39 g for females and 0.64 g for males, which was reflected in the gonadal index (GSI) values ​​of 7.44% for females and 3.45% for males. Statistical analysis revealed no significant relationship between standard height and the GSI index. However, a highly significant positive correlation (P<0.01) was found between gonadal weight and the GSI index in both sexes, indicating that gonadal development is the primary factor determining reproductive status.

Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis showed strong positive correlations among most of the studied parameters. A high correlation was observed between total weight and height (r = 0.82**), suggesting a balanced growth pattern. A very strong correlation was also found between total weight and fertility (r = 0.91**), reflecting the influence of body size on reproductive capacity. The highest correlation was recorded between gonadal weight and the GSI index (r = 0.93**), confirming that this index directly reflects gonadal development and sexual maturation. Oocyte diameter showed moderately significant correlations, suggesting that reproductive strategies tend to prioritize the number of eggs over their size. The study concludes that the integration of somatic growth and reproductive development under local laboratory conditions provides a favorable environment for stimulating the reproductive performance of Carassius auratus fish, thus supporting the potential for developing effective artificial breeding programs and producing improved strains adapted to the environmental conditions in Iraq.