maturity stages

The maturity stages were determined in fish gonads generally by means of the macroscopic study (morphological description of developmental stages of the ovarian and testicular cycle) and microscopic study (histological description of developmental stages of the ovarian and testicular cycle). The different maturity stages determined by modified ICES scale and histological studies of gonads were done by a method described by Humason. In the present study the ovarian and testicular development of Labeo dyocheilus was observed and was divided into seven stages. Male and female fish mature at the same time in the year and show similar as well as same maturity stages. The name given to all stages were Stage I (Immature or Virgin), Stage II (Maturing virgin), Stage III (Developing), Stage IV (Maturing), Stage V (Ripening), Stage VI (Spawning or Running) and Stage VII (Spent).