Induced spawning, larval development and rearing of two indigenous Malaysian mahseer, Tor tambroides and T. douronensis

The Mahseers (<i>Tor spp.</i>) are highly valued freshwater fishes across the Himalayan and South-east Asian regions. Over exploitation of natural stocks because of high demand and the deteriorating environmental conditions have resulted in marked decline of mahseers in the wild. Malaysian mahseers, <i>T. tambroides</i> (Bleeker) and <i>T. douronensis</i> (Valenciennes), locally known as empurau, kelah or belian and semah, respectively, have significant cultural and economic importance but both species are now threatened in the wild because of environmental degradation and over fishing. A captive breeding programme was instigated to attempt to propagate these two species artificially for conservation and aquaculture purposes. Both pond-reared and tank-held <i>T. tambroides</i> and <i>T</i>. <i>douronensis</i> reached sexual maturity in captivity and were successfully induced to spawn using hormone treatments. Ovaprim (0.5 mL kg⁻¹) was the most successful hormone treatment for both species. Pre-treatment of fish with Ovaplant (28–68 μg kg⁻¹, 2–7 weeks before spawning induction) greatly improved the success rate of spawning induction. Repeat spawning (within 4 months of initial spawning) was induced in some captive fish. Use of formalin baths improved hatching by preventing fungal infections. Embryonic development and hatching are described. Juveniles were reared in static greenwater ponds. <i>Tor tambroides</i> reached 142–179 g (max 270 g) in 60 weeks. These results represent the first successful captive spawning and rearing of both species. Options for future research to improve production are discussed.<br />