Observations on natural breeding and larval development of the common mud-eel Amphipnous cuchia (Ham.)

Amphipnous cuchia is a rare fish in India with a spawning period confined down to peak summer. The fish lays its eggs in especially prepared nest-holes and keeps a guard on the developing young ones. The yolk reserve persists till about 22 to 24 days of development. Larvae respond to direct feeding even before yolk-absorption. The young ones feed actively on chironomus larvae. Surface breaking habit for aerial respiration apparently commences around 15th–16th day of larval life. Adult characters are almost attained in about a month's time.