Ch01a

This is the first part of an illustrated manual on the large-scale propagation of Cyprinus carpio, the common carp. It particularly provides details about the advanced technology which has recently been developed in Hungary for the mass production of sharp eggs and early fry through artificial reproduction in a modern hatchery. Selected data on the reproductive biology of the common carp and on its artificial propagation are summarized in Tables 1 and 2.

2. The common carp reproduces in accordance with the biology of its reproductive system.

This manual explains the process and shows how carp may be propagated. The basic principles which are important to understand how and why it reproduces are first presented.

3. Carp may be propagated in natural, semi-artificial or artificial ways, depending on the degree to which the natural environmental factors are modified by the fish culturist. A number of the techniques used in carpiculture are described.

4. The success of the artificial propagation of carp in a large scale hatchery depends much on its efficient organization.

Well-trained staff and adequate support services are essential elements. Up-to-date technology should also be applied.

5. The selection and management of broodstock are among the most important aspects of a large-scale hatchery production system. How to select good broodstock, how to determine when the breeders have reached maturity, how to differentiate between males and females, which management system to apply, are all questions which are examined in this manual.

6. The artificial propagation technique is described in detail. Separate sections are devoted successively to the hormonal treatment and stripping of the spawners, to the artificial fertilization and hardening of the eggs, to their incubation and hatching, and to the initial rearing of carp larvae and production of early fry.

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