Reproduction of Labeo umbratus (Pisces, Cyprinidae) in Wuras Dam, a shallow, turbid impoundments

Abstract

Female Labeo umbratus reach sexual maturity at a larger size than males and dominate the population in fish over 450 mm in length. The gonads are large (up to 20% of total body mass) and they have a high fecundity which increases linearly with an increase in body mass. Successful spawning is dependent on suitable floods during the spawning season which extends from November to March or April. Spawning apparently occurred in the impoundment. All females did not spawn simultaneously and evidence suggests that individuals might spawn more than once during a particular season.