Nutritional Status and Energy Content of a Freshwater Spiny Eel, Mastacembelus armatus During Reproductive Cycle

The nutritional and energy content in form of the protein glycogen and fat along with moisture content of muscle, liver and ovary were examined with respect to reproductive cycle in female Mastacembelus armatus. In the muscle and liver the content of protein glycogen and lipid were found highest in the resting phase compared to the other phase. On the other hand these were found high in ovary in the spawning phase compared to the other phase. Similarly the energy content of the muscle and liver was also found high in resting phase than the other phases. The energy content of ovary was found highest during spawning season in comparison to the other phases of reproductive cycle. A decline of the nutrients in the muscle and liver during the spawning phase is observed, which may be attributed to less feeding during this period and diversion of body reservoirs to the gonads development during spawning phase.