O, ALUM-UDENSI EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE ON FRY OF SIAMESE FIGHTER (Betta splenden)

Abstract

The effects of different levels of testosterone propionate administered by inclusion in feed on growth, survival and
sex-ratio of Betta splenden was studied. Four (4) treatments of experimental diets and a control with 3 replicates
for each were set up, and the hormone was administered to the fry from day 2 for a period of 8 weeks. The results
indicated that synthetic androgen testosterone propionate administered by inclusion in feed influenced the sex in
B. splendens. Highest percentages of males (80% and 75%) were found at doses 0.75 and 1.0mg/L. At a dosage of
0.25mg/L, a high percentage of females was observed. Higher doses of the hormone showed lower survival
compared to lower doses. The frequency of male fish in all the hormone-treated groups except the 100mg/kg group
was significantly higher than that of the expected frequency of male fish in a normal population.