Reproductive Biology of Moonlight Gourami (Trichopodus microlepis) in U Minh Thuong and U Minh Ha National Parks

This study aimed to provide information about the reproductive biology of moonlight gourami (Trichopodus microlepsis) distributed in U Minh National Parks. Fish samples were collected monthly from January October 2019 at two locations: Ha (UMH, Ca Mau, n=462) and Thuong (UMT, Kien Giang, n=635). Results showed that maturation-stage ratios females similar between fish populations. Mature (with stage IV-ovaries) increase their gonadal somatic index (GIS) found June October, indicating this period is spawning season. GSI reached highest values August with 8.04% UMH 6.44% UMT. Female population higher average fecundity (7,483±3,008 eggs/female) larger egg diameter (762±55 µm) than those UMT (6,898±2,952 eggs/female 754±43 µm, respectively), but these differences not significant (p>0.05).