Artificial Fertilization and Embryonic Development of Sinocyclocheilus grahami (Regan) from Dianchi Lake, China

Sinocyclocheilus grahami, a troglophile species, is a cyprinidae fish endemic to Dianchi Lake, Yunnan, China. We have attempted the artificial propagation of S. grahami for several years and recorded the success of S. grahami artificial fertilization for six years and found that egg quality improved with enhanced broodstock management, with negligible effects on S. grahami artificial fertilization resulting from the injection of LHRH-A2. In this study, we also provide a comprehensive staging series of this species. The eggs have relatively large yolks (1.8–2.2 mm) and are strongly adhesive. The egg envelope is thick and transparent. The embryonic development of S. grahami can be divided into thirty stages based on morphological features visible using light microscopy. Stages can be further grouped into six periods: zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation and hatching. Embryos hatched 144.0–168.0 hours after fertilization (HPF). S. grahami embryonic development is generally similar to that of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Anabarilius grahami but is relatively slower.