Reproduction – a process whereby a fish can preserve its persistent existence mainly by sexual method – allows for genetic change, leads to hybrids and development of new species. Fish reproductive biology is significant in fisheries research, stock assessment, and management. The rapidly expanding human population of the earth consumes increasing quantities of food; not only food grown on land, but also food from natural aquatic ecosystems. A more exploitation of lakes, rivers and seas will cause to destruction of ecosystems and species disappearance. Also, in many places water pollution has made aquatic food undesirable for human consumption. Aquaculture is the apparent substitute as it can deliver large quantities of healthier, protein rich food. Aquaculture, however, needs a sound scientific basis. One of its important issues is the reproduction of aquatic animals under husbandry conditions.

This book provides some criteria and research studies on issues of fish reproductive biology that will augment the understanding of reproductive processes in fish, molluscs, crustaceans and other fish farm animals, will lead to successful introduction of new species, and will encourage the development of new techniques for unraveling practical problems of reproduction in aquaculture.

This book is intended to discuss for greater linkages between basic and applied research on fisheries enlistment, and valuation and supervision of exploited fish stocks. The book will be of immense interest for fisheries science students and will provide up-to-date information for fish biologists, fisheries practitioners and managers.