Abstract

• An investigation was conducted to observe the breeding biology of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus), locally known as Nga-pyae-ma. Monthly samples were collected from Thanatpin creek which situated south from Thanatpin Township, Bago Region through the period from January to December 2018. The highest GSI value for female was 15.74±2.08% in July that indicates the peak spawning season. Size at first maturity for female was 17.2 cm in total length and fecundity was range from 7033 to 93258. Specimens in this study were found to have mature gonads in the dry and wet season months, indicating no seasonality in breeding patterns. Growth ovarian stages i.e. maturity stage III, IV and V occurred from April to September, indicating that mature females were actively spawning throughout these months. The relationship between total length (TL) and bodyweight (BW), fecundity and total length (TL), fecundity and body weight (BW), fecundity and ovary weight (OW) were linear. The present study provides the first information about the breeding biology of female Anabas testudineus because it potentially indicates their current population condition in the study area.