Background: Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a widely known medicinal herb with numerous bioactive compounds that enhance growth, immunity and reproductive performance. This study evaluates the effects of W. somnifera ethanolic extract (WSEE) on growth, gonadal maturation, steroid hormone profiling in Lepidocephalichthys thermalis under controlled conditions. 
 
Methods: Fish were fed diets supplemented with WSEE at different concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) for 70 days. Growth performance, gonadosomatic index (GSI), serum steroid hormone levels and gonadal histology were assessed. 
 
Result: Results demonstrated significant improvements in growth parameters, with the highest weight gain (1.51&plusmn;0.22 g) and specific growth rate (2.26&plusmn;0.22) observed in the 300 mg/kg WSEE group. Additionally, FCR improved across treatments, with the lowest value recorded in the 300 mg/kg group (1.08&plusmn;0.05), indicating enhanced feed utilization efficiency. Steroid hormone analysis revealed a dose-dependent increase in progesterone, estrogen and testosterone levels, with T2 (200 mg/kg) exhibiting the highest concentrations. Histological examination showed enhanced gonadal development, with increased vitellogenic follicles and reduced atretic structures in treated groups. These findings support the use of W. somnifera as a sustainable alternative to synthetic hormones in aquaculture reproduction management.

Impact of Withania somnifera Supplementation on Growth, Reproduction and Hormonal Profile of Lepidocephalichthys thermalis in Captivity

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: The existence of two distinct forms within a species that differ in one or more characteristics is known as dimorphism. The gonads are the primary organs in teleost to show sexual dimorphism. Lepidocephalus thermalis belongs to the Cobitidae family. No expression study on the developmental stages was done on this species. Since there is no specific primers reported for L. thermalis, the study has been carried out with the help of the specific primers of catfish.&nbsp; Methods: qRT- PCR is an acknowledged method for gene expression analysis due to its precision and reproducibility. In the current study, the expression of 14 different transcription factors involved in sex differentiation of Indian spiny loach during different developmental stages was analyzed using qRT- PCR and has been compared among the different stages of gonadal development for that transcription factor. Result: Gene expression patterns have been obtained from the total RNA isolated from MSG (Meso nephric gonadal complex), medium stage ovary, medium stage testis, large stage ovary and large stage testis. From the study, it has been analyzed that only sf1 has higher expression in testis and all the other transcription factors has shown higher expression in ovary.</div>

Impact of Withania somnifera Supplementation on Growth, Reproduction and Hormonal Profile of Lepidocephalichthys thermalis in Captivity

Dimorphic Expression of Selected Genes in Lepidocephalus thermalis using Cross-Specific Primers