Estrogens are known to play an important role in the regulation of gonadotropin production, sexual differentiation and activation of sexual behaviour in vertebrates. In the present work, E2 and ERα abundance were studied in seven regions of sexually mature male and female Labeo rohita during the breeding period. Results indicate that the abundance of ERα, and the level of E2, were high in the fore and mid brain and increased during the breeding season. are discussed in the context of reproductive function and correlated to the annual gonadosomatic index (GSI) variation.