电刺激对稀有鲫繁殖的影响

通过对性成熟的稀有鲫(Gobiocypris rarus)亲鱼进行电刺激,观察电刺激对其繁殖的影响。控制水域电压为75 V,电流280 m A,持续电刺激5500 ms左右,电刺激的作用强度是使鱼既能达到休克昏迷状态又能在几分钟内苏醒。结果表明,电刺激会造成雌鱼不产卵,或产出的卵颜色泛白;电刺激3次使雌鱼的产卵量显著减少74粒(P0.05);电刺激5次使雌鱼的产卵周期显著延长10.2d(P0.05),产卵量显著减少80粒(P0.05);电刺激1次使雄鱼的受精率显著提高15%(P0.05)。通过组织切片观察发现,电刺激对雌鱼卵巢中的卵细胞造成了不同程度的损坏,且电刺激次数越多,损坏程度越大,而电刺激对雄鱼精巢没有造成影响。因此,成鱼阶段电刺激对稀有鲫雌鱼的繁殖具有不利影响,而对稀有鲫雄鱼的繁殖具有促进作用。     

幼鱼阶段电刺激对稀有鮈鲫性腺发育及繁殖的影响

控制水域电压为75 V,电流280 m A,持续电刺激5 500 ms左右,电刺激的作用强度是使鱼既能达到休克昏迷状态又能在几分钟内苏醒。通过对1月龄的稀有鮈鲫(Gobiocypris rarus)进行电刺激,观察电刺激对其性腺发育及性成熟后繁殖的影响,以期为渔政部门评价电捕鱼行为对鱼类资源的影响提供参考。结果表明,电刺激1次组、电刺激3次组和电刺激5次组可以促进雌雄鱼的生长和性腺发育,连续电刺激组对雄鱼的生长和性腺发育影响不大却会抑制雌鱼的生长和性腺发育;电刺激1次组、电刺激3次组和电刺激5次组对性成熟后雌雄鱼的繁殖没有产生显著差异,而连续电刺激组对性成熟后雄鱼的繁殖没有产生显著差异,却会造成雌鱼不产卵、或产出的卵颜色泛白,且可产卵雌鱼的产卵周期平均延长4.5 d,产卵量平均减少36粒,受精率平均降低9.2%。组织切片观察发现,电刺激1次组、电刺激3次组和电刺激5次组对性成熟后雌鱼的卵巢没有造成影响,而连续的周期性电刺激对性成熟后雌鱼卵巢中大的卵细胞的细胞膜造成了损坏,细胞膜界限变得不清晰;电刺激对性成熟后雄鱼精巢没有造成影响。     

厚唇裂腹鱼性腺发育周期及血清中性激素含量变化

为探明厚唇裂腹鱼的精巢、卵巢周年发育及血清中性激素含量的变化，2020年8月—2021年8月，每月在克孜勒河采样，获得样本共计194尾，采用常规石蜡切片方法对其精巢和卵巢进行观察，以耳石为鉴定材料对厚唇裂腹鱼最小性成熟个体年龄进行研究，选取成熟鱼卵描绘卵径分布判断其产卵类型，采用酶联免疫法测定厚唇裂腹鱼各发育周期的雌二醇和睾酮的质量浓度。试验结果显示：厚唇裂腹鱼精巢和卵巢发育分为6个时期；雄鱼最小性成熟个体年龄为2龄，雌性最小性成熟个体年龄为3龄，精巢发育早于卵巢；厚唇裂腹鱼产卵期在3—5月，卵粒的数量百分比在直径2.9～<3.1 mm时出现峰值，产卵后的Ⅵ期卵巢中极少存在成熟的卵粒，判断其产卵类型为完全同步产卵类型；雌鱼与雄鱼血清中雌二醇和睾酮的质量浓度均在Ⅴ期时达到最高。厚唇裂腹鱼属于完全同步产卵类型，性腺于2017年3—5月发育成熟并产卵，雌二醇和睾酮的质量浓度在厚唇裂腹鱼繁殖期间显著增加。     

17α-P和PGE2暴露对中华乌塘鳢排卵以及嗅觉系统孕酮和PGE2受体表达的影响

将性成熟中华乌塘鳢(Bostrichthys sinensis)分别暴露于性信息素17α-P和PGE224 h和48 h后,检测其排卵率,并应用免疫细胞化学(SABC)法检测嗅觉系统上17α-P 受体(PR)和 PGE2受体(EPs)免疫阳性细胞数量的变化.结果发现暴露后雌鱼排卵率升高,且暴露48 h后的排卵率高于暴露24 h后的排卵率;嗅觉系统PR和EPs免疫阳性细胞数量增加.雌鱼排卵率的升高与PR和EPs免疫阳性细胞数量的增加具有一致性.研究结果提示,环境中的17α-P 和PGE2有可能通过中华乌塘鳢嗅觉系统受体PR和EPs的介导,影响其生殖状态.     

福氏刺尻鱼性逆转的配对诱导及组织学观察

本研究通过人工配对方式对福氏刺尻鱼的性逆转进行了诱导，并从形态学和组织学层面对其性逆转过程和性腺发育进行了研究。结果表明，福氏刺尻鱼的性腺分为纯雌鱼卵巢、纯雄鱼精巢和雌雄（♀/♂）兼性期性腺3种类型。性腺均先分化为卵巢；性逆转发生于第II期卵巢阶段，通过1大1小配对诱导1~2周时，大个体雌鱼第II期卵巢停止发育并逐渐萎缩，在卵巢壁和产卵板上逐渐分化出雄性生殖细胞，性腺内雌雄生殖细胞共存，形成兼性期性腺，即为雌雄同体阶段；配对诱导3周后，兼性期性腺完全分化为早期精巢，完成性逆转，个体成为功能性雄鱼；配对诱导4周后，性逆转的雄鱼精巢和小个体雌鱼的卵巢发育成熟，开始排精产卵。本文还分析了福氏刺尻体长、体重与性逆转的关系，并对性逆转过程、特点及可能的诱导机制进行了探讨。研究结果可为开展福氏刺尻鱼人工繁育和性别控制技术研究提供理论指导，也为揭示其性腺发育及性逆转机制奠定了基础。     

中华乌塘鳢嗅觉系统孕酮受体的免疫细胞化学研究

为了进一步探讨中华乌塘鳢[Bostrichthys sinensis(Lacépède)]感受性信息素(17α-P和17α,20β-P)的作用机制,以免疫细胞化学(SABC)法进行中华乌塘鳢嗅觉系统孕酮受体的免疫定位和数量分析。结果显示,孕酮受体免疫阳性细胞在性成熟中华乌塘鳢的嗅上皮、嗅神经和嗅球上均有分布,免疫阳性细胞数量由高到低依次为:嗅上皮、嗅球、嗅神经。半定量分析结果表明,中华乌塘鳢嗅觉系统的孕酮受体免疫阳性细胞的数量与其性腺发育程度有关。性成熟雄鱼和雌鱼嗅上皮的免疫阳性细胞数量分别显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01)高于性未成熟雄鱼和雌鱼;性未成熟鱼嗅神经上未发现孕酮受体免疫阳性细胞;性成熟雌鱼嗅球上的免疫阳性细胞数量显著高于性未成熟雌鱼(P<0.05)。本研究证实了硬骨鱼类嗅觉系统中存在孕酮受体免疫阳性细胞。     

大鳍鳠的繁殖生物学研究

据外观和组织学特征将大鳍鳠卵巢分六个发育时期,由卵巢和成熟系数的周年变化规律证实它属一次性产卵类型,产卵期为5—7月,产后退回Ⅲ期越冬。雄鱼精巢栉状,尾区无生精能力。非生殖季节,精巢切片上也普遍具有精子细胞和精子。脂肪积累和消耗明显与性周期有关。雌雄性比为0.93:1,生殖群体中剩余群体约占70％,其中4、5龄鱼占全群的一半。性成熟最小型:雄鱼2龄,体长14.5 厘米,雌鱼3龄,体长 17.8厘米。     

养殖银鲳性腺发育规律和性类固醇激素变化

为掌握养殖银鲳的性腺发育规律及其与性类固醇激素水平的关系,本研究采用组织切片技术和酶联免疫吸附法(Elisa),观察养殖条件下银鲳的精巢与卵巢发育特征和血清中性类固醇激素的周年变化,并分析性腺成熟指数(GSI)、肝重指数(HSI)和肥满度(CF)与性腺发育的关系。结果显示,养殖银鲳雌鱼1龄即可发育成熟,成熟卵巢呈一对""形的囊状结构。11月份有近一半个体发育至III期,33.3%已发育至IV期,12月—翌年1月越冬期间约2/3退化至II期,3月又迅速发育至IV期,4月份达到V期并产卵,5月份产卵结束卵巢进入恢复期IV期。银鲳精巢属小叶型,III期精巢出现小叶腔,IV期精巢出现精子,精巢发育速率快于卵巢,即"雄性早熟",7月龄约20%个体可达到性成熟,越冬时退化至III期,3月重新发育,精子分批成熟排精。雌鱼GSI值为0.19%~12.89%,HSI为0.97%~2.30%,CF为2.30~3.08 g/cm~3,雄鱼的GSI为0.08%~2.62%,HSI值为0.73%~1.83%,CF为2.11~2.80 g/cm~3,GSI值在V期时达到最大,HSI和CF值则于IV期达到峰值。雌鱼血清中雌二醇(E2)周年表达水平为23.27~59.13 pg/m L,雄鱼为15.90~36.20 pg/m L,雌鱼的睾酮(T)为14.57~68.67 nmol/L,雄鱼的T为18.62~66.49 nmol/L,E2水平与HSI值呈现显著正相关关系,T表达水平与GSI值呈现显著正相关关系。研究表明,银鲳血清中性类固醇激素含量与精巢和卵巢的发育密切相关,可作为了解养殖银鲳性腺发育的重要指标。     

促黄体生成素释放激素类似物对团头鲂血清中促性腺激素和17β-雌二醇含量变动的研究

本文报道了团头鲂(Megalobrama amblycephala)血清中17β-雌二醇放射免疫的测定方法,将所建立的测定方法用于鱼类血清测定,并对方法的准确性(回收率92.8±8.16％)、特异性(抗血清与雌酮、雌三醇的交叉反应分别为<3.20％、<2.99％)和灵敏度(2.36—2.50pg)作了检验。标准曲线的r=-0.998,s=0.023-0.051,检测范围为10—400pg/管。 团头鲂催产后血清中促性腺激素(GTH)含量增高,为产卵前的17倍左右,而未产卵个体的GTH含量则为产卵个体产卵前的3—5倍。与草鱼和鲢鱼一样,当血清中GTH达到一定浓度时,才能实现产卵。 随着团头鲂卵巢的发育,血清中17β-雌二醇(17β-E_2)含量和成熟系数同步逐渐上升,至第Ⅳ期卵巢发育成熟阶段,血清中17β-E_2含量形成一个高峰,达到2004.11±1136.31pg/ml,可作为卵母细胞卵黄迅速积累的指标。过后,血清中的17β-E_2含量略有下降,催产前为1392.71±399.09和1219.29±420.51pg/ml,产卵后,血清中17β-E_2含量在短时间内迅速下降到346.71±129.51和324.28±228.00pg/ml。 雄鱼则与雌鱼相反,17β-E_2含量随精巢发育而逐渐下降,并一直维持在一个低水平。     

激素、信息素与鱼类性行为

本文主要阐述硬骨鱼类的性行为与激素、信息素的关系。鱼．类和其它脊椎动物一样，其性行为受下丘、垂体和性腺轴的内分泌系统控制。雄鱼的性行为是由精巢产生的雄激素作用于脑的一定部位引起的。雌鱼性行为的控制机制则可分为两种基本类型；行体内受精、卵胎生的种类，交配行为发生。在排卵前，由卵巢产生的性激素——雌二醇刺激引起，这与体内受精的陆生脊椎动物基本相似，行体外受精、卵生的种类，性行为发生在排卵后，主要由前列腺素刺激引起产卵行为。信息素(外激素)是一种化学信号物质，与鱼类的集群、个体间的识别、以及性追逐、交配等有关。鱼类妁性信息素由性腺产生，受性激素的调节和控制，硬骨鱼类一般通过嗅觉作用对性信息素产生反应，经由嗅束的中央束传达到脑的腹中叶而刺激性行为发生。     

Sex organ extracts and artificial hormonal compounds as sex pheromones to attract broodfish and to induce spawning of Chinese black sleeper (Bostrichthys sinensis Lacépède)

Ovarian, testicular and seminal vesicle extracts of mature Chinese black sleeper (Bostrichthys sinensis Lacepede), synthetic steroids 17α‐progesterone (17α‐P), 17α,20β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3one (17α,20β‐P) and prostaglandins PGE₂ and PGF_2α were used in an attempt to attract broodfish and to induce spawning. Furthermore, 17α‐P, PGE₂ and PGF_2α levels were determined in extracts, and PGE₂ and PGF_2α levels were determined in holding and spawning waters. The results showed that ovarian extracts attracted more males than females to enter artificial nests, while testicular and seminal vesicle extracts attracted more females than males. The highest percentage of spawned nests were found when 17α,20β‐P and PGE₂ were administered to the nests, while the largest egg numbers and the mean highest fertilization rate were observed when PGE₂ was added. In ovarian extract, 17α‐P level was higher than levels in testicular or seminal vesicle extracts. The PGE₂ levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher than PGF_2α in the ovarian, testicular and seminal vesicle extracts. The PGE₂ and PGF_2α levels in spawning waters were higher than those in holding waters. The PGE₂ levels were greatly significantly (P<0.01) higher than PGF_2α in spawning and in holding waters. The results suggest that the sex organs of B. sinensis contain 17α‐P, 17α, 20β‐P, PGE₂ and PGF_2α and that 17α‐P, 17α,20β‐P and PGE₂ may act as sex pheromones in this species, attracting both male and female conspesifics to spawning sites and inducing spawning. Among the compounds tested, PGE₂ was the most effective sex pheromone for induction of spawning in B. sinensis.     

Evidence for the release of sex pheromones by male round gobies (Neogobius melanstomus)

We report supporting evidence for the hypothesis that nesting round goby parental males release sex pheromones to attract females, and the results of preliminary experiments into pheromone isolation. We assessed pheromonal communication through physiological (electro-olfactogram, EOG) and behavioral responses of females to water conditioned by males. Reproductive (R) females responded with larger amplitude EOGs to water conditioned by (R) males compared with non-reproductive (NR) males. The R females reacted by directed movement to water conditioned by R males compared to untreated water, but not to water from NR males or females. We are isolating odorous compounds from this conditioned water by fractionating non-aqueous components, and testing for olfactory (EOG) potency. The R females showed strong EOG responses to a subset of HPLC fractions collected from water conditioned by R males, but not to NR male fractions; and the R male fractions were not stimulatory to N females. We have initiated identification of the pheromonal source through in-vitro incubation of testicular cells with tritiated substrates. Seven metabolites were formed from androstenedione in the testis. One of these (albeit in a low proportion) was recognized as etiocholanolone. However, the HPLC elution position with maximal EOG activity did not with the elution position of this steroid (and all but one of the unidentified metabolites). This preliminary study suggests that the round goby may use a steroidal compound(s), or metabolite(s) for reproductive pheromonal communication.     

Response of Male Blue Catfish,Ictalurus furcatus,and Male Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,to Female Channel Catfish Given Pheromonal Steroids or Prostaglandin

The effects of the putative hormonal pheromones 17α, 20β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnene‐3‐one (17,20β‐P), 17,20β‐P‐20‐glucosiduronate, and prostaglandin F‐2α (PGF‐2α) injected into female channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were investigated to determine whether male channel catfish and blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, could be attracted to the injected females. Females were distributed into traps placed in ponds containing either male channel catfish or blue catfish. Traps were checked six times in a 96‐h period. Males were 17.9 times more likely to be captured with a PGF‐2α‐injected female than with an ethanol‐only injected female, or a 17,20β‐P‐injected female, and 3.5 times more likely to be captured with a PGF‐2α‐injected female than with a 17,20β‐P‐glucosiduronate‐injected female. Males were 6.0 times more likely to be caught between 48 and 96 h post‐injection than between 12 and 24 h post‐injection. These results suggest that the overall best pheromone to attract blue catfish and channel catfish males is PGF‐2α at 48–96 h post‐injection.     

水温对半滑舌鳎性腺组织发育的影响

探讨了不同温度(19,21,23,25和27 ℃)对半滑舌鳎的性腺组织发育的影响。在受精后39～106 d对半滑舌鳎进行温度控制处理,通过石蜡组织切片,对半滑舌鳎早期性腺分化发育进行组织学观察。发现在19 ℃饲养条件下,受精后46 d(pfd46)半滑舌鳎性腺原始生殖细胞数量增加,有分化成卵巢的倾向;在该条件下,pfd82半滑舌鳎性腺开始分化为精巢。pfd82时,27 ℃条件下的幼鱼卵巢中卵原细胞数目大量增殖;精巢中精小叶多而密,结缔组织间隔清晰。pfd129时,27 ℃处理的幼鱼卵巢发育到Ⅱ期,其他温度处理组仍处于Ⅰ期卵巢,但随着温度的提高,卵巢中卵母细胞数目增多,且由散乱分布变为有序的排列在卵巢小叶中;精巢中贮精囊数量增多,囊腔中精子增多。pfd142时,高温处理组幼鱼性腺发育最快,其Ⅱ期卵巢中卵母细胞数目最多,精巢中后期生精细胞偏多,精子几乎分布到各个精小叶中,且贮精囊结构发达,内纳高密度精子,在周围输精管中也分布着精子。结果表明,温度影响了半滑舌鳎性腺发育程度,二者呈现线性关系,在适当温度范围内,性腺发育速度随着温度升高而加快。     

感染白斑综合症病毒中国对虾雄性生殖系统的PCR检测与电镜观察

通过人工投喂携带WSSV的毒饵，对性腺发育成熟的中国对虾（Fenneropenaeus chinensis）雄虾（♂）进行感染实验。采用nest-PCR（巢式PCR）技术，检测感染后的中国对虾雄性生殖系统受WSSV感染情况，同时选取感染严重的虾样进行电镜观察。巢式PCR检测结果表明，感染组中国对虾的精巢、输精管和精囊均被WSSV感染，其中精囊呈阳性的最多，输精管次之，精巢最少。通过电镜进一步观察发现，WSSV粒子只存在于精巢、输精管和精囊的结缔组织中，而在其他组织和生殖细胞中均未发现病毒粒子。其中，精巢中WSSV粒子存在于精巢内两个生精小管之间的结缔组织；输精管中WSSV粒子存在于管壁的结缔组织；精囊中WSSV粒子也只存在于精囊内膜的结缔组织和精荚膜的结缔组织中。PCR检测和电镜观察结果均表明，WSSV粒子能感染中国对虾的雄性生殖系统且对性腺感染存在着一定的组织特异性。     

Spawning of ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus L.): evidence in favour of internal fertilization of eggs

Sperm physiology, in vivo artificial insemination and spawning of the ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus L.), a marine bottom fish, were studied. Milt was collected from the reproductive tract of mature males by suction using a catheter. The uncontaminated milt, having a very low sperm concentration, contains highly motile spermatozoa and sperm motility was retained in vitro at 4 °C for at least 24 h in both seminal plasma and ovarian slime collected from the oviduct of pre-spawning females. Instead of activating sperm, dilution in sea water instantly immobilized the spermatozoa of ocean pout. Osmolarity and pH of ocean pout seminal plasma were in the ranges 365–406 mOsM and 7.2–7.5, respectively. A study of the ionic composition of ocean pout seminal plasma demonstrated the presence of various ions including Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cl⁻, with a remarkably lower K⁺ concentration compared to that from other fish species. Since injections of milt containing motile sperm into the ovaries of pre-spawning females, which spawned in the absence of males, yielded fertilized ocean pout eggs, it is concluded that the ocean pout exhibits internal fertilization. The larvae hatched after 3 months of egg incubation in ambient sea water (9–10 °C). With proper timing of in vivo artificial insemination of mature females, fertilized ocean pout eggs can be obtained from fish reared in captivity.     

Gonadal steroidogenesis and the possible role of steroid glucuronides as sex pheromones in two species of teleosts

In general, female zebrafish,Brachydanio rerio, ovulate only in the presence of males. The stimulant must be pheromonal as even male holding water is capable of inducing ovulation. After ovulation the mating phase begins. During this phase the male follows the female and oviposition as well as fertilization takes place. Both the ovulation and the mating are controlled by pheromones synthesized by the gonads. Ovulation can be induced by testicular homogenates. After the lipid material has been extracted from the testicular homogenates, the remaining aqueous phase can still induce ovulation. However, when the aqueous phase is treated with the enzyme-glucuronidase, it loses the ability to induce ovulation. This is an indication that glucuronides, probably steroid glucuronides, are the compounds responsible.During the mating phase, ovulated female zebrafish become attractive to males. It was found that, after ovulation, ovarian extracts contain the compounds responsible for attracting males. The attractant consists of a mixture of steroid glucuronides.After incubation of the gonads with³H-precursors seven steroid glucuronides have been identified in the testis and five in the ovary.Under fish culture conditions the African catfish,Clarias gariepinus, can produce postivitellogenic oocytes throughout the year. However, in capitivity neither males nor females spawn. In female catfish maturation and ovulation can be induced by treatment with gonadotropins. It might be possible that, analogous to the zebrafish, some reproductive processes in the catfish have to be induced by pheromones. It has been demonstrated that pheromonal compounds released by the seminal vesicles are involved in the attraction of female conspecifics. The steroid glucuronide synthesizing capability of the testes and the seminal vesicles of the male catfish are examined, as well as that of the ovary before and after ovulation of the female catfish. Both testes and seminal vesicles appear to be capable of steroid biosynthesis but only the latter synthesizes steroid glucuronides. Six of these conjugates have been isolated and identified. In the female catfish the ovaries are capable of synthesizing seven steroid glucuronides, but only after ovulation.     

菊黄东方鲀性腺分化的组织学观察

运用组织切片法,对菊黄东方鲀性腺分化过程进行了观察。在40日龄前,原始性腺未分化。40日龄(21.60～24.71mm),约半数个体开始形成卵巢腔,分化为卵巢;其他约半数个体的性腺仍未分化。雌鱼在60日龄(35.51～43.60mm),形成封闭的卵巢腔;70日龄(46.30～54.75mm),卵原细胞形成卵母细胞;120日龄(94.83～107.29mm),产卵板充分发育,卵巢结构已近完善。雄鱼在60日龄(35.51～43.60mm),形成精小囊及精原细胞,开始分化;90日龄(71.59～80.54mm),形成精小管和精小叶;120日龄(94.83～107.29mm),初级精母细胞形成,性腺分化基本完成。雌鱼性腺分化时期早于雄鱼。     

Tissue Lipid Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Penaeus monodon Fabricius Broodstock from the Wild

Tissues (hepatopancreas, muscle, gonad) of wild Penacus mordon females with ovaries in different stages of development and males were analyzed for Upid content and fatty acid composition. Hepatopancreatic tissue had the highest mean levels of lipid at 15.72–25.20% in females and averaged 46.20 ± 1.53% in males. Levels of Lipid in the muscle were low with no marked variation throughout the maturation s-es. Ovarian lipid levels increased significantly at stage II (early maturing ovaries) and remained high through stage IV (fully mature ovaries). Peak lipid level was found at stage III (late maturing ovaries) and coincided with a decline in hepatopancreas lipid. Ovarian and hepatopancreatic lipids declined drastically in spent females. Profiles of fatty acid in the tissues consistently showed the presence of PUFA 204n-6, 20:5n-3 and 22611-3, with high levels in the polar lipid fraction of vitellogenic ovaries. These values were reflected in the male testis and spawned eggs. The finding suggest storage and utilization of lipids for maturation and spawning processes and that the phospholipids were mainly responsible for increases in ovarian lipids. The type of fatty acids present in maturing prawn ovaries is indicative of their importance in reproductive physiology.     

Spawning of the Temperate Sea Cucumber,Australostichopus mollis (Levin)

The spawning of sea cucumbers is related to the interaction of environmental cues and reproductive maturity. Groups of Australostichopus mollis were collected every 2 wk during the summer reproductive season from mid‐October to early February. They were observed for spawning in the hatchery during heat‐shock trials conducted 3–5 C above ambient seawater temperature. Lunar periodicity existed with spawning being most prominent in the week following a full moon. In the week prior to a spawning event, there was also a decrease in ambient incoming seawater temperature. More than 75% individuals spawned during most trials in which spawning occurred. In total, 40% of the 270 individuals spawned during the reproductive season. Reliable spawners were females with a yellow gonad color and large numbers of vitellogenic oocytes, and males with large numbers of spermatocytes and an absence of motile spermatozoa. Furthermore, the percentage germinal vesicle breakdown of oocytes exposed to starfish radial nerve extract compared to seawater was greater for the more orange‐colored gonad of nonspawners. Gonad color is useful in determining the likelihood of spawning over a 2‐wk period in the presence of a cue. Sea cucumbers held for short periods in the hatchery during the reproductive season maintain a natural rhythm of spawning that can be monitored using visual indices and augmented using heat shock.