Annual changes in ovarian development and plasma estradiol-17β level in reared female common Japanese conger, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Conger myriaster</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   Annual changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), oocyte diameter, gonadal histology and plasma estradiol-17β (E₂) levels were investigated in female common Japanese conger Conger myriaster in captivity. Juveniles were caught in September 1999 and reared in seawater at temperatures ranging from 10–20°C for 3 years. All fish were immature when captured in September 1999. GSI and oocyte diameter increased from October 2000, peaked between summer and autumn 2001, and bottomed-out in winter 2001. Plasma E₂ level also increased from October 2000, but remained high. The ovarian developmental stage was at the peri-nucleolus stage or the oil droplet stage until September 2000. Vitellogenesis started in October 2000 and oocytes progressed to the tertiary yolk globule stage by summer 2001. However, vitellogenic oocytes regressed in all females after autumn 2001. The neogenetic oocytes began to increase after November 2001 and ovarian development progressed in 2002 as they did in 2001, although maximum GSI in 2002 was half its 2001 value. These data indicate that ovarian development in the common Japanese conger has an annual periodicity, and that these congers may be able to spawn in multiple years under rearing condition.     

Histological examination of final oocyte maturation and atresia in wild and domesticated Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) broodstock

Oocyte maturation and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of eyestalk ablated Penaeus monodon females collected from the wild and from two first‐generation domesticated lines were assessed. Frequency and diameter of the different oocytes, and the intensity of oocyte atresia, were compared among groups through histological assessments of the sections of the middle ovarian lobe. Digitized images from ovary sections were used to record the frequency and diameter of different oocyte types. Spawning performance of the three groups were expressed in terms of the percentage of females that spawned at least once (productive females), time from eyestalk ablation to first spawning (latency period) and the number of spawnings per female stocked. Final ovarian maturation was attained in all groups, as indicated by the presence of mature oocytes with cortical rods (cortical oocytes), dark‐green ovarian colour and high GSI values (5.83–6.86%). However, domesticated groups presented significant larger immature oocyte types (previtellogenic and yolky oocytes) and smaller cortical oocytes compared with wild females, indicating a reduced vitellogenic activity during final oocyte maturation. Additionally, the frequency of atresia was comparatively higher for both domesticated groups, which could be related to their inferior spawning performance. The implications of these results on the reproductive potential and development of domesticated P. monodon are discussed.     

Maturation and spawning of the small penaeid shrimp Metapenaeopsis dalei in Tosa Bay, Pacific coast of southern Japan

SUMMARY: Seasonal changes in the percentage of mature female Metapenaeopsis dalei were studied histologically, and the annual cycle of maturation and spawning of this species was discussed. Specimens were collected at night by a beam trawler in Tosa Bay (33°N, 133°E) during the period from April 1995 to March 1996. All individuals had a gonado somatic index [ GSI = 100 (gonado weight/body weight)] of higher than 8, and 66.7% of those individuals with a GSI of 6–8 had oocytes in the late phase of the prematuration stage after germinal vesicle shrinking and migrating to the margin of the oocyte or had oocytes in the maturation stage. Such individuals with developed oocytes appeared in April, June, July, August, October, November and March. Individuals with a GSI above 6 appeared throughout the year, except during September and February. Individuals with ovulated oocytes were sampled in March when the water temperature near the bottom depths was lowest (15.4°C) during the year, being similar to February (15.1°C). These facts indicate that maturation occurs all year-round and suggests that spawning in the Metapenaeopsis dalei population in Tosa Bay occurs all year-round. This is the first report of year-round maturation in penaeid shrimps in Japanese waters.     

Aspects of the reproductive biology of the sharpsnout seabream Diplodus puntazzo (Cetti, 1777). I. Gametogenesis and gonadal cycle in captivity during the third year of life

A histological study was made of the reproductive cycle of captive sharpsnout seabream Diplodus puntazzo during the 3rd year of life. All specimens contained both ovarian and testicular tissue. Ovarian tissue prevailed in 64 out of 120 fish sampled throughout one year. The ovary underwent a long resting phase from October to August, during which time it contained oogonia, primary growth phase (PGP) and occasional yolk vesicle stage oocytes. Intense ovarian development took place in September leading to the formation of advanced vitellogenic oocytes. Final maturation and spawning were not achieved in any of the fish. The testicular area in the predominantly female gonads contained only spermatogonia and was found to be histologically normal in 76% of individuals, but severely regressed in the remaining fish. The testicular portion was found to be dominant in 56 out of 120 fish sampled throughout one year. These underwent a resting phase from November to July, a maturing/pre-spawning phase in August, and a spawning phase with spontaneous sperm release in September to October, as in the natural environment. The ovarian portion in the functional male gonads contained only oogonia and oocytes which did not develop beyond the perinucleolus stage at any point during the reproductive cycle. Apart from the pre-spawning/spawning phase, during which the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was comparable in the two groups, the GSI values were approximately ten-fold higher in those fish in which the ovary predominated than in those in which the testis predominated.     

Maturation and reproductive cycle of female armorhead <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudopentaceros wheeleri</Emphasis> from the southern Emperor—northern Hawaiian Ridge Seamounts

ABSTRACT:   The stage of ovarian development and annual reproductive cycle of female armorhead Pseudopentaceros wheeleri collected from seamounts of the southern Emperor–northern Hawaiian Ridge in 1993 and 1995–1996 was investigated through use of the gonadal somatic index ( GSI ) and ovarian histology. The stages of oocyte development were classified into eight developmental stages (perinucleolus, cortical alveolus, oil droplet, early yolk globule, late yolk globule, migratory nucleolus, prematuration, and maturation) based on histological characteristics. Oocytes of different size and developmental stage were present within ovaries during the spawning season. Oocyte development appears to be asynchronous and armorhead apparently spawn several times during the spawning season. The stage of the most developed oocyte was used to classify the stage of ovarian maturation. The GSI increased gradually with ovarian development. Oocytes in the perinucleolus, cortical alveolus, and oil droplet stages were present in ovaries throughout the year. Early and late yolk globule stages appeared during August–September indicating that yolk formation begins during late summer. The migratory nucleolus through maturation stages were detected during November–January. Post ovulatory follicles were present during November–March, and GSI values rapidly decreased in February. Results indicate that spawning occurs during November–February and peaks during December–January.     

Annual cycle of plasma lipids in captive reared striped bass: effects of environmental conditions and reproductive cycle

Protein, lipid and fatty acid concentrations in plasma of eight male and eight female six year old captive striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were monitored monthly over the course of two reproductive cycles as part of an effort to investigate the time course of lipid class mobilization and subsequent deposition in gonads. Total protein levels (44.2 ± 0.67 mg ml^–1, range 20.6–86.4) showed seasonal fluctuation, but did not vary with sex. Total lipid concentrations in the plasma of both males (17.7 ± 0.61 mg ml^–1) and females (14.1 ± 0.64 mg ml^–1) showed seasonal fluctuations with the lowest levels in late Spring during spawning. Plasma lipids in females were significantly (p < 0.0001) lower than those of the males except during early ovarian secondary growth. Analysis of the lipid class composition revealed that the decrease in plasma lipid concentrations in females prior to spawning is primarily due to a decrease of up to 50% in the phospholipid content of the plasma relative to males. Striped bass vitellogenin was found to contain approximately 20% lipid by weight with nearly 80% of the lipid being phosphatidyl choline (PC). Vitellogenin levels previously measured in these individuals were highest during the winter months and decreased in the 2 months prior to spawning. Although mature striped bass oocytes are rich in wax esters, no wax esters or fatty alcohols were found in the plasma. Analysis of the fatty acyl composition of separated lipid classes suggests that PC is the primary carrier of the essential (n=3) fatty acids 22:6 (DHA) and 20:5 (EPA) to the gonads. Fatty acid analysis of the lipids associated with vitellogenin revealed that levels of essential fatty acids were low relative to vitellogenin-borne lipids from other teleosts. The lack of detectable wax esters in plasma lipids of female striped bass suggests that these abundant lipids in mature eggs are synthesized within the oocytes.     

Histological evidence of lunar-synchronized ovarian development and spawning in the spiny rabbitfish Siganus spinus (Linnaeus) around the Ryukyus

ABSTRACT: This study clarifies the annual reproductive cycle and the lunar-synchronized spawning of the spiny rabbitfish ( Siganus spinus ) that inhabit the Okinawan waters. Annual and weekly changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the histological features of the ovaries were checked. Gonadosomatic index was high during the months of May to July, and yolk-laden oocytes were observed in the ovaries from March to July. Some of the ovaries collected during June and July contained oocytes at maturation stage or ovulatory follicles. These results suggest that the spiny rabbitfish undergo active vitellogenesis and spawning from May to July. During the reproductive season (May to July), collection of fish according to the lunar phase revealed that a high GSI occurred around the time of the new moon. Cyclic oocyte development with peaks around the time of the same moon phase was also observed, suggesting that, in Okinawan waters, this species is a lunar-synchronized spawner and spawns three times.     

Stages of gonad development during the reproductive cycle of the blackfin snook, Centropomus medius Günther

The reproductive biology of the Blackfin snook Centropomus medius was studied to expand our current knowledge on its aquaculture potential. From April 2001 to November 2002, 301 females and 193 males were captured. A 1:1.6 (male:female) ratio was found. Gonadosomatic (GSI) and hepatosomatic (HSI) indices suggested that the spawning period (SP) extended from September to November, with peak spawning activity in September (GSI=0.98% and HSI=0.7%). The period of pre‐gametogenesis extended from January to June. During the post‐SP in December, 90% of oocytes were pre‐vitellogenic and 10% were atretic. Histological analysis of gonads (haematoxylin–eosin, Sudan black B, Alcian blue PAS, Cleveland Wolfe) showed five stages of oocyte development, each occurring at a characteristic range of oocyte diameters (μm): (I) pre‐vitellogenic (25–55); (II) cortical alveoli (56–250); (III) vitellogenic (251–340); (IV) maturation (341–645) and (V) atretic (21–100). Five reproductive stages were identified for testis morphology: (I) regressed; (II) early maturation; (III) mid‐maturation; (IV) full maturation and (V) regression. The type of ovarian development in C. medius was identified as a group synchronous.     

半滑舌鳎卵巢发育的组织学和形态数量特征研究

采用组织学方法系统研究了人工养殖条件下半滑舌鳎亲鱼卵巢的组织发育周年变化特征.结果表明,卵母细胞发育可分为6个时相,卵巢发育分为6期.卵巢不同发育时期都由不同类型的卵母细胞组成,半滑舌鳎为非同步分批多次产卵类型.周年发育过程中,6月龄前的鱼卵巢发育处于第Ⅰ期;9～12月龄卵巢可发育至第Ⅱ期;12月龄半滑舌鳎性腺可发育达到Ⅲ期,并一直保持至24月龄.3龄雌鱼达到性成熟,卵巢可发育至第Ⅳ期;随着水温和光周期的调控,卵巢发育进入成熟期(Ⅴ期),发生水合现象是卵母细胞成熟并准备排卵的信号;产卵结束后卵巢退化至第Ⅵ期,排出的卵母细胞退化吸收,以Ⅲ期卵巢越冬后,卵巢退化至Ⅱ期并持续至下一个繁殖周期.人工养殖条件下,卵巢内存在卵母细胞闭锁现象.性腺周年发育过程中,性腺指数(GSI)在性腺达到成熟期时达到峰值,产卵结束后性腺快速退化,GSI值各月份差异显著(P<0.05),亲鱼性腺重量在卵巢发育成熟过程中一直处于生长状态.亲鱼肝脏指数(HSI)在产卵前7～8月份(性腺达到成熟期前30 d左右)达到最大,表明7～8月份是性腺进行卵子发育、卵黄能量储备的重要时期,亲鱼在产卵前通过积极摄食储备体内能量,肝脏在卵母细胞卵黄积累方面具有重要的生理作用.肥满度(CF)值在繁殖盛期10～11月份达到最大,表现出与GSI类似的变化趋势.     

Oocyte maturation and ovulation in the Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.), examined using ultrasonography

High resolution ultrasound scanning was tested as a non-invasive technique for monitoring oocyte maturation and ovulalion in the Atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.). Female broodstock halibut were examined using a 7.5-Mhz linear ultrasound transducer, prior to and during spawning. Representative images of halibut ovaries are presented and discussed. Individual oocytes of spawning females were discernible during oocyte final maturation, due to the large increase in volume caused by water uptake. The yolky (vitellogenic) cocytes of pre-spawning fish were more reflective to ultrasound than hydrating oocytes. The resulting differences in depth of ultrasound penetration permitted easy distinction of pre-spawning from spawning females. In addition, short-term changes in the depth of ultrasound penetration were observed during repeated scanning of a spawning female, owing to progressive hydration of the oocyte batch destined for ovulation. Although of similar diameter, hydrating oocytes in the ovarian tissue could be discerned from eggs in the ovarian lumen because of the different acoustic properties of the surrounding media. The findings of the present study are considered promising for the future routine use of ultrasonography in halibut broodstock management.     

Ovarian re‐maturation following the first spawning in the Chinese mitten crab,Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne‐Edwards)

The present study investigated the external and histological changes in the ovary and measured the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) during the re‐maturation of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The results show that the ovarian re‐maturation cycle of this crab species can be divided into four stages, i.e. Stage I: the ovary had an X shape and appeared milky white or with a mottled buff colour, and the dominant gametocyte at the stage were oogonia (OG, 28.3%) and previtellogenic oocytes (PR, 31.6%); Stage II: the ovary appeared light yellow or tan in colour, dominated by endogenous vitellogeic oocytes (EN, 69.3%). The yolk globules of unreleased mature oocytes (MO) from the previous spawn were absorbed, leaving many vacuoles in the retrogressing MO; Stage III: the ovary appeared crimson red or deep purple, and although the main type of gametocyte was exogenous vitellogenic oocytes (EX), near‐mature oocytes (NO) could also be found in the late phase of the ovarian development stage; Stage IV: the ovary was ripe and filled with MO that contained large yolk globules. During the period of the second ovarian maturation cycle, the GSI increased significantly from the time just after the first spawning (P<0.01). However, although HSI appeared to decrease within days after spawning (DAS), no significant correlation was found between GSI and HSI or between HSI and DAS (P>0.05). Furthermore, the final GSI and the volume of MO of E. sinensis during the second maturation cycle were drastically lower than those of the first maturation cycle.     

Reproductive cycle,sexual maturity and diel-reproductive periodicity of white croaker,Pennahia argentata (Sciaenidae), in Ariake Sound,Japan

The white croaker, Pennahia argentata (Houttuyn), is abundant in demersal fish assemblages in Ariake Sound and is a commercially important species. The reproductive biology of white croaker was studied by measurement of gonadosomatic indices (GSI) and histological examination of ovaries. Ovaries were classified into one of five maturity stages based on histological data: (1) immature/resting stage; (2) developing stage; (3) maturing stage; (4) ripe/spawning stage; (5) spent stage. The spawning season lasts from April to September but most activity is observed from May to August. Age at sexual maturity was assumed to be 1 year. Postovulatory follicles coexisted with yolk stage oocytes in histological sections of ovaries indicating that white croaker is a multiple spawner, spawning more than once in a single spawning season. Judging from the diel changes in the proportion of females with ovaries containing postovulatory follicles and oocytes at maturation stage, most females spawned in the evening between 19:00 and 21:30 h.     

The reproductive cycle of the ‘blunt’ sea urchin

The reproductive cycle of the blunt sea urchin, Sphaerechinus granularis (Lamarck), was studied in the Bay of Brest, West Brittany, from monthly samples by examining seasonal changes in gonadal index, in the stages of gonad development and in oocyte diameters. This echinoid exhibited an annual cycle of gonadal growth, with a short breeding season occurring in May and June, and a decrease in gonadal index during the winter attributed to the use of nutrient resources. Histological examinations defined long mature stages during autumn, winter and early spring, where the vitellogenic oocytes accumulated in the lumen of the gonad. Changes in oocyte diameters showed a short pre-spawning period in April and May. The brief breeding season was followed by rapid post-spawning recovery and gonad growing stages during the summer, where the gonads mainly grew through the development of nutritive tissue. The features of this reproductive cycle show that the species can be commercially exploited and these results are used to make recommendations in terms of the management of S. granularis fisheries in Brittany. The influence of temperature on the initiation of spawning was noted again. This exogenous factor could be monitored to improve gonad production and availability of mature gametes in mariculture projects. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

Preliminary Observations on the Reproductive Physiology of Female Orangemouth Corvina in Captivity

Seasonal changes In oocyte growth and plasma estradiol, testosterone, thyroid hormones and vitellogenin levels were monitored in three captive adult female orangemouth corvina Cynoscion xanthulus subjected to a condensed (8 mo) seasonal cycle of photoperiod and water temperature. Plasma concentrations of estradiol and testosterone began to rise when temperature increased to 28 C and photoperiod to 15 h light (midsummer conditions). This was accompanied by elevated circulating levels of vitellogenin and the appearance of vitellogenic oocytes (diameter > 100 μm). Estradiol concentrations and mean oocyte size increased concurrently during late summer conditions and were maximum during fall conditions, approximately 8 wk after the beginning of ovarian recrudescence. In contrast, plasma levels of thyroid hormones did not show any distinct seasonal changes. Gonadally recrudesced females contained several size classes of vitellogenic oocytes. Injection of these fish with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog (LHRHa) caused maturation and spawning of the largest oocytes (mean diameter of follicles × 2500 μm). Another group of vitellogenic oocytes had been recruited into this size class by 2 wk after the end of spawning, which suggests that this species is capable of repeated spawning during the reproductive season. Injection of LHRHa resulted in increased plasma levels of gonadotropin and repeated spawning over several days. LHRHa-induced final oocyte maturation, ovulation and spawning were preceded by increases in plasma levels of two teleostean maturation-inducing steroids, 17α,20β, 21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20β-S) and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17α,20β-P₄). The results provide preliminary evidence that oocyte growth is stimulated in orangemouth corvina subjected to an abbreviated seasonal cycle in captivity under midsummer photoperiod and temperature conditions and is associated with seasonal increases in plasma estradiol concentrations and vitellogenin production. However, the relative importance of 20β-S versus 17α, 20β-P₄ in the control of final oocyte maturation in this species could not be determined from the results of the present study.     

Ovarian histology of stunted pond-reared Macrobrachium rosenbergii females

The present study describes the ovarian histology of stunted freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The ovarian maturation of stunted animals was examined and compared with similar‐aged normal females. Ten animals of the stunted group and each maturation stage of the normal group were sampled from the same pond and had their ovaries removed for histological analysis. Body weight, body length, ovarian weight and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were recorded for each female. The diameters of the different oocyte types were compared among groups through histological assessments. The ovarian histology of stunted M. rosenbergii females indicated that although the somatic growth is severely affected (7.6 g), some energy has been placed on the vitellogensis. Stunted females showed the simultaneous occurrence of previtellogenic, vitellogenic and mature oocytes in their ovarian tissue, but overall oocyte diameter and GSI (1.02%) were significantly affected when compared with normal females.     

Annual and lunar-synchronized ovarian activity in two rabbitfish species in the Chuuk lagoon, Micronesia

ABSTRACT:   This study examined the annual and the lunar cycles of ovarian activity in the forktail rabbitfish Siganus argenteus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) and the spiny rabbitfish Siganus spinus (Linnaeus, 1758), which were collected from the Chuuk lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased in May and June for S. argenteus . For S. spinus , GSI increased in March, and from July to September. During these periods, the ovaries of these species contained oocytes at the tertiary yolk stage or the maturation stage, suggesting that these months are the reproductive season of the two species. During the reproductive season, weekly collection of the fish according to the lunar phase revealed that high GSI occurred around the last quarter moon for S. argenteus and the new moon for S. spinus . In the ovaries, oocytes developed synchronously, and postovulatory follicles, an indicator of spawning, were observed after the respective moon phase, suggesting that these species are restricted lunar-synchronized spawners. Comparisons of the reproductive activity of the two rabbitfishes in the Chuuk lagoon with that in Okinawa waters revealed that there is a geographic difference in the reproductive activity between habitats. However, the lunar phase for exertion of synchronous gonadal maturation and spawning is common in both regions.     

Population and maturation dynamics of the swordtip squid (Photololigo edulis) in the southern East China Sea

Reproductive biology and seasonal distribution of the swordtip squid (Photololigo edulis) in the northeastern waters of Taiwan were studied, based on the samples and fishery data collected from the torch-light fishery between 2003 and 2005. The swordtip squid only occurred in the Kuroshio Current and reached the coastal waters of Taiwan in January and February. From March to June, its distributional range extended to 27°N and 124°E as the front (the Kuroshio Current met the Mainland China Coastal Current) moved northward. The squid moved southwestward as the front retreated to 25°N and 123°E from July to September. After October, it was mainly distributed in the front area which shifted southwestward at this time.

Both percentage of mature individuals and gonado-somatic index (GSI) of the swordtip squid were high in spring and autumn and low in summer, indicating two spawning seasons per year. Comparison of mantle length (ML), body weight (BW) and gonad weight (GW) of mature specimens in spring and autumn indicated that individuals of autumn spawning group were larger and heavier than those of the spring spawning group. The GSI between the two spawning groups was not different in females but different in males. High GSI and high percentage of mature (stage IV) individuals in the area suggest that the inshore water off northern Taiwan between 25.5°N and 26.5°N, 121.5°E and 122.5°E could be a spawning ground for the swordtip squid.     

Characterization of the quality of the gametes and sex steroid levels during spring and summer spawning events in pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis reared under natural conditions of temperature and photoperiod

Pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis spawning period takes place during the end of winter and spring and, depending on temperature conditions, during late summer and autumn. Nevertheless, the occurrence and quality of the summer–autumn spawning period have not been well documented and are not considered for aquaculture production. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the reproductive activity of pejerrey reared in captivity under natural conditions of temperature and photoperiod throughout a year in order to summarize the spawning quality of the two spawning periods. The present results showed that pejerrey might spawn from late winter to the end of the spring with a peak in October (mid‐spring) and, also during summer and early autumn, interrupted by a period of 56 days without spawning activity in between. The extension of both spawning periods was almost equal (67 and 69 days). Nevertheless, higher relative fecundity and larger egg size were observed during the first spawning period, associated with higher levels of oestradiol measured in females demonstrating that it is better than the second spawning. The fertilization rate was not affected throughout the reproductive periods. These differences in the reproductive parameters are discussed in order to design specific strategies to increase seed production.     

The reproductive physiology of three age classes of adult female diploid and triploid brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Triploid female fish show impaired gametogenesis and are unable to produce viable offspring. The reproductive physiology of artificially-induced triploid female salmonids has been well described up until the time of first sexual maturation in diploids, but few reports exist for older triploids. This study reports the influence of triploidy on growth, ovarian development and reproductive endocrinology among three age classes of female brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in comparison to sibling diploids. Triploids were larger than diploids for most of the study period, but the difference was statistically significant only during maturation and spawning of 2⁺ diploids. Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T) and vitellogenin (VTG) levels in triploids were generally lower than in diploids, and VTG was the only parameter to show seasonal fluctuations resembling those of diploids. Triploids showed significantly lower GSI and total oocyte number than diploids of similar age, and only half of all triploids sacrificed during the study (n=56) had developing oocytes in their ovaries. At age 3⁺, 13 of 19 triploid females had oocytes at various stages of development, including perinucleolar, yolk vesicle and yolk globule stages. In addition, three of these fish had collectively produced 72 mature stage oocytes. Thus, whereas diploid brook trout can produce mature oocytes as two-year-olds, triploids cannot do so until four years of age, with the number of mature oocytes being greatly reduced.