Reproductive Quality Evaluation of Male Penueus stylirostris from a Grow-Out Pond

Several male Penucus stylirostris were selected from a 3 ha commercial earthen pond and were individually evaluated for reproductive performance. Indicators measured were compound spermatophore weight, sperm count, and sperm abnormalities.
It was found that spermatophore quality was significantly better for 30–40 g shrimp than for 20–30 g shrimp ( P < 0.05). The higher frequency of abnormalities measured in younger males and the inverse relationship between abnormalities and sperm count indicate that the vas deferens could be the tissue responsible for producing highly abnormal immature semen. It is proposed that male maturation has at least three independently controlled levels of organization: testes maturation, vas deferens maturation, and spermatophore synthesis.
The individual evaluation showed that each male followed a particular response in reproductive quality. Changes in spermatophore weight were not an indicator of sperm density within spermatophores.
Male reproductive tract degenerative syndrome (MRTDS) and male reproductive system melanization (MRSM) did not develop in any shrimp during these experiments.     

Sperm Quality Over Consecutive Spermatophore Regenerations in the Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The reproductive potential of males plays an important role in the productivity of captive penaeids. Males present a large variability in their reproductive potential, and thus the selection of appropriate males for reproduction is highly desirable. The present study compares sperm quality at the beginning of the experiment (baseline values) with variations in sperm quality as a result of consecutive spermatophore regenerations. This was done to evaluate possible predictive criteria for optimal sperm quality based on morphological and biochemical criteria in pond-reared Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei males. Sperm quality was similar between left and right spermatophore. Sperm count and proportion of normal sperm increased by 86 and 65% (P < 0.05) respectively, from baseline values to third spermatophore regeneration. Proportion of dead sperm progressively decreased with consecutive regenerations, attaining values 33% lower by the third regeneration, compared to baseline values. This indicates that no decrease in sperm quality occurs in L. vannamei during consecutive regenerations and that the existing spermatophores at stocking of males should be expelled to have higher sperm quality in regenerated spermatophores. Furthermore, this procedure allows selecting individuals with high baseline sperm quality based on significant correlations between baseline and regenerated sperm quality observed in the present work. Baseline values of glucose concentration in the hemolymph were positively correlated to baseline values of sperm count (r = 03, P < 0.05). In contrast, baseline values of several lipids in the hemolymph were negatively correlated to several traits of sperm quality at first sampling (baseline values) or at first regeneration. These results are discussed in terms of nutritional requirements of males and of possible predictive criteria of sperm quality.     

Effect of dietary n-3 series fatty acids on sperm production in the freshwater crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz) (Astacidae)

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of three different rates of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC n-3 PUFA) on the sperm number of Astacus leptodactylus. The experiment was carried out with the four following treatments: control group (not supplemented LC n-3 PUFA), D1 (1 %), D2 (2 %) and D3 (3 %). The sperm number of A. leptodactylus was counted; the reproductive system was weighted; and the macroscopical analysis of the testes and vasa deferentia (DVD) were conducted. In addition, gonado-somatic index (GI) and testes index (TI) were also calculated. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the crayfish fed LC n-3 PUFA supplemented diets (D1, D2, D3) and control in mean sperm number (P < 0.05). The highest sperm number was found for the crayfish fed D3 (6.27 ± 0.14 × 10⁸ sperm/distal vas deferens section). The results also showed that the reproductive system of the crayfish fed D3 and D2 was significantly heavier than that of the crayfish fed the control and D1 (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there was not a significant difference in the testes weight and vasa deferentia weight between the crayfish fed the control and D1, and between the crayfish fed D2 and D3 (P < 0.05). GI of the crayfish fed D3 and D2 was significantly higher than that of the crayfish fed control and D1 (P > 0.05), but there was not a significant difference in the TI of the crayfish fed control, D1, D2 and D3 (P > 0.05). In conclusion, diets containing different levels of LC n-3 PUFA significantly increase the sperm number of A. leptodactylus, and they are crucial for the production of higher number of sperm in this species.     

Effect of Water Temperature on Reproductive Tract Condition of Penaeus setiferus Adult Males

Abstract— This study was conducted to determine the effect of water temperature on male reproductive tract degenerative syndrome (MRTDS) and male reproductive system melanization (MRSM) in Penaeus setiferus , and to evaluate the effect of water temperature on spermatophore regeneration time and sperm quality in electrically ejaculated adult males. Variation in sperm quality, gonadosomatic index, and histological changes in the reproductive system were used to assess reproductive tract changes in the first experiment. Sperm quality and regeneration time were measured before and after successive regenerations in the second experiment. Sperm quality was stable when shrimp were held at 26 C for 30 d but was reduced when shrimp were held at 30 C. Reproductive tissues of 20% of the shrimp held at 30 C were melanized to some degree but tissue melanization was found in only 2.5% of the shrimp held at 26 C. Spennatophore regeneration time was also affected by temperature. Average times for first spermatophore regeneration were 192 h at 25 C, 152 h at 30 C, and 144 h at 33 C. Sperm quality of regenerated shrimp was not affected at 25 C but was reduced for regenerated animals held at 33 C. Based on these results, we recommend a water temperature between 25 and 27 C to obtain adequate spermatophore regeneration and to maintain healthy male P. setiferus broodstock for at least 30 d.     

Development and Deterioration of Spermatophores in Pond-Reared Penaeus vannamei

Spermatophore deterioration in pond-reared Penaeus vannamei was studied, and spermatophore quality was evaluated and improved. Sperm production of males collected from grow-out ponds was increased by two techniques: eyestalk ablation using a fresh frozen maturation diet (13% body weight); and laboratory culture using a diet of the formulated feed Nicovita Plus (3% body weight/ d) and frozen squid (2%). Findings are complementary to previous reports that eyestalk ablation improves quality of spermatophores in young (25.7 g) males. The timing of eyestalk ablation for activation of the endocrine mechanism, leading to improved spermatophore quality was also explored. After eyestalk ablation, performed between postmolt and intermolt stages, 26 g males required a minimum of three spermatophore regenerations or 42 d to significantly increase spermatophore size and sperm count. On the other hand, the laboratory culture (2.5 mo) technique improved the quality of spermatophores in successive regenerations for non-ablated males. In the present study, subadult P. vannamei produced spermatophores which, if not transferred or manually ejaculated, gradually deteriorated (successive stages are described), while a new compound spermatophore was being synthesized.     

Spermatophore production and sperm quality of the river prawn Macrobrachium americanum Spence Bate, 1868 fed with different diets

The effects of different diets on spermatophore production and sperm quality were investigated in the river prawn Macrobrachium americanum. River prawns were cultured and fed with three diets for 244 days: fresh food (50% squid meat, Dosidicus gigas and 50% sardine muscle, Sardinops sagax); commercial pellets (35 Purina®); and a 50:50 mixture of both diets. Spermatophore production was recorded every 24 days on average as the percentage of spermatophores produced per extraction per diet, weight and biochemical composition. Sperm quality was measured as the total number of sperm, the proportion of live/dead sperm and normal/abnormal sperm morphology. There were no significant differences in the mean biochemical composition of M. americanum spermatophores for any of the diets. Biochemical composition was 36.3% protein, 25.8% carbohydrate and 4.6% lipids for all data pooled. The weight of spermatophores and sperm counts was not significantly different among diets, nor were there any differences as a function of the male initial total length (p > .05). Male river prawn reproductive exhaustion was observed as a decline in spermatophore production, weight of the spermatophores and the number of sperm cells per spermatophore, with an increasing proportion of dead and abnormal sperm seen throughout the experiment. The recommended period of maintenance in captivity for male broodstock is less than 115 days. It is recommended to feed broodstock males of M. americanum with commercial pellets because no significant differences were detected with the diets tested; pellets are easier to use, ensuring the same spermatophore production and sperm quality that was obtained with fresh food.     

Sperm Quality of Pond-Reared and Wild-Caught Penaeus monodon in Thailand1

Sperm quality, as determined by visual examination and by reaction with “egg-water” was not significantly different (P > 0.05) for sperm obtained by electro-ejaculation from ablated or non-ablated pond-reared Penaeus monodon. Nor was sperm quality different between pond-reared and wild-caught prawns. Normal sperm, determined by appearance, ranged from 17.1 to 21.0%, while reactive sperm ranged from 1.5 to 3.0%. There were, however, significant correlations (P < 0.01) between spermatophore weight and prawn weight (r= 0.73, N= 434). Male prawns weighing 4150 g produced on average spermatophores weighing 22.7 mg and containing 0.8 million sperm, while prawns weighing 61-90 g produced on average spermatophores weighing 56.6 mg with 2.5 million sperm. Ablation did not increase spermatophore size or sperm quality, although it significantly increased mortality of ablated males. Male prawns could be re-ejaculated at about weekly intervals with no change in sperm quality. Wild-caught female prawns artificially inseminated with spermatophores from electro-ejaculated males produced normal spawns with 51% average egg fertilization, and 41% nauplii hatch success. Nauplii hatch success following spawning increased from >60% for newly inseminated females to near zero after 30 days post-insemination, indicating spermatophore depletion and/or deteriorated sperm quality during spermatophore storage in the thelycum. The findings of the present study indicate that electro-ejaculation and artificial insemination are relatively simple and practical methods for improving captive reproduction performance of closed-thelycum prawns such as P. monodon, and that pond-reared and wild-caught males produced sperm of similar quality.     

Egg Water Induced Reaction and Biostain Assay of Sperm from Marine Shrimp Penaeus vannamei: Dietary Effects on Sperm Quality

Reproductive performance was evaluated for sexually mature male Penueus vannamei fed one of four diets: 1) commercial 40% protein shrimp growout diet; 2) 100% squid; 3) 50% squid, 25% bloodworms and 25% Artemia; and 4) starvation. Spermatophores were ejaculated manually from tagged males at stocking and every 12 d thereafter. For each half of the compound spermatophore, weight and sperm count were determined. Four methods were used to assay the sperm quality: 1) gross morphology (GM); 2) trypan blue stain (TB); 3) acridine orange stain (AO); and 4) egg water induced reaction (EW). The reaction induced when P. vannamei sperm are exposed to conspecific egg water is grossly similar to that observed in vivo at the surface of the freshly spawned eggs from naturally mated females. Little correlation was found between spermatophore weight and sperm count. The best correlation was found between GM and AO (r²= 0.859, P < 0.01). Many morphologically abnormal sperm did not stain with TB. For most of the spermatophores evaluated; over 80% of the sperm were morphologically normal, were unstained with TB, and were immediately fluorescing light green when stained with AO. When exposed to egg water, sperm from these apparently good quality spermatophores yielded mixed results. The analysis of dietary effects on spermatophore quality were equivocal. Although a significant decline in body weight, spermatophore weight, and sperm count were observed in the starvation treatment as compared to maturation and squid diets, no significant differences were observed in MY of the sperm quality assays.     

Reproductive Performance of Male Argentine Red Shrimp Pleoticus muelleri Bate (Decapoda, Penaeoidea) in Culture Conditions

Spermatophore and sperm quality of male Argentine red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri held under laboratory conditions was evaluated using compound spermatophore weight, sperm count and percentage of live sperm as indicators. Thirty-seven males of S to 20 g wet weight were held indoors in a 3-m diameter circular fiberglass tank for 45 d. They were fed fresh squid, clam and pelletized diet. Spermato-phores were obtained by manual ejaculations. Four shrimps were re-ejaculated to verify the subsequent spermatophore regeneration. Spermatophore mean weights were significantly lower for 5–10 g males than for 15–20 g males ( r = 0.998) (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in sperm count and percent live sperm among the different weight classes (5–15 g, 15–20 g, 20–25 g). The sperm count varied from 2.22 to 5.62 million. No change in sperm quality was seen in re-ejaculated individuals. During the first 2 wk of the experiment, the spermatophores exhibited healthy morphology and colour; by the fifth week evidence of spermatophore deterioration was apparent. Despite the degree of melanization, sperm quality was not affected and the high variability in sperm count indicated that the artificial ejaculation is adequate in this species.     

Effect of 17α-Methyltestosterone and 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone on the Quality of White Shrimp Penaeus vannamei Spermatophores

Abstract.— Controlled reproduction of penaeid shrimp requires a better utilization of males by sperm quality monitoring and sperm quality improvement. Spermatophores of white shrimp Penaeus vannamei were improved, in terms of increased sperm count, spermatophore weight, and a reduced incidence of sperm abnormalities by a single injection of 17α-methyltestosterone at 0.01 or 0.1 μg/g body weight. 17α-hydroxyprogesterone did not induce a significant improvement in spermatophore quality. These findings indicate that a steroid injection program should be evaluated as a practical way of improving spermatophore quality in commercial operations.     

Spermatophore Generation Times in Penaeus setiferus, P. vannamei, and P. stylirostris

Spermatophore development times were studied in three species of penaeid shrimp, Penueus setifcrus, P. vannumei , and P. stylirosrris . In the terminal ampoule, the progression of spermatophore formation occurred in 4 stages (I-IV). The duration of each stage varied with species and ablation state. In unablated males, with spermatophores manually or electrically removed, structnrally complete spermatophores containing high numbers of morphologically normal sperm were formed in 2–4 days for P. vannamei , 4–6 days for P. stylirostris and 5–7 days for P. setiferus . Unilateral eyestalk ablation of P. setiferus accelerated spermatophore production time by approximately 2 days, and significantly increased spermatophore weight and sperm count without affecting sperm quality.
Spermatophore removal techniques had little effect on development time in P. vannamei . However, in P. setiferus , new spermatophores were produced faster in males mating naturally than in those males whose spermatophores were removed electrically.     

Effect of vitamin E on spermatophore regeneration and quality of pond‐reared,black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of different levels of vitamin E in feed on the spermatophore regeneration and quality of male Penaeus monodon. The experiment was carried out with the four following treatments: the basal diet no added vitamin E, the diet added 200, 600 and 1,000 mg/kg respectively. Spermatophore regeneration and quality were evaluated by spermatophore weight, sperm count and spermatophore absence rates, which male P. monodon were extruded spermatophore for feeding 20 and 40 days. In the experiment, the weight of the twice regenerated spermatophore of the males added to the vitamin E group was higher than that of the untreated control group. The weight of the first regenerated spermatophore with the addition of 1,000 mg/kg group was the highest and significantly higher than the control group (p < .05), but there was no significant difference among the three groups with different levels of vitamin E. The weight of the second regenerated spermatophore with the addition of 600 mg/kg group was the highest, followed by 1,000 mg/kg group, both of which were higher than the control group and the addition of 200 mg/kg group. Within the same group, the regeneration spermatophore weight showed overall upward trend as the feeding time, twice regenerate experiment spermatophore weight with added to the vitamin E groups were significantly higher than the initial value (p < .05), but three spermatophore weight of male shrimp at the control group had no significant difference. The sperm quantity and the percentage of normal sperm of the twice regenerated spermatophore of the males with added to the vitamin E group was higher than that of the untreated control group, and those of the addition of 200 mg/kg group was significantly higher than that of control group (p < .05). The total number of sperm and the percentage of living sperm of male shrimp in the experimental group decreased with the increase of vitamin E in the feed. Within the same group, the total number of sperm and the percentage of living sperm of male shrimp with added to the vitamin E groups showed overall upward trend as the feeding time and were significantly higher than the initial value (p < .05), but the control group was slightly down and had no significant difference. Comprehensive sperm weight, sperm quantity and living sperm percentage of three indicators, that adding 200 mg/kg of vitamin E in feed could effectively promote the spermatophore regeneration in the male P. monodon and improve the sperm quantity. The experimental results provide a scientific basis for the breeding of P. monodon.     

Studies on sperm of diploid and triploid tench, Tinca tinca (L.)

The tench Tinca tinca is an interesting fish from the viewpoint of polyploidy and related atypical reproduction aspects. Triploid tench were produced artificially. Studies of spermiation as well as of sperm motility and structure were performed on several triploid and diploid males simultaneously with individual experimental crosses with diploid females to define their reproductive capacities. The testes of triploids visually looked less developed in the most of cases with lower sperm production (0.05 cm³ sperm per male), GSI and weight of testes compared to diploids (0.58 cm³ sperm per male). Analysis of variance showed significant influence of ploidy level on the percentage of motile spermatozoa. Triploidy did not change percentage of live spermatozoa and velocity of spermatozoa at the first time of sperm movement. The study of sperm structure by scanning electron microscopy revealed that most sperm cells were of normal structure with some anomalies. Sperm heads of triploid and diploid males were mostly round-shaped, 1.86±0.2 and 1.6±0.18 μm in diameter. The midpiece of triploid spermatozoa was slightly narrower than that of diploid ones with typical cylindrical shape. Flow cytometry revealed sperm cells of triploids to be largely aneuploid (1.47 n) with high mosaic DNA, oscillating from haploid DNA content (1.0 n) to diploid DNA content (1.9 n). Experimental crosses between triploid males and diploid females revealed that these males were capable to stimulate effective development with relatively high level of fertilization and hatching rates from 0 to 70%. In conclusion, triploidization does not seem to guarantee sterility of tench.     

Morphometric relationships among spermatophore structures and their association with female fertility in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

ABSTRACT

Male reproductive performance affects production in shrimp hatcheries. To help better define the criteria required to choose male broodstock, our objective was to study associations among spermatophore morphometric traits and their relationship with fertility. The variables studied were male body weight (MBW), male body length (MBL), spermatophore weight (SW), sperm cell count (SCC), and percentage of live sperm cells (PLS). To evaluate fertility, female body weight (FBW) was considered, as well as the number of eggs in the spawn (NE), hatching percentage (HP), and the number of nauplii (NN). A random sample of 200 males and 200 females from the broodstock population were obtained. Correlations of SW with body MBW and MBL were estimated as 0.86 ± 0.02 and 0.63 ± 0.04 respectively. Correlations between the SCC with MBW and SW were estimated as 0.52 ± 0.05 and 0.61 ± 0.04 respectively. No linear associations were observed between MBW, SW, and SCC, with the NN (P > 0.05). Also, there was no linear relationship between FBW and NN (P > 0.05). On the other hand, FBW and NE were positively correlated (0.33 ± 0.07). HP showed a wide variation (2.6% to 98%) due to the multiple factors associated with artificial insemination.     

Spermatophore cryopreservation and artificial insemination of black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius)

To develop an appropriate cryopreservation protocol for spermatophores of black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon, three cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), methanol (MeOH) and ethylene glycol (EG)) at two concentrations (5% and 10%) were examined. Artificial implantation of spermatophores was also carried out to assess the fertilizing ability of fresh and post‐thaw spermatophores. Spermatophores were collected during consecutive regenerations (15‐day intervals) and assessed for qualitative and quantitative changes and also for fertilizing ability by implantation. The mean fertilization rate for artificial insemination using post‐thaw spermatophore was 79.9±3.7%, lower than the fertilization rates observed for artificial implantation using fresh spermatophore and natural mating. Mean hatch rates for fresh spermatophore, frozen‐thawed spermatophore and natural mating were 88.8±0.6%, 87.8±0.4% and 88.3±0.5%, respectively; and there was no difference among the three groups. The mean fertilization rate of spermatophores collected during the first stripping was higher (90.6±0.6) than during the second stripping (85.7±2.6), but the mean hatch rate was not different between the two strippings. The highest mean sperm viability (79.7±0.4%) was obtained from DMSO (5%), with no survival observed in the 10% MeOH treatment. Spermatophore weight, total sperm count and percentage of abnormal sperm were not different between spermatophores collected at the first and second stripping. This is the first study to report high fertilization and hatch rates from cryopreserved spermatophore using artificial implantation of spermatophore before spawning.     

Effects of Season,Strain, and Body Weight on Testes Development and Quality in Three Strains of Blue Catfish,Ictalurus furcatus

Production of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, female × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, male hybrids has increased dramatically in the USA. Hybrid production requires surgical removal and maceration of blue catfish testes. Farmers report individual and seasonal variation in blue catfish testes development, and understanding the factors influencing testes development could improve hybrid catfish production. Effects of season (mid‐May vs. mid‐June), strain (D&B, Missouri, and Texas), and body weight on testes development in 5‐yr‐old blue catfish were determined. Males were measured in mid‐May and mid‐June for length, body weight, testes weight, and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Total sperm/g of testes, percent motility, and motile sperm/g of testes were determined. D&B strain males weighed more and had larger testes with more sperm than Missouri or Texas strain males in both months. Mature Texas strain males were larger than immature Texas strain males in both months. Testes were larger and had more sperm in May than in June for all strains; however, there were males from each strain with good quality testes in June. GSI, sperm/g of testes, percent motility, and motile sperm/g of testes were positively correlated. Information from this study provides a better understanding of factors influencing testes development in blue catfish.     

Hollow sperm syndrome during spermatogenesis in the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricius 1798) from eastern Australia

During spermatogenesis, giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) from Queensland, eastern Australia had a high proportion of testicular spermatids that appeared ‘hollow’ because their nuclei were not visible with the haematoxylin and eosin stain. When examined by transmission electron microscopy, the nuclei of hollow spermatids contained highly decondensed chromatin, with large areas missing fibrillar chromatin. Together with hollow spermatids, testicular pale enlarged (PE) spermatids with weakly staining and marginated chromatin were observed. Degenerate‐eosinophilic‐clumped (DEC) spermatids that appeared as aggregated clumps were also present in testes tubules. Among 171 sub‐adult and adult P. monodon examined from several origins, 43% displayed evidence of hollow spermatids in the testes, 33% displayed PE spermatids and 15% displayed DEC spermatids. These abnormal sperm were also found at lower prevalence in the vas deferens and spermatophore. We propose ‘Hollow Sperm Syndrome (HSS)’ to describe this abnormal sperm condition as these morphological aberrations have yet to be described in penaeid shrimp. No specific cause of HSS was confirmed by examining either tank or pond cultured shrimp exposed to various stocking densities, temperatures, salinities, dietary and seasonal factors. Compared with wild broodstock, HSS occurred at higher prevalence and severity among sub‐adults originating from farms, research ponds and tanks. Further studies are required to establish what physiological, hormonal or metabolic processes may cause HSS and whether it compromises the fertility of male P. monodon.     

克氏原螯虾雄性生殖系统的超微结构

采用透射电镜研究了克氏原螯虾输精管的超微结构,采用石蜡切片法研究了克氏原螯虾的精巢、输精管和精荚的显微结构,并对精巢做了周年变化研究。结果表明,精巢由许多生精小囊和收集管组成,其结构呈葡萄串状,生殖细胞在生精小囊内发育成熟后由收集管输送到输精管;输精管有左右两条,相对于左侧输精管,右侧输精管比其约长一半,直径更大,卷曲程度更高,内容物含量更多,分泌细胞内的内质网含量更丰富;输精管根据形态不同分为前、中、后、生殖突4段,前中段具有分泌精荚壁物质的功能,后段具有储存、射出精荚的功能,末端生殖突为输精管出口;精荚呈长囊形或椭球形,由精子团、精荚基质和两层精荚壁组成,精子团偏向精荚一侧分布;克氏原螯虾雄虾精巢在一周年中的5—8月和10月处于精子细胞期的生精小囊比例很高,具有两个成熟时期。     

日本黄姑鱼精子生理特性及超低温冷冻保存研究

对日本黄姑鱼精子部分生理特性及其超低温冷冻保存技术进行了研究。结果表明,日本黄姑鱼精液pH值为7.0~7.5,精子密度为(11.23±2.78)×109/m l,精子寿命(229.33±17.16)s。在盐度为30~35,pH为7.5~8.5时,精子的活力最高,分别达到(88.33±2.89)%和(88±4.33)%。精子在室温(25℃)条件下,可存活24 h;在低温(4℃)条件下可以存活36 h。以D液作为稀释液,20%的乙二醇作为抗冻剂,利用快速降温法对精子进行超低温冷冻保存,38℃水浴快速解冻,解冻后的精子获得最高的活力为(47±5.78)%。     

Maturation diet based on fatty acid content for male Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) broodstock

The contents of three essential fatty acids, arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), from wild Penaeus monodon broodstock were evaluated in comparison with natural diet fed P. monodon. Spermatophores of wild male broodstock contained higher levels of AA than those of artificial diet fed males. Polychaetes had higher proportion of AA to EPA and DHA at 5.8:5.5:1 in mud polychaetes followed by 12:7:1 in sand polychaetes, while DHA was a preferential n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) in squids and fish. The experimental feed was constructed to simulate the HUFA profile of polychaetes (AA:EPA:DHA as 5:1:1) and then fed to farmed male black tiger prawn broodstock for 1 month. The results exhibited comparable reproductive characteristics to wild male suggesting the possibility of replacing wild males with pond‐reared males. Rearing farmed males in a test unit for a month did not reduce the quality of prawn sperm. Reproductive performance indices (sperm sac weight, total number of sperm, percentage of live sperm, percentage of abnormal sperm) from the males of all treatments were not statistically different except in males fed with pellets. Control (live feeds) and combined diet provided better reproductive performance in pond‐reared males. Analysis of AA, EPA and DHA in reproductive tissues, hepatopancreas and muscle of treated animals in each treatment revealed an accumulation of dietary HUFA into reproductive tissues. No evidence of transfer of HUFA from hepatopancreas or muscle to spermatophore was found.