Artificial sex reversal of white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) utilizing aromatase inhibitor (Fadrozole)

The white grouper is a desirable aquaculture species that adapts to captivity, grows well and commands a high market price. However, little is known about reproductive biology or control of sex reversal of this protogynous hermaphrodite. In this study, female white groupers were implanted with one dose of 17α‐methyltestosterone (10 mg/kg body weight [BW], MT) and two doses of aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole (1 and 3 mg/kg BW, FD1 and FD3) once a month for 4 months (April–July). At the start of the study, the fish had gonads full of oocytes compared to the end of the experiment when the control group mature oocytes compared to the experimental groups MT, FD1 and FD3 that exhibited different stages of testicular tissue. Plasma levels of testosterone were significantly highest in the FD3 group and the highest 11‐Ketotestosterone levels were observed in the MT group. Plasma levels of oestradiol (E₂) were significantly lower in the FD implanted groups, compared to initial individuals and control groups. The use of aromatase inhibitor, FD for sex reversal both gives further insight into the mechanisms controlling sex differentiation and provides an alternative to steroid treatment.