Investigation of the reproductive potential of Pangasionodon hypophthalmus: determination of seminal characteristics

• Grant number: 24/09246-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Applied Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Ninhaus Silveira
• Grantee: Letícia Giosa Paulino
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/02720-8 - Technical study of the characteristics of sperm kinetics in freshwater fish using a computerized semen analysis system and fish semen cryopreservation, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, known as panga or pangasius, is a freshwater fish native to Vietnam that is widely farmed for its high-quality meat. Currently, its production is mainly in São Paulo, where it is regulated. Despite the growth in production, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on its reproductive biology, limiting its production in captivity. Since it is a rheophilic species and can only reproduce artificially in captivity, greater knowledge about its reproductive biology is essential. In this sense, information about the seminal characteristics of the species is a crucial factor in determining semen quality standards, knowledge that is fundamental for the successful reproduction of fish in captivity. Seminal analysis provides valuable data for understanding reproductive biology, including parameters such as volume, pH, osmolarity, sperm concentration and motility, and sperm morphology. Research on P. hypophthalmus is essential to promote the sustainable development of aquaculture of this species in Brazil. Studies on the semen quality of P. hypophthalmus can improve its reproductive management in fish farms and provide valuable insights for future research, highlighting the importance of this research to expand the possibilities for the development of biotechnologies such as cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, also contributing to projects for the genetic improvement of the species. Thus, this project aims to analyze and characterize the semen of the siluriforme P. hypophthalmus, contributing to the expansion of knowledge on the reproductive biology of the species and providing subsidies for new research and for producers who breed the species in captivity.