Reproductive indicators during the male sexual maturation of Steindachneridion melanodermatum (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in captivity

Author(s)

Tessaro, Lucelia ^[1] ; Mazzoni, Talita Sarah ^[2] ; Bombardelli, Robie Allan ^[3] ; Butze, Arno Juliano ^[1] ; Quagio-Grassiotto, Irani ^{[1, 4]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, State Univ Sao Paulo, CAUNESP Ctr Aquicultura, Aquaculture Ctr, Jaboticabal - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ Alfenas UNIFAL, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Cell & Dev Biol, Alfenas - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Oeste Parana, State Univ West Parana, Toledo - Brazil

^[4] State Univ Sao Paulo UNESP, Botucatu Biosci Inst, Dept Morphol, Botucatu, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AQUACULTURE RESEARCH; v. 50, n. 12 AUG 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The reproductive dynamics of a species is important information to have for the maintenance and reproduction of animals in captivity, for either commercial or conservation purposes. Steindachneridion melanodermatum is an endemic fish that has been reproduced by breeding protocols, but knowledge related to the maturation and reproductive cycle of this species is scarce. The purpose of this research was to observe different parameters related to the reproductive biology of males born in captivity over a 24-month period to determine the first maturation and reproductive activity of S. melanodermatum males maintained in captivity. Body development changes (weight and length) were observed, and gonadosomatic index (GSI) and plasma sex steroids (testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol) were measured monthly. Phases of the reproductive cycle were detected based on macroscopic changes and histological observations of the testes. The obtained data were correlated, demonstrating that the GSI values accompanied testis development and sex steroid peaks. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed for the detection of KI-67, 3 beta-HSD and Vasa protein. Our data analysis indicated that the first maturity in males bred in captivity occurred after one year (at 22-month-old fish), with a reproductive period occurring from September to November, which is the spring season in the southern hemisphere. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/05892-7 - Gonadal development and cell proliferation of Steindachneridion melanodermatum, (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in captive conditions
• Grantee: Irani Quagio Grassiotto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/01824-4 - Reproductive biology of Surubim do Iguaçu, Steindachneridion melanodermatum, (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in captive conditions
• Grantee: Lucelia Tessaro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate