Vitellogenesis, oocyte maturation pattern, spawning rhythm and spawning frequency in Otolithes ruber (Schneider, 1801) (Sciaenidae) in the Kuwaiti waters of the Arabian Gulf

• Main Author: Stephen Dadzie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas 2007-06-01
• Series: Scientia Marina
• Subjects: otolithes ruber; kuwait; reproduction; multiple spawning; spawning frequency
• Online Access: http://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/3
• ISSN: 0214-8358; 1886-8134

Vitellogenesis, oocyte maturation pattern, spawning rhythm, spawning frequency, batch fecundity and oocyte diameter-frequency distribution of the tigertooth croaker, Otolithes ruber (Schneider, 1801) in Kuwaiti waters were investigated from March 1999 to February 2000 and from January to May 2005, using histological and morphological methods. Oogenesis is described in four phases: vitellogenic, mature, spent and regressed. Vitellogenesis, in turn, is described in three classes: early vitellogenic, mid-vitellogenic and late vitellogenic. Development of the yolky oocyte is an asynchronous process resulting, by the time of oocyte maturation, in a clear differentiation between a ready batch of oocytes (ready for spawning) and a reserve pool. Consequently, O. ruber is capable of spawning multiple times during the reproductive season. Spawning frequency estimates, based on the final oocyte maturation (FOM) method indicated that the species spawns once every 2.8 days, while the estimates based on the post-ovulatory follicle (POF) method indicated a spawning every 2.2 days, during a 5-month spawning season lasting from January to May. Batch fecundity (BF) was significantly positively correlated with both ovary-free body weight (OFBW) (p