Work

Development of ovaries, spawning season, size at maturity, and fecundity of Periophthalmus variabilis in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Reproductive traits are essential for fish conservation, however, they remain undocumented for Periophthalmus variabilis in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, a species with potential as an aquarium pet. This study was carried out to provide Ps. variabilis with such crucial information. A total of 558 females were collected monthly by hand in 2022 from Tra Vinh to Ca Mau provinces. The results of the analysis of the ovary maturity stages frequency and gonadosomatic index indicated that this species exhibited a multi-spawner behavior. It is able to spawn year-round, with peaks from June to December. This was also evidenced by the presence of varying developmental stages of oocytes in the ovary’s fourth stage throughout the year. Further, it showed sexual and spatial variation in length at first maturity, ranging from 6.9 to 7.6 cm. The batch fecundity ranged from 696 to 8,124 eggs/female, reaching a peak at Ca Mau (2,974 ± 363 eggs), followed by Tra Vinh (2,685 ± 412), Soc Trang (2,621 ± 372 eggs), and Bac Lieu (2,536 ± 372 eggs). Egg diameter ranged from 0.60 to 0.65 millimeter among the four study sites. Based on the present findings, it is recommended to capture Ps. variabilis at a size larger than 6.9 cm, while imposing a closing seasons for its capture between June and December for suitable exploitation of this fish resource.

Source: The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejar.2024.11.006

Authors: U Van Hua, Quang Minh Dinh, Ton Huu Duc Nguyen

Institution: Can Tho University

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive biology and impacts on aquatic species

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200