GCMS-identified steroids and steroid glucuronides in ovarian growth-stimulating holding water from adult African catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

1. 1. Pubertal vitellogenic and previtellogenic female Clarias gariepinus were exposed to holding water from a mixed-sex population of adult conspecifics. 2. 2. Exposure to holding water caused an accelerated ovarian growth in both cases. 3. 3. Analysis of holding water by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS) yielded the presence of several steroids and steroid glucuronides known to be produced in adult, prespawning C. gariepinus. 4. 4. The possible role of these compounds in stimulating ovarian growth is discussed in relation to earlier findings on their pheromonal properties.