Influence of photoperiod, frequency of stripping and presence of females on sperm output in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.)

Abstract

Abstract. The effect of four environmental conditions was investigated upon sperm output in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), submitted to three different rhythms of stripping. Males kept under a natural light cycle and under a 6-month contracted light programme released a similar sperm output in terms of total volume of semen produced per fish during the experimental period (4·9 ± 0·9ml), mean sperm concentration (29·4 ± 2·8 × 109 spermatozoa/ml) and total sperm number (163·2 ± 40·5 × 109 spermatozoa). Attempts to stimulate spermiation for a second time just after the end of the natural reproduction period resulted in the release of low sperm output (total volume of semen: 1·6 ± 0·4 ml; mean sperm motility: 2 min 36s ± 0 min 47s; mean sperm concentration: 47·6 ± 10·2 × 109 spermatozoa/ml; total sperm number: 84·5 ± 25·3 × 109 spermatozoa). Stripping frequency had no effect on total volume of semen, mean sperm motility and total sperm number. Monthly collection did not modify sperm samples in relation to stripping rank. However, decreasing volume, motility and sperm concentration were observed when males were stripped fortnightly and weekly. During the natural spawning period, the presence of females in the tank enhanced mean sperm motility (from 3 min 27s + 0 min 52s to 6 min 38s ± 1 min 38s).