Seasonal cycle of gonadal development and serum levels of vitellogenin of the red porgy, Pagrus pagrus (Teleostei: Sparidae)

Abstract

Histological examination of gonads of female and male red porgy, Pagrus pagrus, reared in captivity, was carried out in order to describe the main gonadal changes related to gametogenesis and the seasonal changes of environmental factors. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the concentration of serum vitellogenin (VTG) were also determined. The frequency distribution of gonad development stages and the GSI and vitellogenin concentration during the annual cycle indicated the separation of the female and male reproductive cycles into three main periods. The autumn period when gametogenesis begins (October–November), the period of exogenous vitellogenesis (December–March) or spermiation (December–March), and the spawning season (March–May). The spawning period coincided with an increase in temperature (15–19°C) and daylength. Serum levels of vitellogenin rose significantly in January, reached a peak at the beginning of the spawning period (March, 405.5 µg ml–1) and remained high until the end of the spawning period (May).