Triploidy induction by cold shock in curimba ( Prochilodus argenteus )

Abstract

Triploidy induction is one of the promising techniques to increase growth in aquaculture and may minimize the negative impacts that escaped fish may present to the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of cold shocks in producing triploid individuals using a Neotropical migratory fish species, the curimba (Prochilodus argenteus). Cold shocks (4ºC) were applied at different times (5, 10, and 12 min) after fertilization and for varying shock durations (10, 15, 20, and 25 min). Survival rates were not different between triploid and diploid controls at 43 days after hatching, at the end of the juvenile stage. The best parameters for triploidy induction were cold shock (4°C), applied 5 min after fertilization for 25 min, resulting in 100% triploid fish. This triploidy induction protocol is simple and can be used in widespread aquaculture productions.