Gonadal Maturation Research Articles

Biometric Relationship Between Growth Pattern and Biological Reproduction of a Living Fossil Benthic Brachiopods (Lingula anatina Lamarck, 1801) in Aceh Northern Shore

Brachiopods are a group of ancient marine invertebrates that are still found today, so they are known as "living-fossil". The purpose of this study was to determine reproductive biology through sex ratio approach, gonad maturity stages, body mass weight and growth pattern of L. anatina through size distribution approach, length-weight relationship, and condition factors. This research was conducted from April to December 2021, at the Aceh northern shore. The method used in this research is purposive sampling. The results showed that based on the morphological characteristics, only one species of brachiopods from the class Lingulata was found, namely Lingula anatina Lamarck, 1801. This species has an unequal sex ratio. Analysis of Body Mass Weight (BMW) and Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) shows an inverse relationship where the BMW value is lower than the GSI value. The condition factor of L. anatina also fluctuates every month, this is presumably due to availability of food in habitat. Gonad maturity stages of L. anatina at the locations of Syiah Kuala and Alue Naga were in spawning conditions (stages IV), especially for female L. anatina. These results indicate that the reproductive quality of L. anatina at the Aceh northern shore was maintained due to minimal exploitation from the surrounding community. Furthermore, the biometric (length – weight relationship) of L. anatina in the Aceh northern shore showing an isometric and negative allometric pattern. Basically, allometric growth is temporary, for example due to changes related to gonadal maturity, while isometric growth is a continuous change that is proportional.

Impacts of artisanal fishing on the reproductive biology and population structure of tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) in the Ume Basin of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

AbstractFisheries studies concerning the related impacts of fishing on the aquatic environment have mostly dealt with industrial fisheries. Concerted large‐scale exploitation can lead to stock declines and potentially species extinction. Hydrocynus vittatus is a piscivore and popular recreational fish species that can grow up to 70 cm fork length and weigh up to 15 kg. Hydrocynus vittatus is also a fish of importance in Lake Kariba as local communities along lake shorelines depend on it for both income and food. There is an insufficient understanding of the impacts of artisanal fishing on tigerfish, H. vittatus population parameters and reproductive biology in Lake Kariba. Hence, this study investigated life history traits and population dynamics of H. vittatus in the Ume Basin of Lake Kariba, north‐eastern Zimbabwe. Scales were used to estimate the age of tigerfish and the Bertalanffy growth curve used to estimate the growth parameters. A gonadal reproductive stage determination index was used to determine sexual maturity and the logistic growth curve was used to estimate size at 50% sexual maturity (L50). Using the gonadal maturation index, the L50 for males was estimated ranging between 120 and 149 mm. On the other hand, L50 reached between 250 and 299 mm in females. Females had a higher average mean length (335 mm), compared to that of males (289 mm). The length‐at‐age data from scales had relatively few outliers and moderate scatter. Parameters for the von Bertalanffy growth curve were (L‐infinity = 641.5, k = 0.517, t0 = 3.07). This study highlighted the negative impacts (male‐biased sex ratio and small size at maturity) that artisanal gillnet fishing has on the population structure and reproductive potential of tigerfish in the Ume Basin of Lake Kariba. These impacts are a direct result of both legal and illegal fishing activities of the fishers operating in the Ume Basin and based at Musamba Fishing Camp. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the regulatory authority, the Matusadona Conservation Trust, to engage the fishers in developing long‐term strategies to reverse the observed unhealthy population status and allow the tigerfish stock to replenish itself.

Biological particulars of the sun perch – Lepomis gibbosus (linnaeus, 1758) from the Cuciurgan reservoir-cooler

The sun perch was recorded for the first time at the mouth of the Dniester in 1952. In the ichthyofauna of the Cuciurgan harbor in 1965. Starting with the second half of the 1960s, it was not recorded in the Cuciurgan refrigeration lake until the 2000s. From 2004, unique specimens were recorded, which probably hit, together with the water pumped from the Turunchuk arm. The share of sun perch in the control catches of Cuciurgan Refrigerating Lake increased from 0.5% in 2008 to a record 15.7% in 2017. The high abundance of sun perch in a short period is explained by the type of portioned reproduction, high prolificacy, early age of sexual maturity and also care for offspring. In the Cuciurgan reservoir, mature sun perch females weighing 7.2 g were captured, and with a weight of 13.4 g they were identified in stage IV of gonad maturation. The sun perch of the Cuciurgan Refrigerating Lake is characterized by a high growth rate, thus the maximum standard body length is greater than 17 cm with a mass of 220 g. A polynomial model was used to approximate the sun perch abundance monitoring data of degree IV (reliability coefficient R2 = 0.8211), which determines the characteristic of rapid growth of invasive fish species, then followed for 4 years a stage of stabilization of the population, after which it is characterized by a decrease in abundance, due to the appearance of a foreign species in the tank – the mud crab.

Reproduction of Lutjanus guttatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) captured in the Mexican Central Pacific

Research on the reproduction of snappers helps to manage and conserve them. The spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus is a gonochoric species caught year-round in Navidad Bay, Jalisco, Mexico. This work aims to analyze the reproductive aspects of the spotted snapper L. guttatus caught in Navidad Bay on the southern coast of Jalisco, Mexico. Analyzed fish came from commercial catches. Organisms were sampled monthly from January 1998 to December 2008, and total length, total weight, sex, gonad weight, and gonadal phase were obtained for each specimen. Histological analysis was performed to define the gonadal phase and measure the oocytes' diameter. The total length range in the catches was 14.0 to 61.0 cm; 2889 females and 2792 males were collected for a sex ratio 1.0:0.97. The oocyte development is asynchronous, with a diameter range from 33.9 to 407.9 μm. The testicle is of the lobular type, with a well-defined spermatic duct. A main reproductive season from June to September was identified, although fish with mature gonads were observed in all months. The best condition was observed before the reproductive period. Average lengths at sexual maturity were 30.09 and 30.05 cm for females and males, respectively; the average length of capture in females (32.2 cm) and males (31.7 cm) corresponds to 66.6 and 64.6% of organisms that had reproduced at least once before being captured. Given the importance and continuous capture of L. guttatus in the study area, we recommend further studies to improve the understanding of reproductive and fishing activities.

Reproductive biology and condition factor of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) in Lake Koka, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to investigate the breeding season, sex ratio, size at maturation, fecundity and condition factor of African catfish Clarias gariepinus in Lake Koka. A total of 754 fish specimens were collected from October 2020 to August 2021. Total length and weight were measured and sexes were identified and gonad maturity levels were recorded. The sex ratio of African catfish in different size classes was similar to that of a hypothetical 1:1 ratio. The length at first maturity (L50) was 51.8 cm in total length. The mean Fulton’s condition factor of female African catfish ranged from 0.65 ± 0.05 – 0.71 ± 0.14, while the males ranged from 0.62 ± 0.04 – 0.7 ± 0.11. The Fulton’s condition factor was significantly higher in August for females than in the rest of the sampling months. The highest ripe gonads were recorded in the rainy season and the lowest was in the dry season, with the percentage of ripe gonads being 27.5%, while the males showed similarly extended maturity patterns among seasons. Fisheries management for African catfish should therefore take into account the estimated L50 value and the main breeding season to sustain the fishery and benefits the fishermen.

Investigation of the physiological state of the Caspian common sprat in spring

The aim of the work was to assess the physiological state of the common sprat in the spring period near the Dagestan coast of the Caspian Sea. The study of individuals was carried out according to a set of biological indicators. The mass, length were determined, and the Fulton fatness coefficient was calculated. The stages of maturity of fish gonads were determined, the morpho-functional state of gonads and gills was assessed by histological methods. The content of total lipids and water-soluble protein were analyzed in the muscles. In March, females were predominantly marked III stage of gonad maturity, in April — IV stage of gonad maturity. In the spring period, diffuse resorption of mature oocytes was recorded at an average level of 27–28%. In males, IV–V, VI–V stages of testicular maturity were recorded. In April, a decrease in the content of total lipids and the Fulton fatness coefficient (p < 0.05) was registered relative to March, which is associated with the expenditure of the body’s energy on the maturation of gonads in portion-spawning common sprat. The concentration of water-soluble protein in sprat muscles in March and April was comparable. Local vascular disorders and the presence of mucosal cells were recorded in the structure of the gills. The revealed morphological disorders characterized the adaptive capabilities of the organ to the external influences of the habitat. According to the results of the studies conducted in the spring of 2022, the physiological condition of the Caspian common sprat was satisfactory. The results obtained are of great importance for predicting the development of the fishery for this species near the Dagestan coast of the Caspian Sea.

Influences of habitat and seasonal changes on gonadal maturation of Echinometra mathaei (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) and Tridacna squamosa (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Red Sea, Egypt

The present work is aimed at investigating the effects of seasonal changes and habitat conditions on reproductive state and gonadal development of two macrobenthic fauna. Echinometra mathaei and Tridacna squamosa were collected seasonally (summer and winter) in July 2019 and January 2020 from three sites along the Red Sea coast, Egypt: Hamraween, Sedy Malek, and Porto Ghalb. Sexual differences and gonadal maturation in the two species were determined by performing biopsies of their gonads followed by morphologic analyses. Hematoxylin and eosin–stained gonadal sections were examined and analyzed. In E. mathaei, reproductive behavior was more active in the summer than in the winter; in T. squamosa, reproductive behavior was active almost all the year, especially during the winter. The reproductive activity and gonadal maturation of both species were affected by environmental factors. The results indicated that temperature is a vital factor affecting the reproductive activity of both species. This study concluded that temperature fluctuations may pose significant challenges to coastal marine ecosystems.

Reproductive Biology of <i>Chelon dumerili</i> (Steindachner, 1870) in Saloum Delta, Senegal (West Africa)

The present study evaluated the sex ratio, evolution of gonado-somatic index and stages of sexual maturity, condition factor and size of first sexual maturity of Chelon dumerili (Mugilidae) to determine its reproductive parameters. From June 2016 to May 2017, a total of 360 individuals of C. dumerili were sampled in Sangomar Marine Protected Area (MPA), In Saloum Delta, Senegal. The sex-ratio was significantly in favor of females (61.67%). Based on the monthly evolution of gonadal maturation stages and gonado-somatic index, the reproductive period of the species was determined to be from March to May. The condition factor varied between 0.60 and 0.88 with an average value of 0.84 ± 0.07. Male individuals of C. dumerili reached the size of first sexual maturity at a lower total length than females (23.6 cm and 24.5 cm respectively). Thus, for this species whose reproductive biology has not been well documented until now, knowledge of the reproductive parameters is essential to put in place measures for the sustainable management of the resource.

Development of the integrated fish endocrine disruptor test (iFEDT)-Part A: Merging of existing fish test guidelines.

There has been increasing interest in endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) among scientists and public authorities over the last 30 years, notably because of their wide use and the increasing evidence of detrimental effects on humans and the environment. However, test systems for the detection of potential EDCs as well as testing strategies still require optimization. Thus, the aim of the present project was the development of an integrated test protocol that merges the existing OECD test guidelines (TGs) 229 (fish short-term reproduction assay) and 234 (fish sexual development test) and implements thyroid-related endpoints for fish. The integrated fish endocrine disruptor test (iFEDT) represents a comprehensive approach for fish testing, which covers reproduction, early development, and sexual differentiation, and will thus allow the identification of multiple endocrine-disruptive effects in fish. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, two exposure tests were performed with well-studied EDCs: 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU), an inhibitor of thyroid hormone synthesis, and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), an estrogen receptor agonist. In part A of this article, the effects of PTU and EE2 on established endpoints of the two existing TGs are reported, whereas part B focuses on the novel thyroid-related endpoints. Results of part A document that, as expected, both PTU and EE2 had strong effects on various endocrine-related endpoints in zebrafish and their offspring. Merging of TGs 229 and 234 proved feasible, and all established biomarkers and endpoints were responsive as expected, including reproductive and morphometric changes (PTU and EE2), vitellogenin levels, sex ratio, gonad maturation, and histopathology (only for EE2) of different life stages. A validation of the iFEDT with other well-known EDCs will allow verification of the sensitivity and usability and confirm its capacity to improve the existing testing strategy for EDCs in fish. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:817-829. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Biological characteristics and distribution of the glowbelly Acropoma japonicum, a dominant fish in the Beibu Gulf, China

In the 1990s, a rapid increase in fishing intensity in the Beibu Gulf, disrupted the demersal ecosystem, wherein the dominant species shifted to smaller-sized individuals. Among the smaller-sized species, Acropoma japonicum was the most prominent. We examined the biological characteristics, distribution and environmental factors of this species to better understand its population status and sustained dominance. The dominant body length group was 50–55 mm (18.98%), and the dominant body weight group was 4–5 g (15.69%). The exponent b value was 2.55 for both sexes. The ratio of females to males was 1.33:1. Gonadal maturity was mainly at stages III (20.21%), IV (34.10%) and V (28.27%). Size at first maturity (L50) was 39.40 mm for females and 63.16 mm for males. The mean CPUE and proportion of A. japonicum in the survey catches decreased from 2006 to 2018, but increased thereafter. Redundancy analysis indicated that water depth is the most important factor affecting the species' distribution, followed by bottom water temperature. The overall results indicate that long-term dominance by A. japonicum in the Beibu Gulf is likely attributable to early sexual maturity, a high proportion of females and long reproductive time, as well as a suitable environment in the ecosystem.

Spatial distribution and biological characteristics of the Okhotsk Sea Pollock in the winter-spring period

The data on the biology and fishing of pollock in the northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk collected during its monitoring on fishing vessels in the winter-spring period 2001–2021 are analyzed. Analysis of the dislocation of the fishing fleet makes it possible to trace the formation and distribution of pollock clusters. A significant amount of the collected material made it possible to characterize the dynamics of gonad maturation and the change in the size and age structure of individuals in commercial subzones. Pollock fishing usually began in the Kamchatka-Kuril subzone and partly in the North Okhotsk subzone in the area of the Swan Upland, with gradual development northward into Shelikhov Bay, Pritaui district and the North Okhotsk shelf. The basis of the catches was pollock at the age of 5–8 years at the pre-spawning stages of the development of sexual products. By-catch of juveniles varied from 0,5% (2009) to 63,5% (2018), averaging 23,5% in the North Okhotsk subzone, 34,8% in the West Kamchatka subzone and 15,5% in the Kamchatka-Kuril subzone.

Feminization of Maroon Clownfish (<I>Amphiprion biaculeatus<I/>, Bloch 1790) with 17β-Estradiol Hormonal Induction

Highlight Research The 17β-estradiol hormone induction reduces the percentage of R values in skin and fin color by as much as 50-60%. The 17β-estradiol hormone induction increases total length and body weight, estradiol content, GIS and HIS, and also glucose content. The 17β-estradiol hormone induction shows mature development of the gonadal profile from functional male to functional female. Abstract As maroon clownfish (Amphiprion biaculeatus) is a protandrous hermaphroditic fish, feminization process with 17β-estradiol hormone can be applied to accelerate the female broodstock candidate supply for further spawning effort. This study aimed to evaluate the feminization of A. biaculeatus with 17β-estradiol hormonal induction. This study used a completely randomized design with several hormone dosage, namely P0 (without 17β-estradiol hormone induction), P1 (0.5 μg 17β-estradiol/g body), P2 (1.0 μg 17β-estradiol/g body), and P3 (1.5 μg 17β-estradiol/g body). These treatments were applied with three replications. Five fish composed of α-fish, β-fish, and three γ-fish were reared in each aquarium for 90 days with a flowing water system. The α- and β-fish were then removed, while the γ-fish was injected with hormone. Otohime pellet feed was fed three times a day until apparent satiation. The results showed that the 17β-estradiol hormone could induce 100% of the feminization process of male A. biaculeatus. The dosage of P3 obtained the lowest value percentage of red, green, blue (RGB), but showing the highest total of length and body weight (6.67±0.42 cm and 6.40±0.78 g, respectively), estradiol content (149.73±4.24 ρg/mL), GSI and HSI (0.38±0.07% and 3.59±0.49%), and glucose content (4.67±0.64 mg/dL), followed by more mature gonad profile than other treatments. This condition indicates that fish in P3 treatment has been reversed as functional female. The average survival rate for the treatment was as high as 60%. Therefore, the application of 17β-estradiol hormonal induction is effective for the feminization process in A. biaculeatus as a protandrous hermaphroditic fish.

Gonad maturation and spawning performance of the sand sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) by Oodev® dan Ovaprim® administration

Sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) contains lots of collagen and vitamin E for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. H. scabra have high economic value. The price in the local market is IDR 400,000–1,200,000/kg and internationally it is IDR 500,000–IDR 5,000,000/kg dry weight. The level of exploitation is high, and it is suspected that there has been overfishing in several areas. Cultivation efforts need to be done to maintain the population in nature. The natural rate of gonad maturation and spawning in H. scabra broodstock is relatively slow, so efforts are needed to speed it up, among other things by administering hormones. This study aimed to stimulate (1) gonad maturation and (2) H. scabra spawning. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 3 replications in 2 stages using broodstock measuring 250–350 g/head. Stage 1: (1) Treatment A: without immersing the H. scabra in hormone solution, (2) Treatment B: immersing the H. scabra in the Oodev®/Oocyte developer dose of 1 mL/kg weight, and (3) Treatment C: soaking sea cucumber broodstock in Oodev® dose of 2 mL/kg weight. Stage 2: (1) without immersion of the broodstock in hormone solution, (2) immersion of the broodstock in Ovaprim® doses of 1 mL/kg weight. The data obtained were analyzed by analysis of variance. The results showed that immersion of H. scabra broodstock in Oodev® and ovaprim® was not successful in stimulating gonad maturation and spawning in H. scabra broodstock. The spawning behavior of sea cucumbers that were successfully observed included body movements such as writhing, coiling like a ball, sticking to walls, partially erecting their bodies, actively crawling, and being more active at night.Keywords: Gonad; Holothuria scabra; Oodev®; Ovaprim®; Spawning; Sea cucumber.

The gonad maturity level of kawakawa (Euthynus affinis) landed at Tanjung Beringin’s auction place Serdang Bedagai Regency of North Sumatra

Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) is one of the economically valuable species for Mallaca strait fishermen. This study aims to determine the level of gonad maturity, the size of the fish’s first ripe gonad, and the gonad maturity index of Kawakawa (E. affinis) caught at Tanjung Beringin’s Auction Place, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra. Three months of sampling were conducted, from July to September 2021. The maturation of gonads was observed morphologically. Kawakawa (E. affinis) GMI was analyzed based on a comparison between gonad weight and body weight. Male and female Kawakawa gonad maturity levels are determined by levels I, II, III, and IV. Male Kawakawa gonad maturity index ranged from 0.0053% to 4.556%, while female Kawakawa gonad maturity index ranged from 0.0032% to 5.181%. Male Kawakawa mature gonads measured 407.77 mm and female gonads measured 404.53 mm.

Relationship between osmoregulation and growth patterns of Scylla serrata gonad maturity levels in tapak mangrove waters, Semarang, Indonesia

Mud crab (Scylla serrata) is a species that makes up biodiversity in mangrove areas spread across the coast of the archipelago, one of which is in Tugu District, Semarang City which has a mangrove area that is still relatively good. There is a need for research to determine the viability of Scylla serrata based on environmental conditions, especially salinity which affects the osmoregulation and growth of mud crabs individually to populations. This research aims to determine osmoregulation patterns, growth patterns, and their effect on the gonadal maturity level of mud crabs. The research was carried out on April 17th 2021 at the Tapak Mangrove Area, Tugurejo Village, Semarang, Indonesia. The research object was Scylla serrata to determine hemolymph osmolarity, carapace width, weight, gonadal maturity level, and media water quality. The research method uses a descriptive exploratory method with correlation analysis. Correlation (r) analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the two variables, namely between the value of the level of osmotic work and gonadal maturity. The osmoregulation pattern is hypoosmotic and hyperosmotic with hemolymph osmolarity at station 1 ranging from 840-899 mOsm/I H2O and station 2 ranging from 857-929 mOsm/I H2O. The Osmotic Work Rate (TKO) value at station 1 is 1-40 mOsm/I H2O and at station 2 is 2-52 mOsm/I H2O. The growth pattern is negative allometric with the condition factor at stations 1 and 2 being more than 1 (K > 1) and a K value exceeding 3 which means it is not flat. TKG (Gonadal Maturity Level) has a negative linear correlation with TKO.

Growth patterns and reproductive aspect of Naleh (Barbonymus sp.) in Krueng Lanca, Nagan Raya Regency, Aceh Province

Naleh (Barbonymus sp.) is one species of native fish found in Aceh Waters. This study examines the growth patterns and reproductive aspects of the fish in Krueng Lanca of Nagan Raya, Aceh Province. The study lasted five months (January - May 2022). Sampling was carried out purposively, once a month, on five different stations using gill nets (mesh size: 0.5 inches, 1.0 inches, and 1.5 inches and cast nets (D: 6 meters, mesh size: 0.5 inches). A total of 171 Naleh was caught in these waters. The calculation results obtained a length-weight relationship W = 0,0003*L2.2234 (r2 = 0.8823) for males, which shows the nature of allometric and W = 6E-06*L3.0684 (r2 = 0.8566) for females which shows the isometric. The sex ratio of Naleh in these waters was 1.1: 1. The size of the first mature gonads was 60-69 mm (males) and 90-99 mm (females) with a Gonadosomatic Index of 1.92-3.04 % (Males) and 8.73-11.61 % (females). The peak of the Naleh spawning season in Krueng Lanca waters was thought to occur from March to April, with the number of eggs ranging from 1,853-3,813 and a diameter of 1.18-1.43 mm. Based on the oocyte distribution, the peak of spawning of the fish was categorized as multiple spawners.

Acoustic telemetry reveals the drivers behind estuary–sea connectivity of an important estuarine-dependent fishery species, Pomadasys commersonnii, in the Breede Estuary, South Africa

The spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii is an important estuarine-dependent fishery species known to spawn along the east coast (KwaZulu-Natal Province) of South Africa. However, recent evidence suggests that this species also spawns along the southwest coast in the Western Cape Province (WC), which has necessitated the investigation of estuary–sea movements of adult P. commersonnii in the WC, and their link with spawning season and changing environmental conditions. Seasonal gonad maturation of adult P. commersonnii (n = 112) was investigated using histology and the gonadosomatic index. Seven adult P. commersonnii were acoustically tagged and monitored in the Breede Estuary (WC) between November 2016 and March 2020. Tagged individuals spent more time in the estuary (83.5%) than in the adjacent marine environment. Sea trips (n = 90) lasted on average 3.23 (SD 4.55) days (range 1–37 days), with most sea trips (82.6%) having a duration of less than 5 days. The majority of sea trips (>50%) occurred in austral summer, which coincided with the peak spawning season. Increases in estuary water temperatures in summer and river inflow in winter also influenced the presence of tagged fish in the sea. The high degree of residency of P. commersonnii in the Breede Estuary and short sea trips, along with increased frequency of reproductively ripe fish during summer months, supports the conclusion that regional spawning is occurring along the southwest coast. We suggest that management strategies should be put in place to protect the P. commersonnii population along the South African southwest coast, especially during summer, for the recovery of this population.

Domestication of Javaen Barb (Puntius orphoides) as Indonesian Endemic Fish: Breeding the Aquaculture Commodity Candidate to Increase Seed Productivity

Indonesia has a very high aquatic biodiversity, including local fish scattered in several areas. Currently, these resources are decreasing and even threatened with extinction if not noticing the environmental balance factor. Natural damages to the aquatic environment and increased fishing activity can cause the fish population and diversity to decline, even threatening the extinction of certain types of fish. Puntius ophoides is a commodity that has not yet developed its culture technology, so efforts are needed to investigate its reproductive biological aspects to encourage the culture development and maintain its sustainability level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PMSG hormone on the gonadal maturation pattern of this fish. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and three replications, namely: 0 IU/kg, 5 IU/kg, 10 IU/kg, and 15 IU/kg body weight. The results showed that PMSG treatment at 10-15 IU/kg obtained the best performance compared to other treatments. PMSG hormone treatments could increase the gonadosomatic index (GSI) value by 15% compared to the control treatment. Increased hepatosomatic index (HSI) value was also shown at the end of the study with an average IHS value of 2%. This means that the PMSG hormone affects the vitellogenin production in the liver.

Orange mud crab (Scylla olivacea) exploitation at Sorong waters

Mangrove forests along the vast coast of West Papua serve as the habitat for mud crabs, which are high-value economic resources marketed to various regions in Indonesia. However, intensive utilization impacts the sustainability of mangrove crab populations, especially orange mud crabs (Scylla olivacea). Exploitation studies need to be conducted for further use to manage crab resources. This study was conducted for six months, from April to September 2021, with a sample of 2,971 orange mud crabs. Data analysis was carried out using crab carapace width (CW) data to predict resource exploitation and sustainability. The caught orange mud crab size was 80-190 mm, with natural mortality (M) lower than fishing mortality (F). The exploitation of this crab has attained E = 0.72, which proves that overfishing. We can do the management of orange mud crabs by observing the size of mature gonads and spawning areas to provide an opportunity to increase the population in the waters.

Dietary enrichment with Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (HUFA) during rearing phase of Nereis virens: growth performance, fatty and amino acid

Abstract. Herawati VE, Windarto S, Arfan M. 2023. Dietary enrichment with Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (HUFA) during the rearing phase of marine worms (Nereis virens) in growth performance, fatty acid profiles, and amino acid profiles. Biodiversitas 24: 3828-3834. Nereis virens is a species of marine worm that belongs to Polychaeta. Nereis virens is often utilized as a natural feed for shrimp broodstock related to its main content of fatty acids to accelerate gonad maturity. The enrichment of Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (HUFA) is thought to stimulate diet protein and support growth, survival, and nutritional content. This study aimed to discover and examine the growth performance, amino acid profile, and fatty acid profile of N. virens in the rearing stage with a HUFA-enriched diet. The research was conducted from May to September 2022 at MSTP (Marine Science Techno Park ) Jepara. The experimental animals used were 45 marine worms per rearing container, weighing 14-16g/container. The research method is experimental, with a completely randomized design (CRD) of 4 treatments and 3 replicates. The treatments in this study consisted of a commercial diet without the HUFA (A), with the enrichment of 0.50 ml HUFA (B), 1 ml HUFA (C), and 1.50 ml HUFA (D). The results showed that diets with the enrichment with HUFA had a significant effect (P<0.05) on Absolute Growth (Ag); Relative Growth Rate (RGR); Efficiency of Feed Utilization (EFU), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and no significant effect (P>0.05) on SR. The highest RGR, EFU, PER, and SR values were in the treatment with the enrichment with 1.50 ml HUFA (D) with the following values of 5.77 ± 0.20g/day, 85.20 ± 2.75g, 2.05 ± 0.08%, and 100 ± 0.00%. Nutritional quality based on proximate protein and fatty acid fat results were highest in the enrichment treatment with 1.50 ml HUFA (D), 53.80% protein and 19.67% fat. The highest amino acid and fatty acid profiles in the same treatment were 41.15 ppm and 6.60% EPA.