Pennahia Argentata Research Articles

Stock exploitation status of silver croaker (Pennahia argentata) from the East China Sea

Silver croaker (Pennahia argentata) is an important economic species in the East China Sea (ECS); however, its population has been declining, and studies on its status are scarce. This study collected biological data, including length, weight, and gonadal maturity of silver croaker from the southern coastal waters of Zhejiang Province between 2015 and 2021, to evaluate its life history and assess stock status. Methods from the TropFishR package were employed to estimate population growth and natural mortality parameters. Two widely used length-based data-limited models, length-based bayesian biomass estimation method (LBB) and length-based spawning potential ratio method (LBSPR), were applied to assess the stock status of silver croaker in the ECS. The results indicated that with a maximum age (Amax) of 4 years, the asymptotic length (Linf) was 23.80 cm, growth rate (K) was 0.74/year, and natural mortality coefficient (M) ranged from 1.068 to 1.376. Under the assumption of Amax = 5 years, Linf was 26.77 cm, K was 0.63/year, and M ranged from 0.818 to 1.193. The LBB and LBSPR models showed that, except for scenarios with L∞ = 23.8 cm, M/K = 1.46, and L∞ = 26.77 cm, M/K = 1.30, 1.38, or 1.48, the selectivity at length parameters L50SandL95S for silver croaker exhibited an increasing trend over the years. In the LBB model, L50S for different years consistently fell below the optimum length (Lc_opt), indicating that most individuals did not reach the size at first sexual maturity or optimal catch length. Moreover, under high fishing pressure, the Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) and the unfished biomass ratio (B/B0) for silver croaker showed a decreasing trend, despite some stability or recovery in recent years. However, in all scenarios, SPR values were below 0.2, and B/B0 values were below 0.5, suggesting a significant risk of population collapse for silver croaker in the ECS due to intense fishing pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the current fishing pressure and increase the minimum catch size of this species for effective conservation and management in this region.

Comparing the size selectivity and exploitation patterns of two T0 codends with T90 codends in demersal trawl fishery targeting white croaker (Pennahia argentata) of the northern South China Sea

The size selectivity and exploitation patterns of two T0 (diamond mesh) codends were tested and compared with T90 (diamond mesh turned by 90°) codends in demersal trawl fishery targeting white croaker (Pennahia argentata) of the northern South China Sea. The four experimental codends involved two mesh sizes, 30 and 35 mm, respectively. The size selectivity of the T0 codend with mesh size of 30 mm, T0_30, was used as a starting point to compare with the rest codends. The results showed that compared with the T0_30 codend increasing the mesh size to 35 mm or applying the T90 codends would result in significantly larger L50 values, and the retention risk (probability) of undersized white croaker with length < 8.5 cm would significantly reduce. These codends, however, had no effect on improving the size selectivity of undersized white croaker with the length ranging between 10 and 15 cm. The results of our study will have relevant implications for fishing gears management and future direction of codend selectivity research.

Effect of Codend Design and Mesh Size on the Size Selectivity and Exploitation Pattern of Three Commercial Fish in Stow Net Fishery of the Yellow Sea, China

To address the issue of minimum mesh size regulations of the stow net fishery for croaker species, we tested and compared the size selectivity and exploitation pattern for diamond- and square-mesh codends with mesh sizes 35, 45 and 55 mm for little yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis), silver croaker (Pennahia argentata), and flower croaker (Nibea albiflora) in the Yellow Sea, China. Our results showed that the legal codend (35 mm diamond-mesh) was inadequate to protect the juvenile croaker species because more than 75% of undersized individuals were retained, and the discard ratios were as high as approximately 60%. Irrespective of mesh shape, increasing the codend mesh sizes could significantly improve the size selectivity and exploitation pattern of croaker species. Between codends with the same mesh size, the square-mesh codends had higher size selectivity than diamond-mesh codends. Based on results, the 55 mm square-mesh codend was recommended for rational exploitation of croaker stocks. This study can provide feasibility and insight for the enforcement and reform of management strategies for sustainable fishing in Chinese stow net fisheries.

Prevalence of Anisakise infections in marine fishes in Eastern Fujian Fishing Ground of Fujian Province

To investigate the prevalence of Anisakis infection in marine fishes in Eastern Fujian Fishing Ground of Fujian Province, so as to provide insights into the development of the anisakiasis control strategy. Marine fish samples were randomly collected from Jiaocheng District, Fuding City and Xiapu County around Eastern Fujian Fishing Ground in Fujian Province from September to December, 2021. All fishes were dissected, and the abdominal contents were collected. Parasites were sampled under a stereomicroscope and the Anisakis species were identified through morphology. The prevalence and intensity of Anisakis infections were calculated. A total of 177 marine fishes belonging to 24 species were dissected, and Anisakis was detected in 73 marine fishes (41.2%) belonging to 16 species (66.7%), with a mean infection intensity of 14.3 parasites per fish. High prevalence of Anisakis infection was found in Ilisha elongata (5/5), Miichthys miiuy (3/3), Plectorhynchus cinctus (2/2), Scomberomorus niphonius (12/13), Trichiurus lepturus (19/23), Pennahia argentata (6/11) and Ditrema temmincki (14/27), with mean infection intensities of 9.2, 2.7, 4.5, 10.9, 39.2, 4.5 parasites per fish and 2.1 parasites per fish. The Anisakis larvae were characterized as Anisakis and Hysterothylacium. High prevalence of Anisakis infection is detected in marine fishes in Eastern Fujian Fishing Ground of Fujian Province. The health education pertaining to food health is required to be reinforced to prevent the development of human anisakiasis.

Effects of heating process on 3D printing properties of Pennahia argentata surimi: Water distribution, gel formation, rheology, chemical bonds

AbstractThe gel is an important factor in 3D printability of Pennahia argentata surimi. While surimi gel is sensitive to temperature and influenced by chemical bonds changes. Hence, preheating effects on printing and material properties of surimi were investigated. Results shown hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds contents in surimi under different heating conditions decreased about 20%–90%. Meanwhile, hydrophobic force and disulfide bonds increased about 0.2–6 times. These changes formed more gel, as well as 6.5% at most immovable water transferred into free water which enhanced texture properties and made solid properties of rheology in surimi dominant. This phenomenon occurred significantly in temperature range of gel formation (35–40°C, 90°C) while became extinct at 45°C with 10–30 min due to gel degradation. These made surimi by heating exhibit strong mechanical strength, which is conducive to forming process when printing after extrusion. However, if they occurred before extrusion, these could increase extrusion difficulty to make filamentous materials be broken easily after extrusion, weakening printing effect. Hence, preheating of surimi before extrusion was not suitable for 3D printing. While short‐time heating during or after extrusion might be more appropriate for printed surimi, promoting the application of surimi in 3D printing technology.Practical Applications3D printing is a new technology in food processing that refers the process of connecting or curing materials to form 3D objects by continuously adding layers of materials. Surimi is one of the suitable materials which can promote the process of printing. While the material properties of surimi are affected by temperature that influences the printing effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different temperatures on the material properties of Pennahia argentata surimi, and determine the suitable heating process of printed surimi products. These results could promote the application of 3D printing technology in surimi processing.

Population Genetic Structure of Silver Croakers, Pennahia argentata (Houttuyn, 1782), in the Gulf of Thailand Based on Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I Gene Sequences

Genetic information is crucial to manage fish resources, and a good case in point is the population of silver croakers, Pennahia argentata (Houttuyn, 1782), which is economically important for Thailand. In the present study, 102 silver croaker samples were collected along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand and analysed for genetic variation based on nucleotide sequences in the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (510 bp). Of these, 33 haplotypes were examined, and 21 were singleton haplotypes, indicating a historical pattern of large female effective population sizes (female reproductive success). An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and pairwise FST analysis showed that the geographic barrier did not affect the genetic structure of the silver croakers in the Gulf of Thailand. The minimum spanning network and phylogenetic tree revealed that the silver croaker population in the Gulf of Thailand separated into two haplogroups. Various methods to examine demographic history showed that the silver croaker population in the Gulf of Thailand had expanded. This study’s findings can guide the management of silver croaker populations in the Gulf of Thailand to conserve genetic diversity.

Determination of spatial and individual variations in the dietary composition of Pennahia argentata in coastal waters of South Korea using metabarcoding and morphological analyses

Understanding the feeding ecology of dominant fish species can be accomplished by considering on spatial and individual variations in prey composition. This study aimed to characterize the diet and feeding habits of Pennahia argentata (silver croaker, a common sciaenid fish in the southern coastal seas of Korea) by analyzing the gut contents of individuals. Morphological and metabarcoding identifications were applied to 92 and 94 gut samples collected from four stations in Gwangyang Bay in September 2018, respectively. P. argentata was the dominant species at all stations. The most common prey species was shrimp, as determined by both morphological (38.8%F) and metabarcoding (233.3%F) analyses. The phylum-level dietary profiles were similar among the individuals at different sites, but the species-level dietary profiles varied among the individuals at different sites and were distinguished by the read abundance of Oratosquilla oratoria (mantis shrimp) and Aliaporcellana sp. (crab). P. argentata is mostly generalized and mixed in its feeding habit, with varying frequencies of occurrence of two important prey items, O. oratoria and Aliaporcellana sp., and degrees of specialization on several items among the sites and size groups. Regardless of the relatively small spatial scale, the DNA metabarcoding analyses identified compositional variations in the gut contents of P. argentata. These variations appeared to be associated with water quality variables (total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus) and individual characteristics (body length and weight), but not with fish community traits (diversity, dominance, and evenness). Our results demonstrate the usefulness of gut content eDNA analyses for evaluating biodiversity in fish diets and the describing feeding strategies of fish.

Struktur Komunitas Ikan di Pantai Karang Jahe Rembang

Fish play an important role both ecologically and economically. Fish also play a role in the food chain cycle, can be used as food and tourism commodities. This study aims to examine the structure of the fish community, to analyze the relationship between the number of individual fish and the physical and chemical parameters of the waters and to determine the ecotourism potential of fish diversity in Karang Jahe Beach, Rembang. The research was conducted at 5 different stations, namely tourist area, pond area, river flow, around mangroves, and marine area close to coral reef communities. Fish were caught using fishing nets and fishing trawler. Sampling at each station was repeated 3 times. The results obtained 22 species of fish belonging to 16 families, namely Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, Lutjanus bitaeniatus, Lutjanus ehrenbergii, Chanos chanos, Liza alata, Mugil sp, Oreochromis mossambicus, Pseudapocryptes elongatus, Periophthalmus sp., Eubleekeria jonesi, Eubleekeria elongate, Eubleekeria elongate Sardinella lemuru, Pennahia argentata, Trichiurus lepturus, Scomberomorus commerson, Stolephorus sp, Stolephorus indicus, Stolephorus commersoni, Chromis analyst, Terapon theraps and Lagocephalus inermis. The species diversity index is classified as low and moderate. The species evenness index is classified as low, medium and high. The dominance index is classified as low and high. Physicochemical parameters of Karang Jahe Beach waters such as temperature, pH, salinity, DO, turbidity and TDS are still classified as suitable for life, while the brightness parameter does not support fish life.

Effects of six codend meshes on the size selection of juvenile white croaker (Pennahia argentata) in demersal trawl fishery of the South China Sea.

White croaker (Pennahia argentata) is a commercially important but overexploited species that is often caught in trawl fishery of the South China Sea (SCS). The codend size selectivity for this species in the local commercial trawl fishery is of concern when considering the established minimum landing size (MLS). This study investigated the size selectivity of white croaker for six different diamond-mesh codends with mesh size from 25 to 54 mm. We paid special attention to two codends, made with meshes of 25 and 40 mm in size, which are currently used according to the regulations established in the SCS. The results demonstrated that the legal codends do not perform satisfactorily in the fishing grounds where juvenile white croaker is relatively abundant. This is because at a length similar to the minimum landing size of the species (MLS = 15.0 cm), all white croaker were retained, and the estimated discard ratio was >97% in both cases of legal codends. Our study showed that by increasing the mesh size, the size selection of tested codends could be improved for white croaker, and the retention rates for juvenile fish would decrease. However, none codend was proved efficient to release undersized white croaker suggesting that other gear design changes may be necessary.

Application of Combined Analyses of Stable Isotopes and Stomach Contents for Understanding Ontogenetic Niche Shifts in Silver Croaker (Pennahia argentata).

Stable isotope analysis (SIA) and stomach content analysis (SCA) were conducted to understand ontogenetic niche shifts in silver croaker Pennahia argentata inhabiting the southern coastal waters of the Korean peninsula. Sampled P. argentata were classified into three groups based on their total length (TL; 60–80 mm TL, 80–120 mm TL, and 120–210 mm TL). Carbon isotope (δ13C) ratios were distinguishable, whereas nitrogen isotope (δ15N) ratios were not significantly different among size classes, and Standard Ellipse Area (SEA), estimated by δ13C and δ15N, was expanded with increasing TL from 0.2 ‰2 (60–80 mm TL) to 2.0 ‰2 (120–210 mm TL). SCA results showed variable contribution of dietary items to each size class. In particular, higher dietary contribution of Polychaeta to P. argentata of 80–120 mm TL than 120–210 mm TL mirrored variation in δ13C values of P. argentata in those size classes. Based on the combined analyses involving SIA and SCA, we concluded that P. argentata underwent ontogenetic niche shifts, particularly dietary shifts, with growth stages. Ontogenetic niche shifting is a representative survival strategy in fish, and, therefore, represents essential information for managing fisheries. The present study demonstrated applicability of combined SIA and SCA analyses, not only for dietary resource tracing, but also for ecological niche studies.

DNA barcoding of yellow croakers (Larimichthys spp.) and morphologically similar fish species for authentication

Yellow croakers (Larimichthys spp.), including Larimichthys polyactis and L. crocea, are important traditional commercial fish species in East Asian countries. However, they are often replaced by low-value fish with similar morphological characteristics. This work aimed to exploit the application of DNA barcoding in molecular identification of L. polyactis, L. crocea and morphologically similar species of Nibea albiflora, Collichthys lucidus, Pennahia argentata, and P. macrocephalus. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was affirmed as DNA barcode for the authentication of yellow croakers and yellow croaker products in China. Results showed that 37.03% (10/27) of the yellow croaker products were mislabeled and replaced by P. macrocephalus and P. argentata, suggesting that mislabeling is a widespread problem. In general, COI barcode, as a molecular tool, provides a useful method for the identification of yellow croakers, which may prevent mislabeling of fish products and food fraud.

DNA barcoding of some common coastal fishes from Japan and China

To determine the species status of some common coastal fishes from Japan and China, 652 bp fragments of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) of 184 individuals of 37 species, 34 genera, 24 families, 7 orders in Japan were sequenced, combined with 143 homologous sequences from Japan and China downloaded from GenBank, a total of 327 sequences of 40 species, 35 genera, 24 families and 7 orders were analyzed. Results showed that the average interspecific genetic distance (6.25%) was about 14.88 times the mean intraspecific distance (0.42%), and 36 species were monophyletic with 97%-99% bootstrap support, supporting their species status. The intraspecies genetic distance of <italic>Lateolabrax</italic> spp. was 3.91%, and formed two clades on the neighboring tree, and the genetic distances between the clades (6.98%) were about 14.2 times those within clades (0.49%), suggesting that <italic>L</italic>. <italic>japonicus</italic> from Japan and <italic>L</italic>. <italic>maculatus</italic> from China might have evolved to two different species, which was consistent with previous studies. The intraspecies genetic distance of <italic>Pennahia argentata</italic> was 2.01%, and it formed two clades with 99% bootstrap support, and the genetic distances between the clades (3.28%) were about 11.3 times those within clades (0.29%), suggesting that <italic>P</italic>. <italic>argentata</italic> from Japan and China might be 2 subspecies or 2 species. <italic>Cleisthenes herzensteini</italic> and <italic>C</italic>. <italic>Pinetorum</italic> were mixed on a clade and both average genetic distances between species (0.32%) and within species (0.23%) was less than 2%, thus it is assumed that there might be misidentification, but the possibility of incomplete lineage sorting can not be ruled out. <italic>Callionymus valenciennei</italic> and <italic>Repomucenus ornatipinnis</italic> clustered into 2 clades, and the average genetic distance between clades (1.97%) was 4.6 times that within clades (0.43%), it is therefore speculated that they might be 2 subspecies or 2 species. Due to the small size of Callionymid fish and significant morphological differences between males and females, the possibility of morphological misidentification can not be ruled out.

Age and Growth of White Croaker Pennahia argentata in the Southern Sea of Korea by Otolith Analysis

Age and Growth of White Croaker Pennahia argentata in the Southern Sea of Korea by Otolith Analysis

Juvenile fish assemblages in the Jinju Bay region, Korea

Assemblages of juvenile fish and associated abiotic parameters were investigated inside and outside Jinju Bay in southern Korea, on a monthly basis from December 2014 to November 2015. Fluctuations in water temperature and salinity were larger inside than outside the bay. In total, 534,657 individuals per square kilometre from 81 fish species and 47 families were collected during the study period. The most dominant species was Nuchequula nuchalis both inside (25.6%) and outside (26.9%) the bay. The next dominant species were Thryssa kammalensis (17.9%) and Zoarces gillii (16.0%) inside the bay and Liparis tanakae (16.9%) and T. kammalensis (9.0%) outside the bay. Forty species (33% of total number of individuals) of young fish were recorded inside the bay and 47 species (52%) outside the bay. Therefore, it appears that a diversity of fish use nursery grounds inside and outside Jinju Bay. In particular, the following six species appeared: Z. gillii, Pleuronichthys cornutus, L. tanakae, Hemitripterus villosus, Pennahia argentata, and Xenocephalus elongates. Due to assemblage differences for fishes within Jinju Bay and outside the bay, management of both areas is required to maintain current diversity of species in the region.

Suitability of Japanese codling as a raw material for surimi-based products revealed by primary sequence analysis of myosin heavy chain and thermal gel properties

Complementary DNA encoding a part of myosin heavy chain was cloned from fast skeletal muscle of Japanese codling Physiculus japonicus. Japanese codling, a frequent catch off the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan, is a typical underutilized fish species, especially in summer. Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of Japanese codling myosin heavy chain loop 2 region revealed that this fish belongs to a group comprising white croaker Pennahia argentata and walleye pollack Gadus chalcogrammus, which are commonly used as raw materials for surimi-based products. Thus Japanese codling meat was considered a promising candidate ingredient for surimi-based products. Salt-ground meat was prepared from Japanese codling in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl and subjected to a two-step heating procedure: pre-heating at 15–70 °C for 30 min, and secondary heating at 85 °C for 20 min. Thermal gels with a maximum breaking strength of > 10 N were produced by this process. The breaking strength was comparable to that of white croaker and walleye pollack. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis of myosin heavy chains, and the properties of the heat-induced surimi gel, we conclude that Japanese codling is a promising raw material for the production of surimi-based products.

Sulcus and otolith outline analyses: complementary tools for stock discrimination in white croaker Pennahia argentata in northern Chinese coastal waters

This study analyzed and compared variations of the sulcus and otolith outlines of three geographic stocks (Huanghe (Yellow) River estuary (HHE), Jiaozhou Bay (JZB), and Changjiang (Yangtze) River estuary (CJE)) of white croaker Pennahia argentata in northern Chinese coastal waters. The sulcus and otolith outline analyses via elliptical Fourier transform (EFT, i.e., outline analysis) achieved an overall classification rate of 80.4% and 87.2%, respectively. Based on a combination of sulcus and otolith shape indices (SIs) and two derivative ratios, a moderate discriminatory efficiency of 64.7% was obtained. The results indicate that sulcus outline analysis could be used alone to discriminate white croaker stocks, and that both sulcus and otolith outline analyses discriminated the fish stocks at a higher classification rate than the shape indices. The sulcus outline analysis provided complementary information to the whole otolith outline analysis for stock discrimination. Both the sulcus and otolith outline analyses efficiently discriminated between the most geographically separated CJE and HHE stocks, indicating that they could be considered discrete stocks for fishery management.

여자만 입구 해역에서 소형기선저인망에 어획된 어류의 종조성 및 군집분석

Community structure and species composition of fish in the mouth of Yeoja bay were investigated using samples collected by a small otter trwal in March and August, 2019. A total of 3,198 fishes were sampled and classified into 38 species, 27 families, and 9 orders. The dominant species was Pennahia argentata (505 individuals, 15.8%), Ilisha elongata (234 individuals, 7.3%), and Engraulis japonicus (222 individuals, 6.9%). The highest number of individuals was found in St. 2 (1,516 individuals), while the lowest number of individuals was found in St. 3 (663 individuals). The richness index was the highest in St. 2 (RI=3.69) and the lowest in St. 3 (RI=3.39). The evenness index was the highest in St. 3 (E=0.91) and the lowest in St. 2 (E=0.86). The diversity index was the highest in St. 1 (H’=2.96) and the lowest in St. 2 (H’=2.85). The dominance index was the highest in St. 2 (D=31.4%) and the lowest in St. 1 (D=23.2%).

Dietary study using set-nets produces bias in prey choice of fish: A case of three coastal fishes inhabiting southern Korean waters

Prey selection by marine fishes is highly dependent on whether available food resources are abundant or deficient in their feeding grounds. The influence of fishing method on prey choice was analyzed via stomach content analyses of three coastal fishes: Pennahia argentata, Sillago japonica, and Thryssa kammalensis. Fish samples were collected from northern Jinju Bay, Korea, using two types of fishing gear that covered two different fishing layers in the water column: beam-trawl (bottom layer) and set-net (surface layer). When caught via beam-trawl, all three target species were function as bottom-feeding carnivores that consumed mainly benthic crustaceans and other invertebrates. In contrast, when caught via set-net, teleosts were the most abundant prey items in the diets of the three species. Significant differences in the diet composition between beam-trawl and set-net samples were revealed using permutational multivariate analysis of variance. Although seasonal changes in diet composition were also evident, the influence of season was weaker than that of fishing gear. Consequently, in this study, stomach content analysis demonstrated that set-net made a strong effect on prey selection by the co-occurring P. argentata, S. japonica, and T. kammalensis in southern Korean waters.

Quality improvement of thermally induced surimi gels by extensive washing for dressed white croaker to remove contamination by body surface mucus proteases

Body surface mucus was scraped off from white croaker Pennahia argentata after washing with two different procedures, suspended in cold water and filtered through a filter paper. The filtrate thus obtained was lyophilized and defined as the fish body surface substances. The relative level of the substances obtained after high-pressure water washing was 28.8% and significantly lower than those obtained after conventional washing (68.8%) and without washing (100%). The breaking strength of thermally induced gels prepared by pre-heating at 65 °C mimicking modori for 60 min after the high-pressure water washing was 3.8 N and was significantly higher than that after the conventional washing (2.6 N) and without washing (2.1 N). These results suggest that rheological properties of thermally induced gels can be improved with an extensive washing of fish material. The degradation of myosin heavy chain was recognized, when the water soluble fraction of the lyophilized powder of the fish body surface mucus was added into the ordinary muscle homogenate at around 60 °C and pH 8.15, suggesting that proteases were present in the fish body surface mucus. Such novel findings are useful for avoiding the modori phenomenon and thus improving the quality of surimi-based products.

Germ cell-less hybrid fish: ideal recipient for spermatogonial transplantation for the rapid production of donor-derived sperm†.

An interspecific hybrid marine fish that developed a testis-like gonad without any germ cells, i.e., a germ cell-less gonad, was produced by hybridizing a female blue drum Nibea mitsukurii with a male white croaker Pennahia argentata. In this study, we evaluated the suitability of the germ cell-less fish as a recipient by transplanting donor testicular cells directly into the gonads through the urogenital papilla. The donor testicular cells were collected from hemizygous transgenic, green fluorescent protein (gfp) (+/-) blue drum, and transplanted into the germ cell-less gonads of the 6-month-old adult hybrid croakers. Fluorescent and histological observations showed the colonization, proliferation, and differentiation of transplanted spermatogonial cells in the gonads of hybrid croakers. The earliest production of spermatozoa in a hybrid recipient was observed at 7 weeks post-transplantation (pt), and 10% of the transplanted recipients produced donor-derived gfp-positive spermatozoa by 25 weeks pt. Sperm from the hybrid recipients were used to fertilize eggs from wild-type blue drums, and approximately 50% of the resulting offspring were gfp-positive, suggesting that all offspring originated from donor-derived sperm that were produced in the transplanted gfp (+/-) germ cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of successful spermatogonial transplantation using a germ cell-less adult fish as a recipient. This transplantation system has considerable advantages, such as the use of comparatively simple equipment and procedures, and rapid generation of donor-derived spermatogenesis and offspring, and presents numerous applications in commercial aquaculture.