Female Prochilodus nigricans could be induced to spawn by three doses each of at least 1.45 pituitary glands per kg live weight at 6-h intervals. Spawning occurred 16–20 h after the first injection. Males seem to require higher doses; they did not join in spawning but could be stripped. Pituitary glands of P. nigricans can be replaced by those of Abramis brama.