Motility, viability and fertility of goldfish Carassius auratus (Pisces: Cyprinidae) post short-term cryopreservation

BACKGRUND

Goldfish Carassius auratus is a popular ornamental fish extensively cultured worldwide. Sperm cryopreservation is a common fish breeding method that ensures sperm availability around the year. Studies on cryopreservation of goldfish sperm, especially on the suitability of cryoprotectant types and pre-freezing time, are scarcely available.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most suitable type of cryoprotectant and pre-freezing for the successful cryopreservation of goldfish sperm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A completely randomized design with two factors was utilized in this study. The first factor is the type of cryoprotectants, which included methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and DMSO. The second is pre-freezing times of 10, 20, 30, and 40 min at each of the pre-freezing temperatures of 4 degree C, -10 degree C, and -79 degree C, meaning that the total times for the ramping down of temperature were 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, respectively. The Ringer solution and 10% egg yolk were used as extender and extracellular cryoprotectant. The sperm was stored at -179 degree C for 7 days.

RESULTS

The ANOVA test showed that cryoprotectants and pre-freezing significantly affected the motility, viability, and fertility of goldfish sperm after freezing in liquid nitrogen for 7 days (P<0.05). Furthermore, 10% DMSO combined with 15% egg yolk with an pre-freezing time of 20 min can maintain sperm motility, viability, and fertility higher than other treatments, by 79%, 80%, and 33%, respectively. The agarose gel electrophoresis showed no DNA fragmentation in all samples, including fresh sperm.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that 10% DMSO combined with 15% egg yolk and 20 min pre-freezing is the best treatment for goldfish sperm cryopreservation. DOI: 10.54680/fr23310110412.

Effect of type and concentration of cryoprotectant on the motility, viability, and fertility of climbing perch Anabas testudineus Bloch, 1792 (Pisces: Anabantidae) sperm

The climbing perch, Anabas testudineus is a freshwater fish that has economic value in Indonesia. It is cultured in the country, but the breeding technology, specifically sperm storage, is not well developed. Sperm cryopreservation is one of the preservation methods that need to be developed to support fish breeding technology. The type of cryoprotectants and its concentration are species-dependent and determines the success of this approach. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the optimal type and concentration of cryoprotectant for sperm cryopreservation of A. testudineus. Four separate study series were performed, each of which evaluated one type of cryoprotectant at five concentration levels. The cryoprotectants used were DMSO, methanol, glycerol, and ethanol, and the tested concentrations were 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, which were combined with 5% egg yolks. Each treatment was conducted with three replications. The results showed that the type of cryoprotectant and its concentration significantly affected sperm motility, viability, and fertility of climbing perch (P < 0.05). The best outcome was obtained in DMSO, and methanol at a concentration of 10%, glycerol at 5%, and ethanol at 15%. However, the highest motility, viability, and fertility values were observed at 10% DMSO, indicating it is the best type and concentration for sperm cryopreservation of climbing perch A. testudineus.

Improvement of sperm quality of the depik fish, rasbora tawarensis, after cryopreservation using antioxidant

BACKGROUND

The cryopreservation of the sperm of the depik fish, Rasbora tawarensis, has previously been developed. However, the quality of the sperm post cryopreservation was not satisfactory and might be improved through the application of antioxidants.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most suitable antioxidant for the cryopreservation of the depik fish spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A completely randomized design with a non-factorial experiment was used and the tested antioxidants were glutathione, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 6 % concentrations. All treatments had three replications. The sperms were collected from 10 male fishes and diluted with Ringer solution in a ratio of 1: 20 (v/v, sperm: Ringer solution). Then 5% DMSO and 5 % egg yolk were added to the diluted sperms. Furthermore, 6 % of the tested antioxidants were added to the diluents, and then, cryopreservation was carried out in liquid nitrogen for 14 days.

RESULTS

The ANOVA test showed that the application of antioxidants significantly affected the sperm motility, fertility, and hatching rates of the eggs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the antioxidants also protected the sperm cells during cryopreservation, with glutathione being the best antioxidant.

CONCLUSION

The application of antioxidants during the cryopreservation of depik fish sperm had a significant effect on motility, fertility and hatchability of eggs post-cryo. Furthermore, glutathione was the most suitable antioxidant. doi.org/10.54680/fr23110110312.

Lernaea cyprinacea Linnaeus, 1758 (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) infection on Betta rubra Perugia, 1893 (Anabantiformes: Osphronemidae) from Aceh Province, Indonesia

Betta rubra is an ornamental freshwater fish endemic to northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The B. rubra population has decreased in recent decades, and is classified as an endangered species in the IUCN Red List. This study aims to report for the first time infection by L. cyprinacea in B. rubra harvested from the Aceh Besar region of Indonesia. The fish samples were obtained from the Cot Bira tributaries, Aceh Besar District, Indonesia from January to December 2020. The results showed that the parasite infected 6 out of 499 samples in August and September, with a prevalence and intensity rate of 1% and 2 parasites/fish, respectively. The eyes and pectoral fins were the common infection sites. Despite B. rubra is not an optimal host (small size) for the parasite, this parasite might serve as additional threatening factors for the endangered B. rubra fish population.

Improvement of sperm quality of the depik fish, rasbora tawarensis, after cryopreservation using antioxidant

BACKGROUND

The cryopreservation of the sperm of the depik fish, Rasbora tawarensis, has previously been developed. However, the quality of the sperm post cryopreservation was not satisfactory and might be improved through the application of antioxidants.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most suitable antioxidant for the cryopreservation of the depik fish spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A completely randomized design with a non-factorial experiment was used and the tested antioxidants were glutathione, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 6 % concentrations. All treatments had three replications. The sperms were collected from 10 male fishes and diluted with Ringer solution in a ratio of 1: 20 (v/v, sperm: Ringer solution). Then 5% DMSO and 5 % egg yolk were added to the diluted sperms. Furthermore, 6 % of the tested antioxidants were added to the diluents, and then, cryopreservation was carried out in liquid nitrogen for 14 days.

RESULTS

The ANOVA test showed that the application of antioxidants significantly affected the sperm motility, fertility, and hatching rates of the eggs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the antioxidants also protected the sperm cells during cryopreservation, with glutathione being the best antioxidant.

CONCLUSION

The application of antioxidants during the cryopreservation of depik fish sperm had a significant effect on motility, fertility and hatchability of eggs post-cryo. Furthermore, glutathione was the most suitable antioxidant. doi.org/10.54680/fr23110110312.

Effect of cryoprotectant on the motility, viability, fertilization, and DNA integrity of naleh fish Barbonymus sp. (Cyprinidae) sperm

Naleh fish Barbonymus sp. is a commercial freshwater fish, which is indigenous to Aceh, Indonesia. The population of this species has declined over the years as a result of habitat perturbations and overfishing. Hence, the crucial need to develop a cryopreservation method to support breeding programs. This involved the use of a cryoprotectant as an important component. The objective of this study, therefore, was to explore the best cryoprotectant for naleh fish spermatozoa, and a total of five types were tested. These include the DMSO, Methanol, Ethanol, Glycerol, and Ethylene Glycol at a similar concentration of 10%, which were individually combined with 15% egg yolk, and every treatment was performed in three replications. Conversely, Ringer’s solution was adopted as an extender, and the sperm was cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 15 days. The results showed significant influence on sperm motility and viability, as well as egg fertility of naleh fish (P <0.05), although the DMSO provided the best outcome, compared to others at 47.17%, 50.13%, and 45.67%, respectively. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation had not occurred in the fresh and cryopreserved sperm samples, indicating the protective effect of tested cryoprotectants. It is concluded that the 10% DMSO and 15% egg yolk is the best cryoprotectant for naleh fish spermatozoa.

Antibacterial activity in secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background: Disease causing bacteria such as Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa present a problem for fish farming. Treatment to remove them are generally carried out using antibiotics which have side effects on fish, the environment and humans. However, the use of antibacterial compounds derived from heterotrophic bacteria serve as a good alternative for antibiotics. Therefore, this study aimed to explore antibacterial activity in the secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: Heterotrophic bacteria namely Bacillus sp. JS04 MT102913.1, Bacillus toyonensis JS08 MT102920.1, Bacillus cereus JS10 MT102922.1, Bacillus sp. JS11 MT102923.1, Pseudoalteromonas sp. JS19 MT102924.1, Bacillus cereus JS22 MT102926.1, and Bacillus sp. strain JS25 MT102927.1 were used in this study. The sequences of these bacteria have been deposited and are available from NCBI GenBank. Each heterotrophic bacterium was cultured on 6L nutrient broth for 8 days, and extracts produced using ethyl acetate to obtain their secondary metabolites. These extracts were tested for their phytochemical contents using FT-IR and also tested for their inhibitory property in pathogenic bacteria by agar diffusion method. Results: Phytochemical test results showed that the seven heterotrophic bacterial isolates produced terpenoid compounds. Based on the inhibitory test, the secondary metabolite extracts from Bacillus sp strain JS04 had the highest inhibitory effect on the growth of pathogenic bacteria namely, V. alginolyticus (17.5 mm), A. hydrophila (16.8 mm), and P. aeruginosa (17.3 mm). Conclusion: It was concluded that the secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria inhibit the growth of V. alginolyticus, A. hydrophila, and P. aeruginosa.

The Effect of Glutathione on The Quality of Aceh Local Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Spermatozoa After Cryopreservation

The cryopreservation process might reduce the quality of spermatozoa due to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compounds during cooling, freezing, and thawing. The quality of spermatozoa can be maintained by adding glutathione as an exogenous antioxidant into cryo-diluent. This study aimed to examine the effect of the addition of different doses of glutathione in cryopreservation of Aceh Local catfish (Clarias gariepinus) spermatozoa after freezing. The method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. Fresh semen was diluted in Ringer, 15% DMSO, and 20% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and then added with glutathione antioxidants of 0.0 mgL-1, 0.5 mgL-1, 1.0 mgL-1, and 2.0 mgL-1. The parameters observed in this study were motility, integrity of the plasma membrane, fertility, and DNA integrity. The results showed that the concentration of glutathione had no effect on motility, integrity ofthe plasma membrane, or fertility, but had an effect on DNA integrity. The highest percentage of motility and plasma membrane integrity respectively was 40.50% (P3) and 70.87% (P2). Furthermore, the assessment of DNA integrity showed that there was no DNA fragmentation both treatments and fresh spermatozoa. This research is the first study regarding glutathione supplementation in cryo-diluent of Aceh Local catfish spermatozoa. Finally, the results obtained can provide information about the exact concentration of glutathione in the extender on the quality of spermatozoa of Aceh Local catfish (C. gariepinus) after the cryopreservation process. These results can also increase the success of fertility be used by the seed hall unit and the aquaculture industry to increase the productivity and supply high quality seeds.

Length-weight relationships and condition factors of mullets Liza macrolepis and Moolgarda engeli (Pisces: Mugilidae) harvested from Lambada Lhok waters in Aceh Besar, Indonesia

Background: The mullets fish Liza macrolepis and Moolgarda engeli are predominant in the Lambada Lhok waters in Aceh province. At present, no scientific report on this species in Aceh waters is available. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to examine the growth pattern and condition factor of the species of mullets L. macrolepis and M. engeli harvested from the aforementioned coastal waters. Methods: The sampling was done in three locations in the Lambada Lhok waters from July to November 2018. The fish were captured using gillnets from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM four times a month for five months.  A total of 242 L. macrolepis and 109 M. engeli were used for the analysis. The growth pattern was analyzed using linear allometric model; then, two condition factors, Fulton's and relative weight, were calculated. Results: The study revealed a b value of 2.49 for the male L. macrolepis and 1.81 for the female. The b value was 3.22 for the male M. engeli and 3.41 for the female. The b value of the fish was higher during the dry season. The Fulton's condition factor of the male L. macrolepis was 1.19, and that of the female was 1.19. The relative condition factor of this species was 100.11 and 100.01 for males and females, respectively. The Fulton condition factor of male M. engeli was 1.05 and that of the female was 1.06. The relative weight condition factors were 101.08 and 100.61 for the male and female, respectively.   Conclusions: The growth pattern of  M. engeli tends to be isometric, whereas that of  L. macrolepis has a negative allometric growth pattern. The condition factors indicate that the Lambada Lhok waters are still in good condition and support the growth of the mullets, but  M. engeli is more adaptable than  L. macrolepis.

Disentangling the taxonomy of the subfamily Rasborinae (Cypriniformes, Danionidae) in Sundaland using DNA barcodes

Sundaland constitutes one of the largest and most threatened biodiversity hotspots; however, our understanding of its biodiversity is afflicted by knowledge gaps in taxonomy and distribution patterns. The subfamily Rasborinae is the most diversified group of freshwater fishes in Sundaland. Uncertainties in their taxonomy and systematics have constrained its use as a model in evolutionary studies. Here, we established a DNA barcode reference library of the Rasborinae in Sundaland to examine species boundaries and range distributions through DNA-based species delimitation methods. A checklist of the Rasborinae of Sundaland was compiled based on online catalogs and used to estimate the taxonomic coverage of the present study. We generated a total of 991 DNA barcodes from 189 sampling sites in Sundaland. Together with 106 previously published sequences, we subsequently assembled a reference library of 1097 sequences that covers 65 taxa, including 61 of the 79 known Rasborinae species of Sundaland. Our library indicates that Rasborinae species are defined by distinct molecular lineages that are captured by species delimitation methods. A large overlap between intraspecific and interspecific genetic distance is observed that can be explained by the large amounts of cryptic diversity as evidenced by the 166 Operational Taxonomic Units detected. Implications for the evolutionary dynamics of species diversification are discussed.

Potential of bacteriocins produced by probiotic bacteria isolated from tiger shrimp and prawns as antibacterial to Vibrio, Pseudomonas, and Aeromonas species on fish

Backgrounds: Bacteriocin has been used widely in industry as a biopreservative agent. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potency of Bacteriocin isolated from tiger prawn Penaeus monodon and freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium rosenbergii as an anti-bacterial on fish. Methods: A total of ten candidates of probiotic bacteria consisted of five isolates from tiger shrimps (H1, H2, H3, H4, H5) and five isolates from freshwater prawns (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5) were evaluated. Bacteriocin wasBacteriocin was produced by centrifugation at a speed of 150 rpm and at 37 °C for 24 hours. The bacteriocin extract was purified by adding sulphate ammonium salt {(NH4) 2SO4} at 80% of the saturation level. Bacteriocin activity was determined using a diffusion method against pathogenic bacteria Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophillaAeromonas hydrophilla and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Bacteriocins were analyzed usinganalyzedusing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and followed with Duncans multiple range test. Results: Bacteriocins produced by bacteria isolate H4 from tiger prawn indicated the highest bacteriocin activity againstbacteriocin activity against Pseudomonas stutzeri at stutzeri at the diameter of inhibition zone of 887.10 ± 409.24 mm 2/mL. While isolate W2 from freshwater shrimp indicated inhibition zone of 1466.96 ± 127.62 mm 2/mL. Both bacteriocins were purified by chromatography column using Sephadex LH-20. Conclusions: This finding showed that bacterial isolates H4 and W2 have the potential to produce bacteriocins which inhibit the pathogenic bacteria. FTIR analysis showed an amide group at wave number 1652cm -1 contained in the bacteriocins of isolates H4 and W2.

Phenotype and genotype of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus alimentary tract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been isolated successfully from the tiger grouper Epinephelusfuscoguttatus intestine. However, their genus or species have not been identified. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to characterize the three isolated LAB (KSBU-12C, KSBU-5Da, and KSBU-9) based on their phenotype and genotype. The LAB phenotype was examined by observing morphological features including cell morphology, spore production and motility. The physiological tests were performed in 6.5% NaCl at the  temperatures of 10 ^oC and 45 ^oC, and the biochemical tests were evaluated based on the production of enzymes catalase, oxidase and arginine dehydrolase, following  the Standard Analytical Profile Index, API 50 CH kit.  The genotype was examined based on 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis , and the products were analyzed using the BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) NCBI database. The three isolates (KSBU-5Da, KSBU-12C, and KSBU-9) were categorized into the genus Enterococcus. 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that the isolates had 99% similarity to E. hirae ATCC 9790, registered in GenBank with accession number NR_075022.1. It was concluded that the three LAB isolates taken from the tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus are E. hirae.

Induced spawning of siban fish Cyclocheilichthys apogon using Ovaprim

Background: The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of Ovaprim dosage on the latency period, relative number of ovulated eggs, fertilization, hatching, and survival rates of the siban fish, Cyclocheilichthys apogon. Methods: Three dosages of Ovaprim were tested in this study, namely 0.3 ml kg-1 of broodfish body weight, 0.5 ml kg-1 body weight, and 0.7 ml kg-1 body weight, plus control (without Ovaprim).  Results: The results showed that the best latency period, relative number of ovulated eggs, fertilization, hatching, and survival rates were obtained at a dosage of 0.7 ml kg ^-1 body weight. Conclusions: The best dosage of Ovaprim for siban fish from the dosages tested, was determined to be 0.7 ml kg-1 body weight.

Effect of Temperature Shock on the Triploidization Success Rate of Seurukan Fish (Osteochilus vittatus)

<p>Seurukan fish (<em>Osteochilus vittatus</em>) has many advantages, besides the fish also has disadvantages which are the slow growth, so the temperature shock of triploidization technique was expected to solve the problem.   The objective of the present study was to obtain an effective temperature to increase of triploidization success of <em>seurukan</em> fish (<em>Osteochilus vittatus</em>). The experimental method and completely randomized design model were used in this study. Five levels of temperature shocks at three replicates were tasted: 4℃ (cold), 6℃ (cold), 28℃ (normal), 35℃ (heat) and 37℃ (heat). The sperms and eggs were fertilized in the plastic jar then a total 100 of fertilized eggs (zygotes) were taken randomly 3 minutes after fertilization and soaked in respective temperature for 90 seconds, and then incubated in incubation jars at the water temperature of 28-29℃. The results showed that the temperature shock gave the significant effect on the hatching and the success of triploidization success (P˂0.05), but did not give the significant effect the fertility and survival rates (P&gt;0.05). The triploid fish can be achieved using cold and heat shock, but the higher triploid fish was recorded at 37℃ was the best temperature recommended for triploidization of <em>Seurukan</em> fish.</p>

Growth performance and feed utilization of keureling fish Tor tambra (Cyprinidae) fed formulated diet supplemented with enhanced probiotic

Background The objective of the present study was to determine the optimum dosage of probiotic in the diet of keureling fish ( Tor tambra) fry. MethodsLactobacillus casei from Yakult® was used as a starter, and enhanced with Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Kaempferia galanga and molasses. The mixture was fermented for 7 days prior to use as probiotic in a formulated diet containing 30% crude protein. Four levels of probiotic dosage; 0 ml kg -1 (control), 5 ml kg -1, 10 ml kg -1 and 15 ml kg -1 were tested in this study. The fish was fed twice a day at 08.00 AM and 06.00 PM at the ration of 5% body weight for 80 days. Results The results showed that growth performance and feed efficiency increased with increasing probiotic dosage in the diet from control (no probiotic) to 10 ml kg -1 of probiotic dosage and then decreased when the dosage was increased up to 15 ml kg -1. Conclusions The best values for all measured parameters were recorded at the dosage of 10 ml kg -1. Therefore, it was concluded that the optimum dosage of enhanced probiotic for T. tambra fry was 10 ml kg -1 of feed.

The Effectiveness of Experimental Diet with Varying Levels of Papain on The Growth Performance, Survival Rate and Feed Utilization of Keureling Fish (Tor tambra)

<p>The objective of present study was to determine the optimum level of papain in the diet of <em>keureling </em>fish (<em>Tor tambra</em>). The complete random design was utilized in this study. Six levels of papain dosage were tested in triplicates, i.e. 0 (control); 17.5 mg kg^-1,  20.0 mg kg^-1, 22.5 mg kg^-1, 25.0 mg kg^-1 and 27.5 mg kg^-1 of feed. The experimental fish were fed the experimental diet two times a day at 8 AM and 5 PM at feeding level of 5% body weight for 90 days. The Anova test result showed that papain enzyme  gave a significant effect on the weight gain, daily growth rate, specific growth rate, survival rate, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency (P&lt;0.05). The Duncan multi-rage test result showed that the higher values for all measured parameters were obtained at the dosage of 27.5 mg kg^-1. Therefore, it is concluded that the optimum dosage of papain enzyme for <em>keureling</em> fish was 27.5 mg kg^-1of feed.</p>

Ichthyofauna of Tripa Peat Swamp Forest, Aceh province, Indonesia

The Tripa Peat Swamp Forest (TPSF) suffers from deforestation due to agriculture, this habitat degradation potentially has a negative impact on fish biodiversity and community assemblages. The objective of this study was to develop an inventory of the fish fauna, evaluate the spatial variation in assemblage structure, document alien species, and quantify the economic value of fish species found from the area. Fish assemblages from the main rivers and tributaries of TPSF were sampled on May to June 2013. A total of 764 individuals were sampled during the survey, constituting 34 families, 47 genera, and 73 species where 46 species are categorized as fish consumption, 17 have potential for aquaculture, and 10 species have potential for ornamental, and three are non native. Cyprinidae is the predominant fish family within the TPSF. Fish assemblages were generally characterized by small population size for each species and low similarity among sites, reflecting the distinctive nature of each sampling site.

Remarkably low genetic variation but high population differentiation in the climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Anabantidae), based on the mtDNA control region

Anabas testudineus (Anabantidae) is an important food fish in Southeast Asia. We analyzed the mitochondrial DNA control region sequence data to evaluate the genetic variability and population structure of this species. Sixty specimens were collected from four populations in Sumatra and two populations in Peninsular Malaysia. We found a very low level of genetic variability, with five of the six populations exhibiting total absence of genetic variation. Based on analysis of molecular variance, 84.72% of the total variation was among populations and 15.28% within populations. A geographical division based on FST values indicated highly significant genetic differentiation among populations from the four drainage systems: Aceh, Sumatra Utara, Pulau Pinang, and Terengganu (FST ranging from 0.633 to 1.000). No phylogeographic relationships among populations were detected, despite the generation of four distinct clades in a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree.

Spawning seasons of Rasbora tawarensis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in Lake Laut Tawar, Aceh province, Indonesia

BACKGROUND

Rasbora tawarensis is an endemic freshwater fish in Lake Laut Tawar, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Unfortunately, its status is regarded as critical endangered with populations decreasing in recent years. To date no information on the spawning activities of the fish are available. Therefore, this study provides a contribution to the knowledge on reproductive biology of R. tawarensis especially on spawning seasons as well as basic information for conservation of the species.

METHODS

Monthly sampling was conducted from April 2008 to March 2009 by using selective gillnets. The gonadosomatic index, size composition and sex ratio were assessed. The gonadal development was evaluated based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the gonads.

RESULTS

The gonadosomatic index (GSI) varied between 6.65 to 18.16 in female and 4.94 to 8.56 for male. GSI of the female R. tawarensis was higher in March, September and December indicating the onset of reproductive seasons, the GSI and oocyte size being directly correlated with gonadal development stages. Although, a greater proportion of mature male than female was detected during the study, the sex ratio showed that the overall number of female was higher than male. The ovaries had multiple oocyte size classes at every stage of gonadal development, thus R. tawarensis can be classified as a group synchronous spawner or a fractional multiple spawner.

CONCLUSION

The spawning seasons of R. tawarensis were three times a year and September being the peak of the reproductive season and the female was the predominant sex. This species is classified as a group synchronous spawner.

Influence of cryoprotectants on abnormality and motility of baung (Mystus nemurus) spermatozoa after long-term cryopreservation

Study on the effect of cryoprotectants on abnormality and motility of baung, Mystus nemurus spermatozoa were evaluated using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Four cryoprotectants, dmso, ethanol, methanol and glycerol at concentration of 10% were tested in triplicates. Three ml of fresh sperm which was diluted with 60 ml of ringer solution was added to each of twelve 5-ml vials containing of 0.50-ml of the cryoprotectants. The vials were placed in an icebox containing dry ice 5 min and then storage into container containing liquid nitrogen for 13 months. The effect of cryoprotectants on the spermatozoa abnormality and motility were significant (P<0.05). The spermatozoa abnormality was significantly lower in methanol (62.65%) compared with the other cryoprotectants. The spermatozoa motility was higher in methanol, but not significantly different with ethanol (P>0.05). It is a negative correlation between sperm motility and abnormality. Generally, higher abnormalities of spermatozoa resulted low motility.

Preliminary study on the cryopreservation of tropical bagrid catfish (Mystus nemurus) spermatozoa; the effect of extender and cryoprotectant on the motility after short-term storage

The effects of different extenders, and cryoprotectants on the motility of tropical bagrid catfish (Mystus nemurus) spermatozoa were evaluated after short-term storage. Three extenders, physiological saline, Ringer or saline at three levels of sperm to extender dilutions (1:20, 1:30, or 1:40) and four cryoprotectants (DMSO, ethanol, glycerol or methanol) at three concentrations (5, 10, or 15%) were examined in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, milt was suspended in the respective extender at the three milt to extender dilution ratios in two sets of tubes. Extended milt in the first set of tubes was stored at -4 degrees C, and motility assessed after 24h, while the second set was kept at 23 degrees C and sperm motility was assessed immediately and at 30-min intervals thereafter. Ringer retained sperm motility better than the other extenders at all dilution levels at temperatures of 23 and -4 degrees C respectively. At 23 degrees C, the sperm motility was almost completely lost after 150 min except for those in Ringer at 1:20 dilution level which still had a motility of 18% (compared to those kept at -4 degrees C for 24, which had motility from 39 to 71%, regardless of extender). In the second experiment, various cryoprotectants were added to solutions of milt (that was diluted in Ringer at 1:20 ratio and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 15 days). Sperm cryopreserved in 10% methanol had the highest motility (58%) compared with those in the other cryoprotectants at all concentrations.