Histological Study on the Gonads of Reared Juvenile Sturgeon

Histological studies are of the most adequate way to determine the physiological condition of fish organs. The present research was carried out in order to conduct a qualitative evaluation of the growth and development of the reproductive system of three sturgeon species (Acipenser persicus, Acipenser gueldenstaedti, and Huso huso). In this evaluation two histological approaches, gonadectomy and biopsy, were employed. The studied sturgeons consisted of 58 one, two and six years old reared juveniles. Some 60% of the one-year-old Huso huso were of unknown sex, 20% were previtellogic females and 20% of the males were in the early stage of spermatogenesis. On the other hand 50% of the one-year-old Acipenser persicus were also of unknown sex, 30% premature females and 20% premature males. Some 30% of two-year-old Huso huso were of unknown sex, 40% premature females and 10% of the females were in stage I of sexual maturity and 10% were premature males. Among the six-year-old specimens, 60% of the Acipenser persicus were females in stage II of sexual maturity, 20% were males between stage II and III of sexual maturity and 20% were of unknown sex, while in the same age group 50% ofAcipenser gueldenstaedti were males in stage II of sexual maturity and 50% were females in stage II(semi lipid) of sexual maturity. The results of the study indicated that 28.75% were females were in stage II of the sexual maturity, 14.28% were female in stage II (lipid) of sexual maturity, 14.28% females in stage I of sexual maturity, 28.75% males between stage II and III of sexual maturity and 14.28% were males in stage IV of sexual maturity. The conducted study on the juvenile sturgeon confirmed that the growth process of the gonads occurred as it would have happened under natural circumstances. Occurrence of six-year-old Huso huso in stage IV of sexual maturity indicated that the rearing conditions in the fiberglass tanks and earthen ponds have been favorable and on the other hand no extra surplus energy has been used.

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