Otocinclus spectabilis fecundity

Fecundity is the estimated number of oocytes which a female could be expected to expel during one spawning; this is thus one of the most used indicators for evaluating fish species'reproductive potential and their farming potential. The ovaries of mature wild female fish were studied to contribute towards knowledge regarding this criterion. Fish and ovaries were weighted individually and the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated. Each ovary was digested in Gilson's solution for 20 days and then screened through a 500 µm mesh; the retained oocytes were counted (by stereomicroscope) and fecundity was thus estimated. The relative fecundity to weight (RFW) ratio was also calculated and oocyte diameters were measured. Atenth part of five ovaries was processed by conventional histology (haematoxylin and eosion- H&E - stain) to study oocyte development and types of spawning.