Accuracy of histology, endoscopy, ultrasonography, and plasma sex steroids in describing the population reproductive structure of hatchery‐origin and wild white sturgeon

Maskill, Paige A. C.; Crossman, James A.; Webb, Molly A. H.; Marrello, Marco M.; Guy, Christopher S.

doi:10.1111/jai.14280

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 49 publications

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“…Histological analysis of gonadal tissue is the most accurate method for assigning sex and reproductive stage (Hunter and Macewicz 1985), but it requires collection of tissue via biopsy (e.g., Maskill et al 2022), catheterization through the urogenital pore (Rottmann et al 1991), or euthanization of the fish (e.g., McGarvey et al 2020). Gonadal tissue cannot always be collected, especially for threatened or endangered populations; therefore, increased confidence in less‐invasive and nonlethal methods of assigning sex and gametogenic stage or reproductive phase is required.…”

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confidence: 99%

Population Reproductive Structure of Rainbow Trout Determined by Histology and Advancing Methods to Assign Sex and Assess Spawning Capability

Crossman

Webb

Korman³

et al. 2022

Trans Am Fish Soc

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Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss have been intensively studied and gametogenesis has been described, but the use of reproductive indices in field studies has not been widely applied when assessing variability in growth or recruitment dynamics. We integrated descriptions for gametogenesis within the framework of standardized terminology for reproductive development in teleosts to develop sex‐specific criteria for assignment of reproductive phases. We used these descriptions and histological analysis of gonad tissue collected from Rainbow Trout in the Colorado River downstream from Glen Canyon Dam to quantify season‐, size‐, and sex‐specific variation in population reproductive structure. The accuracy of nonlethal methods (manual expression and ultrasonography) was evaluated for assigning sex by comparing estimates with those determined by histology. Rainbow Trout were sampled through an annual spawning cycle from October 2018 to April 2019. Spawning capable males were available across the entire period, with a higher proportion earlier in the season compared to later. Females were spawning capable in October, with a peak in February; by April, they were in the early developing phase, indicating that spawning had ended. Elevated levels of atresia (19% for fall spawners) and evidence for delayed maturation were identified, suggesting energetic limitations on the reproductive potential of the population. For both sexes, the probability of being spawning capable increased with fork length, with minimum sizes of ≥283 mm for females and ≥187 mm for males. Sex assignment using ultrasonography was more accurate (46%) than manual expression of gametes (9%), as only a small proportion of males and females expressed gametes. Probabilities of correct sex assignment using ultrasonography were strongly influenced by reproductive phase, with spawning capable fish (females: 100%; males: 77%) having significantly higher probabilities of correct sex assignment compared to immature fish. Furthermore, probabilities of correct sex assignment increased with fish size and were higher for females than for males. Results provide a framework for quantifying spawning capability and population reproductive structure in ongoing research to better understand the drivers of recruitment variability in aquatic ecosystems.

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confidence: 99%