Comparing histology and gonadosomatic index for determining spawning condition of small-bodied riverine fishes

Ecology of Freshwater Fish
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

We compared gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histological analysis of ovaries for identifying reproductive periods of fishes to determine the validity of using GSI in future studies. Four small-bodied riverine species were examined in our comparison of the two methods. Mean GSI was significantly different between all histological stages for suckermouth minnow and red shiner. Mean GSI was significantly different between most stages for slenderhead darter; whereas stages 3 and 6 were not significantly different, the time period when these stages are present would allow fisheries biologists to distinguish between the two stages. Mean GSI was not significantly different for many histological stages in stonecat. Difficulties in distinguishing between histological stages and GSI associated with stonecat illustrate potential problems obtaining appropriate sample sizes from species that move to alternative habitats to spawn. We suggest that GSI would be a useful tool in identifying mature ovaries in many small-bodied, multiple-spawning fishes. This information could be combined with data from histology during mature periods to pinpoint specific spawning events. ?? 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Comparing histology and gonadosomatic index for determining spawning condition of small-bodied riverine fishes
Series title Ecology of Freshwater Fish
DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0633.2007.00256.x
Volume 17
Issue 1
Year Published 2008
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Ecology of Freshwater Fish
First page 54
Last page 58
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details