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Fishes
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Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology
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Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology

A special issue of Fishes (ISSN 2410-3888). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 11110

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Walisson De Souza e Silva

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Guest Editor
Escuela de Ciencias del Mar, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Avenida Universidad, 330, Curauma, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
Interests: reproductive physiology; fish reproduction; gametogenesis; endocrine regulation; gonadal development; spawning cycles; reproductive hormones; environmental influences; fish fertility; aquaculture breeding
Prof. Dr. Deliane Cristina Costa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Animal Science, State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana Unit, Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul 79200-000, Brazil
Interests: reproductive physiology; fish reproduction; gametogenesis; endocrine regulation; gonadal development; spawning cycles; reproductive hormones; environmental influences; fish fertility; aquaculture breeding
Prof. Dr. Wei Ge

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
Interests: fish reproduction; ovarian differentiation and development; folliculogenesis; hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis; zebrafish
Dr. Raphael Nogueira Bahiense

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Escuela de Ciencias del Mar, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Avenida Universidad, 330, Curauma, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
Interests: reproductive physiology; fish reproduction; gonadal development; environmental influences; fish fertility; aquaculture breeding

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the reproductive physiology of fish is crucial for enhancing aquaculture production, conserving endangered species, and managing wild populations. Fish exhibit diverse reproductive strategies influenced by environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors, making them an excellent model for studying reproductive biology. Despite significant progress, many aspects of fish reproductive physiology, such as endocrine regulation, environmental triggers, and the impact of stressors, remain underexplored.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive collection of studies that advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying fish reproduction. We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives that explore various facets of fish reproductive physiology. Topics may include but are not limited to gonadal development, gametogenesis, reproductive endocrinology, spawning behavior, environmental influences on reproduction, and the impact of aquaculture practices on reproductive health.

This Special Issue will highlight innovative approaches and novel findings that can contribute to sustainable fish management and breeding programs.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this Special Issue, which will provide an important platform for advancing the field of fish reproductive physiology.

Dr. Walisson De Souza e Silva
Prof. Dr. Deliane Cristina Costa
Prof. Dr. Wei Ge
Guest Editors

Dr. Raphael Nogueira Bahiense
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fishes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • reproduction
  • fish
  • endocrinology
  • gametogenesis
  • spawning
  • hormones
  • gonads
  • aquaculture
  • ovulation
  • spermatogenesis

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 14180 KB  
Article
Embryo and Larval Developmental Staging Guides for Striped Bass
by Erimi Kendrick, Nadya Mamoozadeh, William G. Cope, Russell Borski, Robert W. Clark, Michael S. Hopper and Benjamin J. Reading
Fishes 2026, 11(4), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11040237 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
Reliable developmental benchmarks are essential for synchronizing incubation and first-feeding decisions in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) hatcheries, yet existing references are incomplete, outdated, or difficult to apply across variable temperature regimes. We developed contemporary embryo and larval developmental staging guides for [...] Read more.
Reliable developmental benchmarks are essential for synchronizing incubation and first-feeding decisions in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) hatcheries, yet existing references are incomplete, outdated, or difficult to apply across variable temperature regimes. We developed contemporary embryo and larval developmental staging guides for striped bass using digital imaging and degree day standardization and paired these guides with measurements of early larval mortality and endogenous energy depletion to provide practical context for hatchery management. Larvae were photographed from hatch through metamorphosis to document key morphological transitions, including yolk absorption, mouth formation, swim bladder inflation, fin differentiation, pigmentation, and diet-related developmental milestones. To place these stages in physiological and survival context, aquarium trials showed there was no clear density-dependent mortality across rearing densities of 1.1–6.8 larvae/mL within the first 72 h post-hatch. Yolk reserves were typically depleted by approximately 4–6 days post-hatch (dph), while lipid droplets persisted longer as secondary endogenous energy stores in unfed larvae through 15 dph. Together, these staging guides provide a transferable developmental framework from fertilization to metamorphosis that links external morphology to endogenous reserve depletion and first feeding, thus supporting standardized hatchery monitoring, improved feeding synchronization, and more consistent assessment of embryo and larval quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology)
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13 pages, 1516 KB  
Article
Seminal Quality Variation in Chirostoma humboldtianum During an Annual Cycle and Cryopreservation Effect
by Jesús Dámaso Bustamante-González, Gerardo Figueroa-Lucero, María Cecilia Hernández-Rubio, Judith Sarai Baca-Alejo, Edith Arenas-Ríos, Araceli Cortés-García, Leticia González-Núñez, Mariela Adriana Ydiaquez-Miranda and Alejandro Ávalos-Rodríguez
Fishes 2026, 11(4), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11040213 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 397
Abstract
Chirostoma humboldtianum is an endemic atherinopsid from Mexico that has been of high socio-cultural and economic importance since pre-Hispanic times. It was the first ictic species from Mexico described for science, and it is considered the basal species that gave rise to a [...] Read more.
Chirostoma humboldtianum is an endemic atherinopsid from Mexico that has been of high socio-cultural and economic importance since pre-Hispanic times. It was the first ictic species from Mexico described for science, and it is considered the basal species that gave rise to a nominal group known as white fish or silversides. The aim of this research was to analyze semen quality in relation to breeding fish size and its effect on sperm cryopreservation during an annual cycle. Sexually mature males were collected from January to December 2023, in San Felix dam, Tiacaque, Mexico State, Mexico. The water temperature was measured, and the photoperiod was obtained from the Instituto Nacional de Geografía y Estadística (INEGI). Males were classified into two groups of total length (TL) after analyzing the variation in TL through a size histogram: (G1) 9–13 cm and (G2) longer than 13 cm. Semen volume (µL), sperm concentration (cells µL−1), and motility percentage (%) were determined in all individuals of each group. Likewise, eight straws were cryopreserved per month per group, each one with 10 µL of semen from a mixture of three randomly selected individuals and cryopreserved at −196 °C for 72 h. The post-thawing motility percentage was subsequently verified. Males produce semen continuously all year round, with two periods of higher volume, March and June–August, defining two reproductive periods. The beginning of the first one coincides with the increase in water temperature, from 13 ± 2 to 18 °C. Males with a length more than 13 cm had a higher semen production compared to smaller males (17.33 ± 7.34 and 12.52 ± 4.41 µL, respectively, p < 0.05). The largest semen volumes were registered in March and from June to August in both groups. However, G2 males presented with a larger semen volume. Both groups had a marked decrease in a similar manner in April–May and September to January (p < 0.05). Sperm concentration was similar throughout the year in both groups (p > 0.05) (G1 = 1.35 ± 0.36 × 106 µL−1) (G2 = 1.31 ± 0.35 × 106 µL−1). In addition, fresh sperm motility was high in both groups (G1 = 96 ± 3%, G2 = 97 ± 4%) (p > 0.05). The highest sperm concentrations were observed in March to July, through to October for both groups (p > 0.05), while post-thaw sperm motility decreased by about 50% (G1 = 45 ± 4%) (G2 = 46 ± 6%) during the annual cycle (p > 0.05). The largest post-thaw motility was observed in March and from July to September in G1 and in March and from June to October in G2. Analysis of semen quality throughout the annual cycle reveals aspects of the reproductive biology of C. humboldtianum, including two reproductive peaks and continuous semen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology)
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17 pages, 3911 KB  
Article
Ovarian Developmental Characteristics and Hypothalamic Transcriptomic Analysis of P. leopardus Under Different Aquaculture Modes
by Jingjing Ding, Xin Zhang, Tianyu Jiang, Feng Tang, Liangtao Zheng, Yafeng Tan, Mengmeng Zhang, Jian Luo and Xin Wen
Fishes 2026, 11(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010030 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 523
Abstract
Two rearing systems are used for Plectropomus leopardus: sea-cage culture and the land-based flow-through aquaculture system. Cages approximate natural conditions and yield many high-quality eggs but offer limited control over ovarian development; the land-based system is highly controllable yet ovaries develop slowly [...] Read more.
Two rearing systems are used for Plectropomus leopardus: sea-cage culture and the land-based flow-through aquaculture system. Cages approximate natural conditions and yield many high-quality eggs but offer limited control over ovarian development; the land-based system is highly controllable yet ovaries develop slowly and seldom reach full maturity. We compared these systems by analyzing growth–gonad relationships, monthly hormone profiles (GnRH, E2, GnIH), and hypothalamic transcriptomes in 14- and 18-month-old females. Within each system, body weight did not predict gonadal stage and energy allocation was size-independent. In cages, ovaries reached full maturity with normal histology; in tanks, gonads of all sizes remained at stage III, indicating arrested development. Serum GnRH and E2 displayed parallel increases from 12 to 14 months, declined at 16 months and surged at 18 months in both systems, while GnIH fluctuated inversely, suggesting antagonistic control. Transcriptome analysis identified fshr, cyp11a1 and sox17 as key down-regulated genes in tank-reared fish. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment implicated GnRH, oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome and Wnt pathways in ovarian progression. These findings elucidate reproductive constraints under artificial conditions and provide molecular targets for controllable breeding of P. leopardus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology)
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12 pages, 5807 KB  
Article
Nutrition During Gestation in 2 Species of Viviparous Fishes (Poeciliidae): Poecilia latipinna (Lecithotrophic) and Heterandria formosa (Matrotrophic)
by Mari Carmen Uribe, Adriana García Alarcón, Gabino De la Rosa Cruz and Juan Carlos Campuzano Caballero
Fishes 2026, 11(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010003 - 19 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 886
Abstract
In viviparous teleosts, the lack of oviducts defines intraovarian gestation, with the ovary being the site for oogenesis but also the site for insemination, fertilization, and gestation. Consequently, intraovarian gestation is a complex and exceptional type of reproduction among vertebrates. The analysis of [...] Read more.
In viviparous teleosts, the lack of oviducts defines intraovarian gestation, with the ovary being the site for oogenesis but also the site for insemination, fertilization, and gestation. Consequently, intraovarian gestation is a complex and exceptional type of reproduction among vertebrates. The analysis of the morphological and physiological components of intraovarian gestation documents the evolutionary process of nutrition in viviparous species. Two types of embryonic nutrition may occur during gestation: (a) lecithotrophy, when most nutrients for the embryo come from the abundant yolk stored during oogenesis, and (b) matrotrophy, when nutrients for the embryo with scarce yolk must be obtained during gestation by additional maternal provisioning, developing a placenta. Then, investment of maternal nutrients for the embryo is greater during oogenesis in lecithotrophic species, and investment of maternal resources for the nutrition of the embryo is greater during gestation in matrotrophic species. Microscopic techniques allow for proper observation of maternal and embryonic structures involved in both types of nutrition during the development of embryos. Specifically, we focused on the morphology of placental structures associated with embryonic nutrition at different stages of development, which are the yolk sac and the pericardial sac. The oocytes of Poecilia latipinna contain a large amount of yolk (an average oocyte diameter of 1.9 mm); in contrast, the oocytes of Heterandria formosa contain extremely reduced amounts of yolk (an average oocyte diameter of 0.4 mm). Therefore, these species represent appropriate models for studying the strategy of two different types of embryonic nutrition, lecithotrophy and matrotrophy, in viviparous teleosts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology)
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12 pages, 1132 KB  
Article
Extensive Characterization of Arapaima gigas Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (ag-Fsh) Synthesized in HEK293 Cells
by Eliana R. Lima, Thais C. A. Sevilhano, Thais C. Feitosa, João E. Oliveira, Miriam F. Suzuki, Lucas S. Torati, Paolo Bartolini and Cibele N. Peroni
Fishes 2025, 10(12), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10120607 - 27 Nov 2025
Viewed by 708
Abstract
The cDNA sequences of the common gonadotrophic hormone α-subunit (ag-Gthα) and of the specific follicle-stimulating hormone β-subunit (ag-Fshβ) of the giant Amazonian fish Arapaima gigas have been previously isolated by our research group. A synthesis of ag-Fsh in HEK293 cells and its purification [...] Read more.
The cDNA sequences of the common gonadotrophic hormone α-subunit (ag-Gthα) and of the specific follicle-stimulating hormone β-subunit (ag-Fshβ) of the giant Amazonian fish Arapaima gigas have been previously isolated by our research group. A synthesis of ag-Fsh in HEK293 cells and its purification and preliminary characterization were also carried out. In the present work, ag-Fsh was obtained and purified from the same host cells, and an extensive physical chemical characterization was performed via RP-HPLC, HPSEC, and MALDI-TOF-MS. Ag-Fsh, when compared to human FSH (hFSH), showed a higher hydrophobicity by RP-HPLC and a higher molecular mass (MM) via HPSEC. The same higher MM was also confirmed via MALDI-TOF-MS: 35,353 Da for ag-FSH against 31,969 Da for hFSH. Its immunological activity was also confirmed via an hFSH ELISA, in comparison with the highly purified pituitary preparation of hFSH-AFP7298A, from the National Hormone and Pituitary Program (NHPP-USA), with a clear response that was, however, 1560-fold lower when compared to the purest preparation. Finally, an in vitro bioassay, based on the stimulated release of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) from immature A. gigas testis, quantified ag-Fsh biological activity in comparison with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and with human pituitary FSH-AFP7298A, showing a potency clearly higher than that of hCG. This suggests that injections of ag-Fsh in A. gigas and ag-Fsh cDNA gene therapy applications could be used for improving the reproductive functions of this threatened species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology)
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15 pages, 2267 KB  
Article
Thyroid Hormone (T3) Induces Male-like Reproductive Behavior in Female Tilapia
by Taiga Midorikawa, Ryo Kaneko, Sakura Inoue, Atsuhiro Tsutiya and Ritsuko Ohtani-Kaneko
Fishes 2025, 10(10), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10100525 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1186
Abstract
In most vertebrates, males and females display distinct reproductive behaviors. Some fish can change their sexual phenotype at various life stages, which involves alterations in their gonadal sex and changes in their reproductive behavior to align with the new gonadal identity. Although the [...] Read more.
In most vertebrates, males and females display distinct reproductive behaviors. Some fish can change their sexual phenotype at various life stages, which involves alterations in their gonadal sex and changes in their reproductive behavior to align with the new gonadal identity. Although the sex reversal phenomenon in reproductive behavior is well documented, the underlying mechanisms in the brains of these fish remain largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the roles of the thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine (T3)) in the Mozambique tilapia as a potential regulator of male-specific nest-building behavior and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-3 (GnRH3) neurons, the regulatory neurons of male reproductive behavior, in the terminal nerve (TN) ganglion. T3 injection successfully induced nest-building behavior in mature female fish. T3 injection significantly elevated serum T3 concentrations in treated animals compared with those in controls. Through organotypic culture of brain slices that included the TN region, we demonstrated that T3 could stimulate an increase in the number of GnRH3 neurons, and the effect was inhibited by a thyroid hormone receptor (TR) inhibitor. Additionally, TRβ co-expression was observed in GnRH3 neurons. These findings highlight the crucial roles of T3 and GnRH3 in sex reversal processes within the fish brain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology)
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17 pages, 14593 KB  
Article
Characterization and Differential Expression of Sex Genes in Adults of Tropical Gar (Atractosteus tropicus)
by Otilio Méndez-Marin, María de Lourdes Jiménez-Badillo, Carina Shianya Álvarez-Villagomez, Talhia Martínez-Burguete, Uriel Rodriguez-Estrada, Gloria Gertrudys Asencio-Alcudia, Graciela María Pérez-Jiménez, Gabriela Galindo-Cortés, Virgilio Eugenio Arenas-Fuentes, Rafael Martínez-García, Luis Daniel Jiménez-Martínez and Carlos Alfonso Alvarez-González
Fishes 2025, 10(3), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10030094 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1906
Abstract
The tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) is a primitive freshwater fish of significant commercial importance in southeastern Mexico. However, its population is in danger due to habitat loss and overexploitation. Cultivation emerges as a viable reproductive management strategy; yet further studies are [...] Read more.
The tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) is a primitive freshwater fish of significant commercial importance in southeastern Mexico. However, its population is in danger due to habitat loss and overexploitation. Cultivation emerges as a viable reproductive management strategy; yet further studies are crucial to understanding molecular markers guiding reproductive management, differentiation, and sexual maturation in this species. We analyzed the expression of five sex-related genes (foxl2, sox9, cyp17a1, dmrt1, and cyp19a1) in the brain, liver, and gonads of adult A. tropicus (four females and five males). Methodologically, we collected samples and conducted RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and gene expression analysis using qPCR. The gonadal histology provided morphological context that reveals that the differential expression of genes establishes differences between sexes. The sexual phenotype of females is observed with the high expression of dmrt1, while in males, there is a reduction in the expression of dmrt1 and high levels of sox9, foxl2, and cyp17a1. Our findings establish dmrt1 and cyp19a1 as potential sex biomarkers and provide a molecular basis for developing sexing protocols in A. tropicus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology)
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19 pages, 12715 KB  
Article
Artificial Induction of Spawning in Threeline Grunt, Parapristipoma trilineatum Under Controlled Environmental Conditions
by Jin Woo Park, Jeong-Hyeon Cho, Seong Il Baek, Kang-Hee Im and Yong-Woon Ryu
Fishes 2024, 9(11), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9110453 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 3165
Abstract
The threeline grunt (Parapristipoma trilineatum) is a recently introduced aquaculture species that has attracted considerable interest in Korea. However, research on its aquaculture potential and reproductive biology remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the natural reproductive cycle and the feasibility of [...] Read more.
The threeline grunt (Parapristipoma trilineatum) is a recently introduced aquaculture species that has attracted considerable interest in Korea. However, research on its aquaculture potential and reproductive biology remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the natural reproductive cycle and the feasibility of manipulating the spawning period of the threeline grunt through environmental control. We designed an environmental changes protocol involving a gradual increase in water temperature (16 °C → 21 °C) and extension of photoperiod (10 L → 14 L) from January to April and compared the group exposed to these conditions to those maintained under natural conditions. The experimental group exhibited significantly higher plasma sex steroid hormone levels at 60 and 90 days and significantly higher gonadosomatic index at 100 days. In addition, the experimental group spawned between April and June, approximately 2 months earlier than that of the control group. Despite earlier spawning, no significant differences were found in egg diameter, hatching rate, and larval notochord length. These findings suggest that spawning can be accelerated through photothermal changes without negatively impacting egg and larval quality. This study provides valuable insights into the reproductive biology of the threeline grunt and highlights the potential of utilizing photothermal control to enhance its aquaculture production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fish Reproductive Physiology)
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