Fish - Inducing Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

Introduction

Among the most significant advancements in the field of aquaculture during recent decades is the development of techniques to induce reproduction in fish. These techniques have allowed farmers to profitably breed and raise species that do not naturally reproduce in captivity, and to manipulate the timing of reproduction to suit production cycles.

Some species will not readily breed in captivity due to environmental or culture conditions that are different from those found in nature, such as water temperature or substrate type. These conditions may cause stress or may not provide the cues needed to complete the reproductive process.

Fish in captivity may not always reproduce at the most advantageous time, and alteration of the spawning cycle may be desirable. This allows a farmer to:

• Obtain fish outside of the normal spawning season either to lengthen time for grow-out or to produce hybrids with other species.
• Improve efficiency by getting fish to spawn on a predetermined date.
• Maximize survival by fertilizing and incubating eggs under hatchery conditions.

Where successful, techniques for altering the spawning cycle of fish have become a valuable tool.