Induced Ovarian Maturation of <i>Penaeus vannamei</i> by Implantation of Lobster Ganglion

Abstract

Abstract Induction of ovarian maturation in Penaeus vannamei , by implantation of ganglion prepared from female lobster, Homarus americanus , with developing ovaries was investigated under tank culture conditions. Four of six females with thoracic ganglion implants were maturing while only two of thirteen females of the control groups with abdominal ganglion or no implant matured. Two ripe stage V were found 18 days after implantation of lobster's thoracic ganglion. This indicates that ovarian maturation of P. vannumei in tanks can be induced and accelerated by implantation of thoracic ganglion prepared from maturing females of another species. Ovarian maturation may be induced by a gonad‐stimulating hormone, secreted by the thoracic ganglion of maturing females. This gonnd‐stimdating hormone is not species specific in activity in the shrimp and lobster.