Some data on the structure of the gonads of manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus (Mullidae) from the Nha Trang Bay, South China Sea

Abstract

Gonadal differentiation and development of sex cells are described in the tropical representative of the family Mullidae, manybar goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus, using histological methods and observations of oocytes in vivo. Anatomical differentiation of the gonads is registered by approximately 5 cm fork length (FL) and 1.5 g body weight of the fish, and cytological differentiation (in the females) occurs by approximately 6 cm body length and 2.6 g body weight. In the ovaries of sexually mature females before spawning, oocytes of all phases and periods of development can be found. Based on the gonadal structure and frequency distribution of oocyte diameter, the type of oogenesis is continuous.