Present study was conducted to analyse the effect of breeding and non-breeding seasons on histomorphological changes in gonads of Clupisoma naziri. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab, Pakistan, 43 mature fish of both sexes were gathered from the Indus River and its tributaries. In the non-breeding season (spring), both testis and ovaries went through a preparatory phase, with thick tunica albuginea and fast spermatogenesis in testes and the formation of cortical alveoli or yolk vesicles in the cortex of the cytoplasm in ovaries. The testicular lobules were loaded with spermatozoa and some spermatogenic cells during breeding season (summer), while the ovaries were filled with mature ovarian follicles. The breeding season is marked by spermatozoa leaking freely from testes and ovaries brimming with completely mature eggs. The gonadosomatic (GSI) results are consistent with the histomorphological results of gonads, as their values peak during breeding season and drop during non-breeding season. C. naziri breeds once a year during the summer season, according to the current study, and this information will aid aqua breeders in the culturing of this commercially significant catfish in Pakistan

Imran Ullah

Muhammad Qayash Khan

Muhammad Zubair Anjum

Nasir Mehmood, Iqra Nasir

Riaz Hussain Pasha

Sana Batool

English

Abasyn Journal of Life Sciences

10 Published by Abasyn University  www.ajlifesciences.com / ISSN: 2663-1040        AJ Life Sci. 2021, 5 (2): 10-16 Histomorphological changes in gonads of Clupisoma naziri during spring and summer season Muhammad Zubair Anjum1, Sana Batool2, Imran Ullah1, Riaz Hussain Pasha2, Muhammad Qayash Khan3, Iqra Nasir4* 1Department of Zoology/Biology, Faculty of Sciences, PMAS - Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan 2Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, PMAS - Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan 3Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. 4Department of Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Rawalpindi Campus, Pakistan. 1. INTRODUCTIONWith the increase in human population the demand of food is also increasing. To overcome this food demand, we need to reproduce the food animals artificially or naturally in confined areas or in the wild. Aquaculture and fisheries have experienced twelve times increase in last three decades in food fish production, making the fish industry one of the fastest growing food industries. Fish is an important source of animal protein. To overcome the shortage of food and to get high level of fish production; understanding of the biology of different economically important fish species is highly required. Although a lot of research has been done on fish life but still there is a need of improvement in many aspects regarding to economically Research Article Abstract Present study was conducted to analyse the effect of breeding and non-breeding seasons on histomorphological changes in gonads of Clupisoma naziri. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab, Pakistan, 43 mature fish of both sexes were gathered from the Indus River and its tributaries. In the non-breeding season (spring), both testis and ovaries went through a preparatory phase, with thick tunica albuginea and fast spermatogenesis in testes and the formation of cortical alveoli or yolk vesicles in the cortex of the cytoplasm in ovaries. The testicular lobules were loaded with spermatozoa and some spermatogenic cells during breeding season (summer), while the ovaries were filled with mature ovarian follicles. The breeding season is marked by spermatozoa leaking freely from testes and ovaries brimming with completely mature eggs. The gonadosomatic (GSI) results are consistent with the histomorphological results of gonads, as their values peak during breeding season and drop during non-breeding season. C. naziri breeds once a year during the summer season, according to the current study, and this information will aid aqua breeders in the culturing of this commercially significant catfish in Pakistan. Keywords: Clupisoma naziri, Gonads, Breeding season, Non-breeding season, Gonadosomatic index. Article Info: Received: May 16, 2022 Received Revised: December 17, 2022 Accepted: December 17, 2022 Available online: December 25, 2022 *Corresponding Author: Iqra.nasir@vu.edu.pkAbasyn Journal of Life Sciences        Open Access     DOI: 10.34091/AJLS.5.2.2 11 Published by Abasyn University important local species. Reproductive behaviour in fishes is one of the most important factors which helps in their management, reproduction and conservation.  To understand fish reproduction and proper stock assessment, the information on size at maturity, spawning season, fecundity and sex ratio is very essential2. Fishes experience environmental extremes that range from 'feast' at high water to 'famine' during low water, when resource competition is severe11. Many fishes store fat energy subcutaneously, in the abdominal cavity, liver and muscles during plentiful resources to utilize them not only for survive a scarce resource period but also to build up gonads in preparation for the breeding season12.  Individuals of similar size captured at the same time had a wide range in fecundity. This could be because some eggs were discharged at different phases of gonad development by different individuals. Variation in fecundity could also be attributable to the presence of a diverse mix of age groups7. The changes in gonadosomatic index (GSI) due to maturation cycle in gonads is a good sign of growth as well as it provides a valuable information of gonad’s condition and reproductive staging13. Clupisoma naziri is regarded as one of the tastiest fish of Pakistan. Clupisoma naziri was first described from the river Indus14. It ranges from river Swat system up to river Jhelum and some tributaries of river Indus in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. This economically important fish species has high demand due to its taste and is widely captured from the upper and lower water stream of river Indus and its tributaries leading to its decline in natural water. To beat the decline in his population there is a need to understand the reproductive biology of that species so it can culture in captivity. Due to the limited data availability on the reproductive biology of this valuable fish species, the present research was designed with the objective of histomorphological study in the gonads of male and female C. naziri during non-breeding and breeding season. A recent study conducted on liver of Luciobarbus bocagei indicates that the degree of liver histopathological alterations served as a reliable predictor of water quality since it showed variations in the types of contaminants in various seasons and sample periods 15. 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 48 mature Clupisoma naziri of both sexes were collected from the river Indus and its tributaries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The sampling was done during non-breeding (spring) and breeding season (summer) in the year 2016-17. The fish were transported to the aquaculture and fisheries laboratory, Department of Zoology, PMAS- Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi for histomorphological studies. The male and female individuals were separated, and body parameters were measured viz., body weight and gonad weight.  For histological studies the male and female gonads were collected. A small incision was made on the surface of each gonad and sections of tissues from the anterior, middle or posterior portion were collected and placed in saline solution for the removal of external debris. The tissue sections were fixed in Bouin’s solution for 24 hours followed by dehydration of the samples with gradual immersion in ascending series of alcohol and cleared by xylene. Embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned by rotary microtome, at 5μm thick sections. Fixation and staining were done as described by Bancroft & Stevens (1990) with Haematoxylin and Eosin for recording the seasonal morphological changes in the gonads under light microscope (Meiji-MT 4300 H, Japan). To check the morphological changes in the gonads during non-breeding and breeding season the gonadosomatic index (GSI) of the collected samples were calculated with following formula  GSI = Weight of gonad/ Weight of the fish x 100  3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The results of the present study revealed that the gonads of the Clupisoma naziri showed histomorphological changes during spring and summer season. Testes During the spring season the weight of the testes was observed 0.14 ± 0.026g and it reached to the maximum size of 3.33 ± 0.57g in summer (Table. 1). The histological study revealed that in spring season the 12 Published by Abasyn University interlobular spaces were packed with loose connective tissues and food vessels which is the clear sign of preparatory phase in the gonads of a catfish. Leydig cells were also present with thick tunica albuginea. Inactive spermatogonia were seen at higher magnification. At the end of this phase the weight of the testis increased with the increase in lobular size and lobular wall of the testes i.e., tunica albuginea becoming thin and the interlobular space began to reduce (Fig. 1). While in summer the gonads attained full size and have maximum weight showing the sign of spawning phase. In testis the seminiferous tubules contained spermatozoa and interstitial connective tissues were also visible. The color of the testis became whitish during spawning season. The thin testicular and lobular walls are the characteristics of this phase. However, some empty lobules were also present. (Fig. 2). The gonadosomatic index (GSI) results were compared to the findings of a histological analysis of male gonads. During spring season, the GSI values was observed 0.11 ± 0.03 and it increases significantly (P > 0.05) to its peak value 3.71 ± 0.54 in summer. Ovaries The minimum average weight of the ovaries was recorded 2.79 ± 1.81g in spring and the maximum average gonad weight was observed 5.61 ± 4.89g in summer (Table. 1). The histological study shows that the wall of the ovary which is made up of vascular collagenous tissues appeared thick and the ovarian follicles were in previtellogenic stage and contained basophilic cytoplasm in spring season. The weight of the ovaries increases with the increase in oocyte size. The evagination appeared in the nuclear membrane which increases the surface area of nucleus. Due to distributed material in ooplasm the extruded nucleoli lose their consistency. The minute vacuole appears in the cortex of cytoplasm (cortical alveoli or yolk vesicles) which later on changes into large spherical yolk filled globules covering the entire ooplasm (Fig.3) showing the sign of preparatory phase of ovaries in catfishes. During summer season, the ovarian follicles were determined by the presence of large yolk vesicles. The eggs were fully grown and completely filled the yolk vesicle determining the spawning stage. Cortical alveoli layer adjacent to the egg envelop were clearly visible and the nucleus became indistinct (Fig.4). The results of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) were matched with the obtained results of histological study of ovaries in Clupisoma naziri.  The mean gonadosomatic indexes value of ovaries was observed 2.43 ± 0.99 in spring which significantly (P > 0.05) increases up to 3.71 ± 2.97 in summer (Table. 1). The testis of the catfish situated in posterior part of the abdominal cavity. They are paired, elongated organs having fringes along the entire length and surrounded by thick wall “tunica albuginea” which is composed of connective tissues. The seminiferous lobules contained the spermatogenic cells which are further composed of interstitial connective tissues containing the leydig cells. The catfish Clupisoma naziri had the similar testicular structure of American channel catfishes6. The maturation cycle and seasonal variation in gonadosomatic index are the sign of sexual maturity and growth in fishes. Gonad weight provides valuable information on different reproductive stages of the fish12. The study of seasonal variation in the histomorphology of gonads of Clupisoma naziri revealed the preparatory stage and spawning stage in spring and summer season respectively. Both male and female gonads reach to their maximum weight in summer which decreases after spawning and fish becomes in spent stage. These findings were supported by the studies of Gaber, in Bagrus species4. In similar to the findings of Lawson, 2011; Cek and Yilmaz, 2007; Suwanjarat et al., 2005: Shrestha and Khanna, 1978 in different teleost’s; the results of present study show no spermatozoa in testicular lobules during spring season (preparatory phase) while in summer (spawning phase) the testicular lobules contained the spermatozoa with some spermatogenic cells5,3,9,8. The thickness of the tunica albuginea in ovaries varies throughout the year depending on the season. In spring it was observed thick (preparatory phase) and in summer it became thin (spawning phase), these findings were in line with the study on B. domac and in the ovary of O. niloticus4,5. During summer season the ovarian follicles or vitellogenic follicles were determined by the presence of large yolk vesicles in C. gariepinus and in Bagrus10,4. In addition, the results of gonadosomatic index (GSI) coincided with the histology of the gonads where they were observed higher in summer season and lowest during spring season when gonads were in preparatory and spawning phase respectively. The findings of the present research works will be helpful for the better understanding of reproductive biology of this economically valuable catfish to bring it under captive breeding and production in Pakistan.  13 Published by Abasyn University Table I. Seasonal variations in the mean body weight (gm), Gonads weight (gm) and Gonadosomatic index of C.naziri. Group Sex Season Mean± SE P-Value BW Male  Spring 119.67 ± 14.6 0.108NS   Summer 89.33 ± 1.76   Female Spring 62.25 ± 3.183 0.006 S   Summer 110.75 ± 14.5  GW Male Spring 0.14 ± 0.02 0.19NS   Summer 3.33 ± 0.57   Female Spring 2.79 ± I.81 0.141 NS   Summer 5.61 ± 4.89  GSI Male Spring 0.11 ± 0.03 0.025S   Summer 3.71 ± 0.54   Female Spring 2.43 ± 0.99 0.129NS   Summer 3.71 ± 2.97    *BW (Body weight), GW (Gonad weight), GSI (Gonadosomatic index), NS (non-significant), S (significant) Figure. 1: Male gonad of Clupisoma naziri during spring season (Preparatory Phase).  S = Spermatozoa     Figure. 2: Male gonad of Clupisoma naziri during summer season (Spawning Phase).  S = Spermatozoa, TA = Tunica albuginea.           14 Published by Abasyn University     Figure. 3: Female gonads of Clupisoma naziri during spring season (preparatory phase). N= Nucleus, E= Evagination in nucleus, YV= Yolk vesicles              15 Published by Abasyn University      Figure. 4: Female gonads of Clupisoma naziri during summer season (Spawning phase) F= Follicle, TA= Tunica Albuginea 4. CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that the gonadosomatic index (GSI) values rise during breeding season and reduce during non-breeding season, which is compatible with histomorphological gonad results. According to the current study, C. naziri only breeds once a year during the summer season, and this information will benefit aqua breeders in the rearing of this commercially important catfish in Pakistan. ACKNOWLEDGMENT  I offer my sincere thanks to all authors for their kind cooperation and constructive suggestions during the entire period of research. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflict of interest. REFERENCES  1. El-Hafezd EA, Mahmoud DM, Ahmed SM, Hassan AH. Histomorphological changes in the ovaries of Oreochromis niloticus during breeding and non-breeding seasons. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal. 2009;55(121):227-53. 2. Caddy JF. Fisheries management in the twenty-first century: will new paradigms apply?. Reviews in fish biology and fisheries. 1999 Mar;9(1):1-43. 3. Çek Ş, Yilmaz E. Gonad development and sex ratio of sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) cultured under laboratory conditions. Turkish Journal of Zoology. 2007;31(1):35-46. 4. Gaber SA. Biological, Histological and Histochemical studies on the Reproductive Organs and Pituitary gland of Bagrus docmac and Bagrus bayad in the Nile water, with special reference to the Ultrastructure of supporting tissues. Fac. Sci. Zagazig Univ. 2000. 5. Lawson EO. Testicular maturation and reproductive cycle in mudskipper, Periophthalmus papilio (Bloch and Schneider 1801) from Lagos lagoon, Nigeria. The Journal of American Science. 2011;7(1):48-59. 6. Meisner AD, Burns JR, Weitzman SH, Malabarba LR. Morphology and histology of the male reproductive system in two species of internally inseminating South American catfishes, Trachelyopterus lucenai and T. galeatus (Teleostei: Auchenipteridae). Journal of Morphology. 2000 Nov;246(2):131-41. 7. Saliu JK, Joy O, Catherine O. Condition factor, fat and protein content of five fish species in Lekki Lagoon, Nigeria. Life Sci. J. 2007;4(2):54-7. 8. Shrestha TK, Khanna SS. Seasonal changes in the testes of a hill stream teleost, Garra gotyla (Gray). Cells Tissues Organs. 1978;100(2):210-20. 16 Published by Abasyn University 9. Suwanjarat J, Amornsakun T, Thongboon L, Boonyoung P. Seasonal changes of spermatogenesis in the male sand goby Oxyeleotris marmoratus Bleeker, 1852 (Teleostei, Gobiidae). Aquatic Science. 2005;27:425-36. 10. Van Oordt PG, Peute J, Van den Hurk R, Viveen WJ. Annual correlative changes in gonads and pituitary gonadotropes of feral African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Aquaculture. 1987 Jun 1;63(1-4):27-41. 11. Arrington DA, Davidson BK, Winemiller KO, Layman CA. Influence of life history and seasonal hydrology on lipid storage in three neotropical fish species. Journal of Fish Biology. 2006 May;68(5):1347-61. 12. Brito MF, Bazzoli N. Reproduction of the surubim catfish (Pisces, Pimelodidae) in the São Francisco River, Pirapora Region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. 2003;55:624-33. 13. Pasha RH, Taj SE, Irm MI, Anjum MZ, Khan MA, Khan IA, Qamar MF. Seasonal morphological changes in the gonads of Schizothorax plagiostomus (Pisces: Cypriinidae). Biologia (Pakistan). 2016;62(2):241-9. 14. Mirza MR, Awan MI. Two new catfishes (Pisces, Siluriformes) from Pakistan. Biologia (Lahore). 1973;19(1-2):145-59. 15. Santos RM, Monteiro SM, Cortes RM, Pacheco FA, Fernandes LF. Seasonal differences in water pollution and liver histopathology of Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) and Douro nase (Pseudochondrostoma duriense) in an agricultural watershed. Water. 2022 Feb 1;14(3):444.             This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License. To read the copy of this license please visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/  

Histomorphological changes in gonads of Clupisoma naziri during spring and summer season

https://ajlifesciences.com/ojs/index.php/ajls/article/download/269/85

Histomorphological changes in gonads of Clupisoma naziri during spring and summer season

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Abasyn Journal of Life Sciences