• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2004

Plasma steroid hormone levels in the viviparous rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) were examined in relation to gonadal histology under controlled photoperiods and water temperatures. To investigate those effects in S. schlegeli the photoperiod was maintained at 15L:9D in June and then it was gradually decreased to 9L: 15D in October. It was then gradually increased to 12L:12D in January, followed by 14L:I0D in February. The water temperature was $19-20^{\circ}C$ in July. From August to October, it was from $18^{\circ}C\;to\;12^{\circ}C$. Then, it was dropped to a low of $19-11^{\circ}C$ in November to December and then gradually increased to $14-15^{\circ}C$ in February. In females, both plasma $estradiol-l7\beta\;$ (E2) and testosterone (T) levels from August to February showed a similar pattern in both the treatment and the control groups. In the treatment group, the peaks of plasma E2 and T were observed in November, and the peaks were closely correlated to histological observations. Oocytes contained many yolk globules (final vitellogenic oocytes), and oocytes at the migratory nucleus stage increased in size. Plasma levels of progesterone did not change much throughout the experimental period. However, in the control group, the peaks of E2, T, and progesterone were observed in February. These results indicate that the controlled photoperiod and water temperature accelerated sexual maturity, corresponding to the advancement of plasma E2 and T peaks by approximately 3 months. In males, plasma T levels showed a similar pattern from August to October in the treatment and control groups, though levels in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group. From histological observations, the treatment group copulated one month earlier.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.1003-1012
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• 2012

The gonadosomatic index (GSI), sex steroid hormones and gonadal development of roughscale sole Clidoderma asperrimum cultured in indoor tank were investigated to evaluate its sexual maturation and reproductive cycle. The highest GSI values of female and male were $6.91{\pm}4.03$ (May) and $0.16{\pm}0.08$ (August), respectively. The reproductive cycle would be classified into four successive developmental stages: growing stage (December to February), maturation stage (March to April), ripe and spawning stage (May to June), recovery and resting stage (July to November). The highest plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$) levels of female were $259.4{\pm}76.8$ and $633.3{\pm}182.5$ pg/mL, respectively in May. Also $17{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}$-dihydroxy-4-pregen-3-one ($17{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}$-OHP) levels of female peaked in April before spawning season ($244.2{\pm}42.5$ pg/mL). The highest plasma testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone levels of male were $231.0{\pm}46.0$ and $273.9{\pm}54.5$ pg/mL, respectively in April. But there was no significant difference in $17{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}$-OHP.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.496-510
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• 2019

We investigated the reproductive characteristics of the sweetfish Plecoglossus altivelis, including changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), frequency of gonad developmental stages, and abundance of drifting larvae, in three streams (Gangjeong, Yeonoi, and Ongpo) on Jeju Island from May 2004 to December 2005. The GSI values of female P. altivelis in all Jeju streams began to increase in September and reached a maximum in October and November. Peak GSI values in males occurred in Gangjeong from October to November, in Yeonoi from November to January, and in Ongpo from September to October. The gonadal development of P. altivelis was classified into four stages: growth (March to October), maturity (September to December in females; July to December in males), spawning (September to January), and degeneration (October to March in females; after November in males). Drifting larvae were collected from October to January. These results suggest that the main spawning activity of P. altivelis in Jeju streams occurs from October to November. The information about the reproductive characteristics of P. altivelis obtained in this study is critical to fishery management for this species.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.43-53
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• 2011

The gametogenic cycle and the spawning season in female and male Cyclina sinensis were investigated by quantitative statistical analysis using an image analyzer system, and the biological minimum size (the size at 50% of sexual maturity) was calculated by combination of quantitative data by size and von Bertalanffy's equation. Compared the gametogenic cycle by quantitative statistical analysis with the previous qualitative results in female and male C. sinensis, monthly changes in female and male gametogenic cycles calculated by quantitative statistical analysis showed similar patterns to the gonadal stages in female and male reproductive cycles by qualitative histological analysis. Comparisons of monthly changes in the portions (%) of each area to eight kinds of areas by quantitative statistical analysis in the gonads in female and male C. sinensis are as follows. Monthly changes in the portions (%) of the ovary areas to total tissue areas in females and also monthly changes in the portions of the testis areas to total tissue areas in males increased in March and reached the maximum in May, and then showed a rapid decrease from June to October. Monthly changes in the portions (%) of oocyte areas to ovarian tissue areas in females and also monthly changes in the portions of the areas of the spermatogenic stages to testis areas in males began to increase in March and reached the maximum in June in females and males, and then rapidly dropped from July to October in females and males when spawnig occurred. From these data, it is apparent that the number of spawning seasons in female and male C. sinensis occurred once per year, from July to October. Monthly changes in the number of the oocytes per mm2 and in the mean diameter of the oocyte in captured image which were calculated for each female slide showed a maximum in May and reached the minimum from December to February. Therefore, C. sinensis in both sexes showed a unimodal gametogenic cycle during the year. The percentage of sexual maturity of female and male clams ranging from 25.1 to 30.0 mm in length was over 50% and 100% for clams over 40.1 mm length. In this study, the biological minimum size (sexually mature shell lengths at 50% of sexual maturity) in females and males were 26.85 and 26.28 mm, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.266-280
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• 1989

Gonadal maturation of the Korean pomfrets, Pampus echinogaster (Basilewsky) and Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen) were histologically investigated based on the samples captured in the East China Sea from January 1987 to December 1988. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) of P. echinogaster began to increase from March, and reached maximum between May and July. It began to decrease from July and reached mini-mum between August and February. P. argenteus had a similar cycle, however, P. argenteus has higher values in April than P. echinogaster. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) were positively related to GSI. HIS of P. echinogaster and P. argenteus reached maximum in $April\~July$ and $April\~August$, respectively, Fatness coefficient of two Pampus species were low in the summer, and high in the winter. Ovary is of saccular structure, and testis is of lobular structure. From February, the early oocyte (ca. $100\mu$ in diameter grows) rapidly at the germinal epithelium of ovarian sacs. From March to April the oocytes grew up to cu $400\~500\mu$ in diameter. At this stage, the yolk globules are accumulated rapidly in the cytoplasmic layer. From May, the oocytes roached ca. $650\~850\mu$ in diameter, and they are spawned in $May\~July$. After spawning the residual follicles and remained ripe eggs degenerate. From February, spermatogonia grows into spermatocyte on the epithelium of the testicular lobuli. From May, spermatozoa appeared and spawning occurs. After spawning, the epithelium is thickened and the remained spermatozoa degenerate. Annual reproductive cycle of two Pampus species could be divided into four successive stages: Growing stage ($March\~April$), Mature stage ($April\~May$), Ripe and spent stage ($June\~July$) and Recovery and resting stage ($August\~January$). Absolute fecundity of P. echinogaster was $9,441\~135,294$, and that of P. argenteus was $50,678\~221,894$. Absolute fecundity of two Pampus species were positively related to body length and total weight. Relative fecundity was positively related to body length, while it was reversely related to total weight. The increasing rate of absolute fecundity of P. echinogaster was lower than P. argenteus. In P. echinogaster half of female and male reached first maturity at body length of $15.0\~$17.9cm and $12.0\~14.9cm$, respectively. All of females and males reached first maturity at body length of $18.0\~20.9cm$ and $21.0\~23.9cm, respectively. In P. argenteus all of females and males reached first maturity at body length of 18.6cm and 16.7cm$, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.533-540
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• 2000

Gonadal development, gametogenesis, reproductive cycle, gonad index, flesh weight rate, and first sexual maturity of the turban shell, Lunella coronata coreensis were investigated by histological observation. The materials used were collected monthly from the rocky intertidal zone of Daehang-ri, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, on the west coast of Korea, from July 1998 to June 1999. Sex of L coronata coreensis was separate. The gonad was widely located in the spirals of the visceral mass buried in the digestive gland. The ovary and testis were composed of a number of oogenic follicles and speymatogenic follicles, respectively. Monthly variations in the gonad index increased from March ($23.86{\pm}3.73$) when the water temperature increased and reached the maximun in July ($49.76{\pm}6.47$). And then, the gonad index sharply decreased in September ($15.58{\pm}2.33$). The flesh weight rate ranged from $25.2{\%}$ to $32.3{\%}$, and its variation showed a similar pattern to the gonad index. Individuals $<5.9 mm$ in shell height could not take part in reproduction in both sexes. Percentages of first sexual maturity of female and male specimens ranging from $7.0{\~}7.9 mm$ in shell heights were $84.6{\%}\;and\;91.7{\%}$, respectively, and $100{\%}$ in those over 8.0 mm in shell height in both sexes took part in reproduction. By studying the monthly changes of the morphological features and sizes of germ cells during gametogenesis in the gonad, the reproductive cycle of this species could be devided into five successive stages: early active (December to April), late active (January to July), ripe (May to August), spawning (July to September), and recovery (September to March). The spawning period of this species was once a year between July and September, and the main spawning occurred in July when the seawater temperature reached above $24.8^{\circ}C$. The fully ripe eggs were $150{\~}160\;{\mu}m$ in diameter.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 2005

Reproductive cycle, gonadosomatic index(GSI), egg diameter composition, first sexual maturity, sexually matured length(50% of first sexual maturity), and sex ratio of Amusium japonicum japonicum, were investigated by histological observations and morphometric data. Samples were collected monthly from the subtidal zone of Sogwipo, Jejudo, Korea, for two years. The sun and moon scallop Amusium japonicum japonicum is dioecious. Monthly variation in the GSI showed similar patterns with the reproductive cycle. Ripe oocytes were about $70{\sim}90\;{\mu}m$ in diameter and had thick egg membranes. The spawning period was from November to January, and the main spawning occurred between November and December when the seawater temperature was relatively low. From monthly changes in egg diameter composition, the spawning period was once a year, although the number of spawning frequencies is assumed to occur more than twice during the spawning season. The reproductive cycle of this species could be divided into five successive stages: early active stage(April to June), late active stage(June to September), ripe stage(October to November), spawning stage(November to January), and spent/resting stage(February to April). First sexual maturities in female and male scallops ranging from 85.1 to 90.0mm in shell length were over 50% and they were 100% for scallops over 90.0mm in shell length. In this population, sexually matured shell lengths(50% of rate of group maturity) in females and males were 86.96 and 86.59mm, respectively. The female to male sex ratio among individuals over 85.1mm in shell length was not significantly different from 1:1($X^2=0.18$, p>0.05). No evidence of hermaphrodite was found in histological sections of any scallop examined.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Poultry Science Conference
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.74-76
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• 2001

Comparing to mammals, male bird has the homozygote ZZ and female has the heterozygote n. Therefore, the sex of fertilized eggs is defined by female chromosome constitution. Although this cytological observation had been established, the molecular and cellular mechanism of germ cell differentiation are essentially unknown in aves. Especially, the differentiation of germ cells in mixed-sex chimeras has not yet been clearly elucidated. Primordial germ cells, which are the progenitors of sperm or egg after sexual maturity, firstly arise in the epiblast and migrate to embryonic gonads through the blood vessel. During the embryo development, these PGCs differentiate in the pathway of mate or female, respectively and develop the sperm or egg cells after sexual maturity. In this paper, we confirmed that the female PGCs could migrate into the recipient male gonads after transferring and differentiate into germ cells in the embryonic stages. The primordial germ cells were isolated from the female embryonic gonads of 5.5-day-old incubation and re-injected into the male recipient embryos of 2-day-old incubation, which produced mixed-sex chimera in the germline. The finding in this study demonstrated the ability of migration and differentiation of gonadal primordial germ cells in mixed-sex chicken.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.501-508
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• 1987

Gonadal development, the annual reproductive cycle and the first sexual maturity of hen clam, Mactra chinensis were studied histologically. Sexuality of the species was dioecious. The gonads were irregularly arranged from the subregion of mid-intestinal 91an4 in visceral cavity to the reticular connective tissue of the foot. The ripe eggs were about $50-60\;{\mu}m$ in diameter, and they were surrounded by gelatinous membrane. The spawning period was from May to September when the water temperature ranged $18.5-27.0^{\circ}C$, with the peak in June and July. The annual reproductive cycle of Mactra chinensis could be classified into five successive stages; multiplicative, growing, mature, spent, and degenerative and resting. The monthly changes of the fatness coefficient closely correlated with the annual reproductive cycle. Percentages of the first sexual maturity of female and male clams were over $50\%$ among those individuals ranging from 3.5 to 3.9cm, and $100\%$ in those over 5.0cm in shell length.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.349-356
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• 2006

Gonad development in the sandfish Arctoscopus japonicus was investigated using a histological method. Specimens were collected monthly from April 2003 to March 2004, in the East Sea of Korea. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) of females began to increase in August, reached a maximum in November, and declined sharply in December. By contrast, in males, the GSI began to increase in June and reached a maximum in August. The annual reproductive cycle of A. japonicus can be divided into four successive stages in females: the early growing (January-March), late growing (April-August), ripe and spent (September-November), and recovery (December) stages. Males passed through early growing (January-April), late growing (May-July), ripe and spent (August-November), and recovery (November-December) stages. These results indicate that the spawning season was from October to December. The egg diameter of mature oocytes was 3.12$\pm$0.02 mm. The relationship between fecundity (F$_e$) and body length (BL) was F$_e$=0.4693BL$^{2.6825}$. Fecundity ranged from 483-2,254 eggs in a body length of 14.3-22.9 cm and increased with body length. The body length at 50% maturity was 14.80 cm, which corresponded to an age of 2.40 years.