How Birth Year and Size Affect Reproduction in Adult European Sea Bass

Jim Crocker
20th July, 2024

How Birth Year and Size Affect Reproduction in Adult European Sea Bass

European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Photo adapted from: Valentin Moser / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • The study at Damietta University found that the weight of mature female sea bass and the spawning year significantly affect reproductive performance
  • Heavier female sea bass produced more eggs and larger eggs compared to lighter females
  • The number of larvae produced per female increased with both the weight of the female and the spawning year
The current study conducted by researchers at Damietta University sought to investigate the impact of spawning year (SY) and mature female brooder weights (FBW) on the reproductive performance of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)[1]. This research is particularly relevant given the economic and cultural significance of sea bass in Europe, and the ongoing efforts to enhance aquaculture practices for this species[2]. In this study, a total of 60 mature female brooders of Dicentrarchus labrax were divided into three weight classes: less than 1500 grams, between 1500 and 2000 grams, and between 2000 and 2500 grams. These fish were housed in three fiberglass circular tanks. The researchers aimed to determine how SY and FBW influenced key reproductive metrics such as egg biomass per female (EW/F) and the diameter of spawned eggs (ED). The findings from this study revealed that both SY and FBW significantly affected reproductive performance. Specifically, the study found that the absolute and relative fecundity values were significantly influenced by the spawning year, with averages of 71,924.16 and 51,168.24 for absolute fecundity, and 43.01 and 43.21 for relative fecundity, respectively. Absolute fecundity also increased noticeably with higher FBW. Additionally, hatchability rates were strongly affected by both SY and FBW, and the average number of produced larvae per fish increased significantly with both factors. These results imply that the weight of mature female brooders, in correlation with the spawning year, can be used to predict the production of a higher number of progenies from mature sea bass female fish. This insight could inform novel approaches for selecting brooders during the spawning season, potentially enhancing the efficiency and output of sea bass aquaculture operations. The findings from this study are consistent with earlier research that emphasized the importance of understanding reproductive dynamics for effective fish breeding programs[3]. For example, knowledge of spawning behavior and fecundity is crucial for estimating the reproductive potential of a stock and for constructing appropriate models for sustainable catch levels[3]. This study builds on that understanding by highlighting the specific contributions of SY and FBW to reproductive success in sea bass. Furthermore, the study's implications for selective breeding programs align with previous research on the use of genetic tools in aquaculture. For instance, parentage assignment using microsatellite markers has been a valuable tool in aquaculture breeding since the 1990s, allowing for better control of family representation and inbreeding[4]. The current study's findings could be integrated with such genetic tools to optimize breeding strategies for sea bass, thereby improving genetic gain and overall production efficiency. In summary, the research conducted by Damietta University provides valuable insights into the factors influencing reproductive performance in European sea bass. By demonstrating the significant impact of spawning year and female brooder weight on reproductive metrics, this study offers practical guidelines for selecting brooders and optimizing breeding programs. These findings contribute to the broader efforts to enhance aquaculture practices and ensure the sustainable production of this economically and culturally important species.

GeneticsAnimal ScienceMarine Biology

References

Main Study

1) Influence of spawning year and size on reproductive parameters in adult European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Published 19th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s44338-024-00016-z

Related Studies

2) The European sea bass: a key marine fish model in the wild and in aquaculture.

https://doi.org/10.1111/age.12779

3) Spawning Dynamics and Size Related Trends in Reproductive Parameters of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus maccoyii.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0125744

4) Parentage assignment with genomic markers: a major advance for understanding and exploiting genetic variation of quantitative traits in farmed aquatic animals.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2014.00432


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