Author/Authors :
Mirheydari ، S. M نويسنده Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Science and Research Branch,Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , , Matinfar ، A نويسنده Department of Aquaculture, Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, Tehran, Iran (PO. Box; 14155-6116) , , Soltani ، M نويسنده - Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran , , Kamali ، A نويسنده Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , , Asadpour-Ousalou ، Y. A نويسنده Iranian Artemia Research Center, Golmankhaneh Harbor, Urmia, Iran (PO. Box; 316) , , Safi ، S نويسنده Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , , Paolucci ، M نويسنده Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Sannio, Via Port’Arsa, 11, 82100 Benevento, Italy ,
Abstract :
This study was carried out with the aim of examining the seasonal reproductive cycle of the female crayfish Astacus leptodactylus from Aras Dam Lake, Western-Azerbaijan, Iran. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), and oocyte size were measured in females sampled seasonally in June, August, November(2011), January(2012). Development of the oocytes was categorized according to the diameter and the presence/absence of yolk granules. The ovary development was accompanied by increasing levels gonadosomatic index and egg diameter. Ovarian development histologicaly related to the seasonal GSI . This index was low in June (0.61±0.05) when oocytes started developing and reached the highest value in November (13.53±0.25), when vitellogenic oocytes were abundant in the mature ovary. Our results highlight the relationship between the ovary development and the GSI and egg diameter in the crayfish A.leptodactylus during the reproductive cycle and held important implications for the management of aquatic species. Thus, investigation of female A. leptodactylus reproduction is highly significant for fisheries managers as well as environmentalists concerned with perpetuating crayfish stocks.
