reprofish - Spawning Control

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Spawning Control

Control of spawning allows for better planning in relation to market demand and breeding requirements. It is also useful where sub-optimal environmental factors affect ovulation, and to reduce dependency on wild broodstock. In terms of optimisation of domestication and breeding programmes it is essential for genetic selection, polyploidisation and cryopreservation.

Spawning in fish is regulated by environmental cues, interpreted by the brain-pituitary-gonad axis:

water temperature
photoperiod
habitat
behavioural stimulation
salinity
pressure
food supply

Different fish species respond to different cues, or a combination of cues.

Depending upon the context, spawning may be controlled via two types of methods. In most fish species out of season spawning may be achieved by manipulation of environmental factors such as temperature, photoperiod and salinity. However, there are many species that cannot easily ovulate and / or spawn in captivity and this can only be overcome by physiological intervention (i.e. by the use of approved medicines; "spawning induction therapy").

Information sources:
Rocha, M. J., Arukwe, A., Kapoor, B.G. 2008. Fish Reproduction. (book).

Please see below to access FACTSHEETS on the practical use of these methods for controlling spawning in finfish aquaculture.