Gonadal development in pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) during spawning season in relation with sex steroids and temperature variation in Gomez take (Pampas region, Argentina)

Gomez lake (34 degrees 39 'S 61 degrees 01' W) is a typical shallow lake of Pampas region placed in the upper area of the Salado river. The most abundant fish species in this lake is the pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) valued due to the quality of its flesh and its attractiveness as a game fish. The aim of this study was to describe for the first time in this pejerrey wild population the gonadal stages during three consecutive spawning seasons (August to December) in relation with sexual steroids and temperature in this lake. In general, pejerrey gonadal development, the gonadosomatic index and the plasma levels of estradiol and testosterone varied in relation to air temperature. During the sampling period, pejerrey females started to ovulate in early August (winter), with a peak in October and ending in December with some of them with atretic oocytes. For males, it was possible to find spermiating animals during the whole spawning season and some arrested animals only in December. Our results confirm the relationship with pejerrey maturation and temperature and can be useful for decision making in the management of this natural resource.

Automated summary

The study describes the gonadal stages of pejerrey in Gomez Lake, showing a relationship between gonadal development, gonadosomatic index, sexual steroids, and temperature. Females start ovulating in winter, while males continue sperm production throughout the spawning season.