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Some chemical and physical characteristics of the semen of Cyprinus carpio L. and Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)
Author(s) -
Kruger J. C. De W.,
Smit G. L.,
Vuren J. H. J.,
Ferreira J. T.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1984.tb04797.x
Subject(s) - oreochromis mossambicus , cyprinus , biology , intraspecific competition , interspecific competition , semen , carp , sperm , zoology , tilapia , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery , anatomy , botany
The chemical and physical characteristics of the semen of Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis mossambicus were investigated on a comparative and seasonal basis. Results were obtained for the volume, colour and viscosity of the semen, the percentage live spermatozoa, sperm concentrations and the degree and the duration of sperm motility under different environmental conditions. All showed distinct interspecific and less conspicuous seasonal intraspecific differences. Values have also been determined for the organic and inorganic components and the pH and osmolality of the seminal fluid. Some inorganic and organic components indicated seasonal intraspecific differences while all the components, with the exception of sodium and galactose, indicated significant interspecific differences. These observations suggest significant interspecific differences in the testicular secretions of the two fish species which add to the basic physiological differences recorded for the spermatozoa of C. carpio and O. mossambicus . The probable function of the carbohydrates, protein and enzymes present in the semen of these fish species are discussed.