A HISTOLOGICAL AND MACROSCOPIC STUDY OF OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE GREY MULLET, LIZA-CARINATA (VALENCIENNES 1836)

Developmental and maturational stages in the ovaries of Liza carinata (Valenciennes 1836) are described using microscopic and macroscopic te chniques. Ten developmental stages are identified in the ovaries begin ning with oogonia which proliferate through mitotic divisions, giving rise to perinucleolar oocytes. With the elaboration of yolk in the ooc ytes, the latter transform into vitellogenic oocytes. After the attain ment of maximum size of the cells, nuclear polarization takes place, f ollowed by prematuration of the oocytes and, finally, the release of t he eggs from the follicle. Seven maturational stages in the ovary are recognized based on size, shape, texture and colour of the ovaries. Th e reproductive cycles begins after a long quiescent period from May th rough August, reaches a peak in October-November and ends with spawnin g in December-January.