NONSURGICAL VIDEOLAPAROSCOPY FOR DETERMINATION OF REPRODUCTIVE STATUSOF THE ARCTIC CHARR

The efficient commercial production of Arctic charr is hampered by the limited and subtle sexual dimorphism shown by this species. This proj ect examined the feasibility of low-cost videoendoscopy through the ge nital pore to determine sex, stage of maturity, and safety for 80, ran domly selected, anesthetized Arctic charr, The sensitivity and specifi city for correct assignment of male sex were 90% and 100%, respectivel y, among 3 observers in a single-blind design, Sensitivity and specifi city for relative sexual maturity in the same fish were 96% and 54%, r espectively. The observed mortality rate of 7% at the end of 3 weeks w as confounded by the presence of unrelated disease. We conclude that t he technique fields promise for application by producers to improve pr oduction efficiency.