The effect of stress on reproduction in Atlantic cod

Citation
Mj. Morgan et al., The effect of stress on reproduction in Atlantic cod, J FISH BIOL, 54(3), 1999, pp. 477-488
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Aquatic Sciences
Journal title
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
00221112 → ACNP
Volume
54
Issue
3
Year of publication
1999
Pages
477 - 488
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-1112(199903)54:3<477:TEOSOR>2.0.ZU;2-7
Abstract
This study imposed stress upon spawning cod Gadus morhua in the laboratory to evaluate the potential effects of trawl avoidance on their reproductive physiology and spawning behaviour. Plasma cortisol levels of stressed fish were significantly higher than controls. Stressed cod initiated fewer court ships and often performed an altered courtship sequence. Both control and s tressed fish spawned and there was little difference in the production of e ggs, fertilization rate, hatching success or time to starvation of larvae. However, stressed fish produced abnormal larvae more frequently. Cod expose d to a chronic stressor are able to spawn successfully, but there appears t o be a negative impact of this stress on their reproductive output, particu larly through the production of abnormal larvae. (C) 1999 The Fisheries Soc iety of the British Isles.