The effect of capture and handling stress on plasma steroid levels and gonadal condition in wild and farmed snapper Pagrus auratus (Sparidae)

The effects of stress on reproductive steroids and the developing oocytes w ere investigated in female wild snapper Pagrus auratus caught by trap, 5-yr -old snapper caught as juveniles and reared in captivity, and 2- and 3-yr-o ld hatchery-reared snapper. Fish were confined post-capture for 1, 6, 24, 4 8 or 168 h. Stress resulted in an increase in plasma cortisol and concomita nt decreases in 17 beta -estradiol and testosterone, In addition, there was an increase in the incidence of ovarian atresia, These results confirm tha t both wild and hatchery-reared snapper are highly susceptible to stress-in duced impairment of reproduction.