Objective quantative parameters to evaluate reproductive activity in Engraulis encrasicolus L

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Abstract
This study focused on novel histological indicators correlated with macroscopic reproductive parameters in male and female European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). Weekly sampling from commercial catches in the Gulf of Béjaïa, Algeria, was conducted to measure microscopic parameters, including seminiferous tubule number (STN) and area (STA) in males, and oocyte number (ON) and surface area (OA) in females, independent of maturation stages. Macroscopic reproductive stages were assessed using a standardized five-degree maturity staging system and the gonadosomatic index (GSI). Results showed that OA and ON accurately reflected female maturity stages and exhibited opposing trends with GSI, suggesting their reliability as reproductive activity indicators. Similarly, seminiferous tubules parameters (STN and STA) provided valuable insights into male spermatogenesis and maturation stages. Our findings propose standardized ON/OA and STN/STA measurements as novel, quantitative tools for assessing reproductive activity in anchovy, combining histological and image analysis for a more precise understanding.

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