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Biochemical And Histological Changes During Ovarian Development Of Cobia, Rachycentron Canadum, From The Northern Gulf Of Mexico, Patricia M. Biesiot, Robert E. Caylor, James S. Franks

Faculty Publications

Female cobia, Rachycentron canadum, were sampled on their spawning grounds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico to study changes in proximate analysis (protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and ash) of the ovaries during gonadal maturation. Four major stages of oocyte development were studied: stage 1, previtellogenesis; stage 2, vitellogenesis; stage 3, final maturation; and stage 4, postovulation. Cobia are multiple spawning fish; therefore, ovaries engaged in a sequential round of oogenesis were distinguished as stages 1' and 2'. Protein was the major constituent of cobia ovaries and its contribution of cobia ovaries and its contribution remained fairly constant (49-55% fo the …