Evaluation of Ovaprim and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Doses on Spawning Induction and Egg and Larval Quality of Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera

Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera, readily undergo vitellogenesis in captivity, but final oocyte maturation (FOM), ovulation, and spawning can be unpredictable. The objectives of this investigation were to assess the effects of various doses of Ovaprim® (sGnRHa [salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog] + domperidone) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on FOM, ovulation, and spawning in pigfish. Ovaprim dosages investigated were 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 mL/kg, which were injected into the dorsal musculature of female pigfish. Male pigfish received one half the dosage administered to females to ensure spermiation. HCG doses of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 IU/kg were administered to female pigfish, with male pigfish once again receiving half the female dosage. Eggs were collected over a 72-h period postinjection and enumerated and assessed for fertilization, hatching percentage, and survival to first feeding. Eggs and larvae were photographed and a suite of morphological parameters was determined. Hormone dose evaluations with pigfish showed that the low-dose (0.25 and 0.50 mL/kg) Ovaprim treatments resulted in better spawning performance. However, superior egg and larval characteristics validate the 0.50 mL/kg dose as the preferred choice for use with pigfish. The four doses of HCG administered to pigfish performed unreliably in this study; thus, no dose recommendation could be made.