Sex hormones changes in the reproductive cycle of female Trichiurus lepturus

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Ribbon fish, family Trichiuridae, is one the most important protein resources of the Indian Ocean. The considerable density of these aquatic animals, especially the dominant species Trichiurus lepturus, has drawn many researchers' attention to its biological characteristics and its reproductive characteristics in particular. The sampling was carried out in the Oman Sea from March 95 to November 96 (n=778). Studies on Estradiol - 17 - β, Progesterone and Cortisol hormones in female Trichiurus lepturus indicated that the production of these hormones increases considerably from maturity stage II. The serum levels of Estradiol - 17 - β hormone peaked during September, October and November and it remained high in the other months (1500 pg/ml). High levels of Progesterone occurred from December to March (during the spawning season). The changes in the Cortisol levels from August to December and again from February to March (0.5 - 3.5 mic/100 ml) were significant. The Estradiol - 17 - β flu.....