Aspects of the reproductive cycle and gonadal development of Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii (Mitchell) (Percicthidae), in Lake Charlegrark and adjacent farm ponds, Victoria, Australia

Abstract

The gonadal development of Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii, in Lake Charlegrark, Victoria, and adjacent farm ponds was evaluated. Gonadosomatic index, macroscopic classification and histological analysis were used to determine the age at first maturity and the gonadal development in this introduced population.

There is a marked difference between the sexes in the size at first maturity, with females maturing at approximately 6 years of age and 2000 g in weight and males maturing at 3-4 years and 700 g. Gonadosomatic index data indicate that spawning occurs around November.

Ovarian development in this species follows a pattern similar to that in a number of other teleosts. Testes have a lobular structure. Macroscopic evaluation of ovaries provided a good indication of the stage of the development of the gonad. However, the presence of spermatozoa throughout the year in the gonads of mature male fish makes the macroscopic evaluation of testicular development less reliable.

Three cod, approximately 1% of the population, contained gonads with both ovarian and testicular tissue.