Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of "suruvi†(Steindachneridion scripta) semen (Pimelodidae)

Abstract

A study was conducted at São Carlos’ Fisheries Laboratory, São Carlos, SC, in order to evaluate qualitative and quantitative characteristics of "suruvi†sperm (Steindachneridion scripta). Five males (1.8 to 4.7 kg weight) were submitted to hypophysation. The sperm volume was of 4 to 20 mL. After collection, sperm motility varied from 46 to 75 seconds, when activated with tank water, and 37 to 56 seconds, when activated with sodium bicarbonate 1%. Motility decreased when the sperm was stored for six or twelve hours at 25°C. Spermatic concentration varied from 19.5 to 120.1 x 10⁶ spermatozoa/mm³. It was also observed that milt flows freely when suruvi males are ripe.