[Reproduction of Prochilodus scrofa (Steindachner, 1881) Osteichthyes, Prochilodontidae: ovaries maturation scale and histology]

Abstract

This study is concerned with the cyclical morphological changes of the ovaries of the shad Prochilodus scrofa. The ovocytes maturation process is divided in five stages of pre-spawning and in two of post-spawning, through histological studies. After spawning, the ovaries are not completely empty and some mature ovocytes IV are present. The spawning occurs during a period that extends from November to February.