Ovarian maturation in the banana shrimp, Fenneropenaeus merguiensis (De Man) by Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) injection

Abstract

The effect of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) on the histological structure of ovaries of the banana prawn Fenneropenaeus merguiensis (Crustacea: Decapoda) was studied. The Gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased significantly in the treated females, with a majority of oocytes reaching early vitellogenic stage, indicating that ovarian maturation could be induced and accelerated by 5-HT. The changes were also associated with a significant increase (P<0.01) in the female specific protein (FSP) level in the treated females compared to the controls. 5-HT exerts its stimulatory effect on the ovaries of crustaceans indirectly by triggering release of gonad stimulating hormone (GSH) from the brain and thoracic ganglion. Thus, a programme incorporating 5-HT, high salinity and good water quality seems to be a practical alternative to eyestalk ablation to induce maturation in F. merguiensis in captivity.