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The annual cycle of spermatogenesis in Lipophrys pholis (Blenniidae), a recently proposed sentinel species for pollution monitoring

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Abstract

Since reproductive parameters are common endpoints in pollution monitoring, the description of the spermatogenesis of Lipophrys pholis, a recently proposed sentinel species, is of critical importance. Mature males were used to determine the annual maturation cycle, using a stereological approach. The spermatogenic cycle was classified into three stages: early spermatogenesis (May), mid spermatogenesis (September), and spawning (November and January). The testes were asynchronously arranged with various cell types observable during all seasons, although in different proportions. Gonadosomatic index and spermatozoa proportions confirmed the established reproductive season. Differences between the sampled populations and those from septentrional locations are discussed, namely the absence of “resting” and “spent” periods.

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Acknowledgments

F.F. was supported by a grant from FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) (SFRH/BD/19649/2004). FCT is acknowledged for financial support under the project POCI/MAR/60895/2004. The authors also acknowledge the comments and criticism of Yasunori Koya, which helped to improve the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 177, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal

    Filipa Ferreira, Miguel Machado Santos, Maria Armanda Reis-Henriques & Maria Natividade Vieira

  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal

    Maria Natividade Vieira

  3. CIBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Campus Agrário de Vairão, R. Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal

    Nuno Miguel Monteiro

  4. CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences of the Fernando Pessoa University, Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150, Porto, Portugal

    Nuno Miguel Monteiro

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  1. Filipa Ferreira
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  2. Miguel Machado Santos
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  3. Maria Armanda Reis-Henriques
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  4. Maria Natividade Vieira
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  5. Nuno Miguel Monteiro
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Correspondence to Nuno Miguel Monteiro.

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Ferreira, F., Santos, M.M., Reis-Henriques, M.A. et al. The annual cycle of spermatogenesis in Lipophrys pholis (Blenniidae), a recently proposed sentinel species for pollution monitoring. Ichthyol Res 58, 360–365 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-011-0224-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-011-0224-4

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