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First published online April 23, 2004
Journal of Experimental Biology 207, 1843-1853 (2004)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2004
doi: 10.1242/jeb.00954
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Temperature induces gonadal maturation and affects electrophysiological sexual maturity indicators in Brachyhypopomus pinnicaudatus from a temperate climate

Laura Quintana1,*, Ana Silva1,2, Nibia Berois3 and Omar Macadar1

1 Depto de Neurofisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Unidad Asociada de Facultad de Ciencias–Universidad de la República, Avda, Italia 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay
2 Depto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias-Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
3 Sección de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias-Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay

* Author for correspondence (e-mail: lauraq{at}iibce.edu.uy)

Accepted 24 February 2004

In contrast to most of the previous studies in gymnotiform reproduction, which have been conducted in the tropical region, this study examines a gymnotid from the temperate region in both the natural habitat and the laboratory. The gonadal histology of Brachyhypopomus pinnicaudatus is described for the first time. The male had a paired, lobular testis of the unrestricted spermatogonial type, and females a paired saccular cystovary. Analysis of gonads and their annual cycle enabled us to confirm the breeding season and to conclude that this species is a multiple spawner. Water temperature and photoperiod showed the expected annual cycles for the region. High temperature and a 14 h:10 h L:D photoperiod in the natural habitat coincided with (1) mature gonadal stages, (2) electrophysiological sexual dimorphism: males present a lengthened negative phase in their electric organ discharge (EOD) and (3) decreased temperature sensitivity of the EOD: the waveform does not change when temperature increases above 20°C. Acclimation to sustained high temperature (30 days, 28°C, 12 h:12 h L:D, low conductivity) induced gonad maturation along with EOD dimorphism. Our data show that high environmental temperature is enough to trigger sexual maturity in Brachyhypopomus pinnicaudatus from a temperate climate.

Key words: breeding, temperature sensitivity, electric fish, Brachyhypopomus pinnicaudatus, EOD


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This article has been cited by other articles:


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E. R. d. Alvarenga and L. R. d. Franca
Effects of Different Temperatures on Testis Structure and Function, with Emphasis on Somatic Cells, in Sexually Mature Nile Tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus)
Biol Reprod, March 1, 2009; 80(3): 537 - 544.
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© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2004