Genetic, hormonal and environmental approaches for the control of reproduction in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

Abstract

The European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax is a very important commercial fish in Europe, the production of which by aquaculture has increased several fold during the last decades. Studies on biology, control of reproduction, broodstock management, offspring quality and rearing techniques, as well as large investments in the aquaculture sector, have made possible this rapid increase in production. However, under culture conditions, there are still important problems that negatively influence its industrial production. These are: (1) high percentage of males (70–90%), some of which are precocious at the first year of life; (2) in males, puberty typically appears in the second year of life (at commercialization), 1 year before females; and (3) males grow less than females, being 40% lower in body weight at harvest time. Consequently, reduction of the number of males and/or production of all-female stocks and sterile fish and prevention of puberty are highly desirable goals. The present work reviews the latest scientific advances on the genetic and physiological control of the sex and the process of puberty in the sea bass to provide tools to alleviate some shortcuts in its industrial production