Analysis of maturity of Antarctic toothfish in the Amundsen Sea

The results of the comparative histological analysis of the Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) reproductive system, caught by the longliner in the Amundsen Sea in February 2006 and 2007 are presented. The morphological parameters, indices of gonads, condition by Fulton and cytological parameters of oocytes have been described. Antarctic toothfish ovaries reached mainly the late III (57.1%) in 2006 and IV stages of maturity (83.3 %) in 2007 and testes – the IV stage (55%) in 2007. In 2007 the oocytes in the ovaries of 16.7% investigated fish has reached the completed maturation and definitive size 6484·10-6m, therefore, Antarctic toothfish was ready to spawn in the Amundsen Sea in March.