Gametology and Factors Affecting Gamete Quality in Fish
Gamete quality is an important factor affecting reproductive success in fish, as it directly affects the
success of fertilization, embryonic development, and larval survival. The review is concerned with
gametology, the science of gametes, as it applies to teleost species of interest to aquaculture. This article
discusses the structural organization of fish spermatozoa and eggs and the standardized quality
assessment parameters including sperm motility, concentration, and seminal plasma biochemistry
assessed using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA). A critical assessment of criteria for egg
quality including fertilization rate, hatching rate, embryonic normality and larval survival. Summary of
multifactorial effects on gamete quality including broodstock nutrition, environmental stressors,
broodstock age and husbandry practices. These factors are emphasized as being important for inclusion
in evidence-based broodstock management protocols to optimize reproductive output in aquaculture.