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Ribogospod. nauka Ukr., 2025; 2(72): 226-245
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61976/fsu2025.02.226
UDC 591.463.1:597.551.2

The dynamics of spermatogenesis in the European bitterling (Rhodeus amarus Bloch, 1782) from the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) Reservoir

M. Yerukh, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0009-0001-4410-0199, Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro
O. Marenkov, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0000-0002-3456-2496, Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro

Purpose. To investigate the peculiarities of spermatogenesis in the European bitterling (Rhodeus amarus) in the conditions of the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) Reservoir, to determine the ratio of gametes of different stages of development and to establish their morphometric parameters.

Methodology. The material for the study were sexually mature males of European bitterling caught in the nearshore areas of the reservoir in the spring-autumn period of 2024. Histological analysis of the testes was performed, sperm smears were prepared, and cytomorphometric measurements of gametes were performed using microscopy and ToupView software. Statistical data processing was carried out in the Statistica 6.0 program.

Findings. It has been found that spermatogenesis in European grayling is asynchronous, continuous in nature. Male testes had simultaneously spermatogonia in the division stage, first and second order spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa (in the ducts). The largest share were first-order spermatocytes (50.68%), while spermatids composed 30.14%. A gradual decrease in cell area with a change in stage was determined: from 12.12±1.07 μm² (spermatocytes of the first order), to 3.04±0.78 μm2 – spermatids. Sperm had a head area of ​​1.41±0.76 μm². Mean ± standard deviation of the flagellum length to head length ratio was 10.4±1.36.

Originality. For the first time, a quantitative description of the stages of spermatogenesis of the European bitterling in natural conditions of Ukraine was presented using the example of the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) Reservoir. Morphological patterns of gamete development have been described and the asynchrony of the gametogenesis process, which is characteristic of intermittent spawning fish, has been confirmed.

Practical Value. The obtained data can be used to assess the reproductive status of European bitterling populations, in monitoring studies of water bodies, and as bioindicator parameters to determine the impact of pollutants on fish fertility.

Keywords: cyprinids, European bitterling, Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) Reservoir, fish histology, gametogenesis, fish reproduction, spawning.

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