SEASONAL HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE GONADS OF THE WHITING {GADUS MERLANGUS L.) AND THE NORWAY POUT (G. ESMARKII NILSSON)

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of the gonads of the whiting (Gadus merlangus) and the Norway pout (G. esmarkii) have been studied in the Irish Sea. Macroscopically, the development of the gonads is divided into seven arbitrary stages from I (immature virgin) and II (developing virgin and recovering spent) to V (full), VI (running) and VII (spent). The gonads increase in size between January and May, the fish spawn in May and June, and the gonads then remain small until the following January.