The ovarian cycle of the fish Leptobotia elongata Bleeker, endemic to China.
Histological analysis of Leptobotia elongata Bleeker ovaries revealed five stages in oocyte development (oogonia, previtellogenic oocytes, vitelline vacuolated oocytes, vitellogenic oocytes and mature oocytes) based on nucleoli, follicle cells and vitellogenesis. Five time-dependent stages in ovarian maturation were characterized based on the appearance and the color of the ovaries and the gonadosomatic index (GSI). Lipid, protein and glycoprotein content varied with the development of the oocytes. Females captured during periods of ovarian ripening had the highest GSI values, their length ranged from 327 to 375 mm, and their body weight between 326 to 483 g. The seasonal variation of GSI indicated that the spawning season of L. elongate was from May to July. This study will underpin future work on the population dynamics of L. elongata which, in turn, is required for the management of the commercial resource.