Reproductive biology of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) - a review

The present article tried to describe the reproductive biology of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca). Pikeperch has annual reproduction in spring. Maturation in this fish needs cold period and its highest reproductive output is observed at temperature range of 8-15 °C. The puberty age is 2-3 for males and 3-4 for females and has a negative relationship with water temperature. Pikeperch spawn in holes located in the river bottom and after releasing the eggs by females, male fish protect them. Egg diameter is 0.5-1.4 mm before and 1.26-1.4 mm after hydration. Relative fecundity of this fish is 150-400 eggs per g of females body weight and absolute fecundity is up to 2.4 million eggs. Incubation period is around 110 degree-hours. Pikeperch is one the most valuable endemic species of Iran, but unfortunately is endangered. Therefore, having knowledge on reproductive biology and access to techniques of controlled captive reproduction is indispensable to preserve its survival.