Manipulation of the time and reproductive performance of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) by different photoperiods

The objective of this study was to control the reproductive cycle and increasing the efficiency of the production of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) through determining the effects of different photoperiods on reproductive performance and egg and larval quality.

Pikeperch broodstock with mean weights 1367 ± 55.3 g were exposed to three different photoperiods with light intensity 630 lux including constant light (24L), constant darkness (24D), and 12 h of light, 12 h of darkness (12L:12D) with three replicates for 40 days.

The results showed that the pikeperch reproductive performance was affected by photoperiod. Broodstock under 24L spawned earlier than those of the other photoperiods. The highest spawning were observed in the morning in 24L (66.7 ± 3.5%) and the lowest spawning belonged to the 24D and 12L:12D that never spawned at night. Although fertilization rate and number of eggs per gram  did not show any significant difference in various photoperiods, the timing of spawning and the egg quality exhibited remarkable difference.

The results of this study pointed out to effective application of photoperiod on changing the spawning time, reproductive and induction of out-of-season spawning of pikeperch broodstock. Additionally, these results unequivocally prove that the reproductive performance of pikeperch can be considerably improved and stimulated by an effective photoperiod.