Gonadal maturation in captivity and hormone-induced spawning of the Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru

Wild broodstock of the Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru, a high value commercial species in Mexico, were brought to the laboratory to achieve experimentally induced gonadal maturation. Mature individuals were successfully obtained during three experiments when the water temperature was increased from about 17-22°C between March and May. Mature females showing vitellogenic oocytes with diameters over 400 μm were injected with human chorionic gonadotropin. A first dose of 500 IU/kg body weight was administered, followed 24 h later by a second dose of 1000 IU/kg body weight. At the time of the second injection, males were also injected (500 IU/kg body weight). Fertilized eggs were incubated at 25°C and hatching was achieved 28 h later.