Innovations in aquaculture: fish maturity assessed with high definition ultrasound

摘要

The ability to determine sex and assess the stage of maturity of finfish is essential in both aquaculture and fisheries management. Ultrasonography, a non-invasive technology, has been used for more than twenty years. However, early ultrasound systems had limited definition, which made it difficult to discern the gonads of immature males, especially of smaller individuals. Often, male fish were identified by deduction: since the gonads of females were always visible, those lacking defined gonads must be male. Earlier systems also lacked portability, which often precluded their use in the field.