Notes on the Reproductive Traits of Holothuria fuscogilva Cherbonnier, 1980 from Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Abstract

Reproductive traits of white teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva from Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental were investigated from February to July 2020. Gonad samples from 62 adult individuals weighing 1,240g to 5,800g were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically to determine gonad morphology, sex ratio, gonad maturity, and gonad index. Gonads were composed of numerous branched tubules of varying lengths and frequency of bifurcations arising from the gonad basis. There was no significant variation in the ratio of male to female white teatfish (x2=2.32, α=0.05) and were mostly mature in May (weighing 1,750g–4,000g in males and 2,600g-3,900g in females) with relatively high gonad output. Information on gonad maturation is useful in the development of a successful breeding technology for this economically important sea cucumber species.