Two different methods of sperm collection in European catfish (Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

The European catfish (Silurus glanis L., 1758) is an important species for the aquaculture sector and the production of quality broodstock in artificial fertilization methods as well. One of the crucial steps determining the success of the reproduction of catfish is to obtain sufficient and good-quality sperm. The aim of this study is to compare two different methods used to obtain sperm from European catfish. The first method is surgery extraction of testicular sperm from taking testicles (CS) and the second method collection of sperm by stripping (SS). The fertilization rate was calculated as a percent for CS and SS groups and the highest fertilization rate was found in the SS group (81.87 ± 17.38%). According to the findings in the present study, it was concluded that it is not necessary to kill male European catfish to get sperm for fertilization.