The reproductive biology of small fishes and the clutch concept: Combining macroscopic and histological approaches

Accurate estimates of reproductive parameters important in understanding life history evolution and conservation small fishes are dependent upon careful assignment ovarian phases. Proper is based the stages propagule (oocyte) development, oocyte maturation location any clutch or portion thereof within ovaries. Macroscopic inspection developmental phases have often been used for freshwater fishes. By contrast, histological methods developed widely marine fishes, but they rarely We review ovum maturation, cycling process using both macroscopic approaches which incorporate concept. New terminology, including three actively spawning on appearance (actively spawning-maturation, spawning-hydration, spawning-ovulation), proposed. assert that combining methodologies, shown to be complementary, will allow a more accurate precise biology fishes—especially experiencing effects habitat change loss habitat.