Effect of different light regimes on the maturational progress of the whitespotted rabbitfish (Siganus sutor)

In this study, the effects of different light regimes on the reproductive activity of a typical Indo- Pacific coral reef rabbitfish, Siganus sutor, were evaluated. Forty- five adult fish were exposed to nine different photoperiod (8L: 16D, 12L: 12D, 16L: 8D) and light intensity (1000, 2000, 3000 lux) combinations with three replicates and five other fishes reared under indoor light condition (Control). Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) were calculated after 60 days and compared among different experimental regimes in males and females. In the control group, GSI and HSI mean values were 4.67 and 3.24%, respectively, for females and 10.05 and 2.10%, respectively, for males, and these fish showed differences in comparison with the exposed fish. Females kept under 1000 and 2000 lux light intensities had a higher GSI mean value (9.26 and 10.39%, respectively) and also lower average HSI (2.10 and 2.31%, respectively) in 16L: 8D treatment. A similar result was also obtained for males, whereas the 3000 lux light intensity, 8L: 16D day length combination led to more gonadal development (GSIs of 16.41% in females and 12.03% in males). A comparison of results among different photoperiods also confirmed that maturation was induced better in fish maintained under 16L: 8D in both sexes. This investigation revealed the visible role of both photoperiod and light intensity on inducing maturity in the whitespotted rabbitfish, S. sutor. Thus, rearing of adults exposed to an artificial light regime, including 16L: 8D and 2000 lux light intensity, promotes more gonadal development than that occurring in the wild.