Researchers at Embrapa have identified the sexual differentiation of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), the main native fish grown in Brazil. The breakthrough will help drive production!

Information on sexual differentiation is important to advance, mainly, in the formation of the monosex population and the precocious sexing of tambaqui. The female shows about 20% more weight at the slaughter stage.

The fish is born with a bipotential gonad that can become ovary or testis. "Our research has revealed that the sex of the tambaqui is defined as one to two months old when the animal reaches four centimeters and then begins to form the ovary or testicle," says Embrapa researcher, Amazônia Occidental (AM) Fernanda Loureiro Almeida O'Sullivan. The studies are for the genetic factors and the environmental influence in determining sex.

In addition to tambaqui and its main hybrids (tambatinga and tambacu), Embrapa is also conducting research involving pirarucu, catfish, jundiá (Rhamdia quelen), chachara (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) and their hybrids.

The sex determination system also opens the possibility of identification of the sex of the fish still small, which would add value in the commercialization of the young forms.



Source and Image: Embrapa