Masculinization of the Native Bay Snook, Petenia splendida, Using Oral Administration of the Synthetic Steroid 17α‐methyltestosterone

Abstract

The possibility of inducing sex reversal in bay snook, Petenia splendida, was evaluated to generate a protocol aimed at producing single-sex populations (100% males) and improving farming conditions for this species. This popular staple food is a cichlid fish native to Central America, with aquaculture potential. We evaluated oral administration of the synthetic steroid 17 -methyltestosterone (MT) to determine optimal dosage (30, 45, and 60 mg/kg of food) and days of feeding (30, 45, and 60) to attain efficient masculinization. The statistical analysis indicates a highly significant effect of both factors as well as for the interaction (P < 0.01). We registered significant differences in growth at the end of the experiment; fish fed with 60 mg of MT for 60 d reached the largest size, while fish fed with no MT were smaller. No significant differences were observed for survival (P > 0.05), ranging from 55.7 to 75.3% in the treatments. We recommend the use of 60 mg/kg of MT for 30 d for achieving successful sex reversal. This study provides valuable information supporting the inclusion of new species in aquaculture, reducing time and costs associated with sex reversal previously proposed for the species. KEYWORDS native cichlids, sex reversal, tenguayaca