Changes in structure and fertilizing ability of marine and preshwater fish spermatozoa diluted in media of various salinities

The spermatozoa of various marine teleosts (sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax; sea bream, Sparus auratus) or fresh water teleosts (trout, Salmo gairdneri; pike, Esox lucius; guppy, Poecilia reticulata) were diluted in media of different salinities. Motility, morphological changes and fertilizing ability were the criteria used in judging the effects of such treatments. The medium best adapted to dilution of sea-fish sperm had a salinity of about 20‰. Sperm motility was increased and prolonged, and fertilization rate was significantly improved (P<0.05) for the sea bass at a dilution. For freshwater fish (trout and pike), an extender with about 7‰ salinity increased motility time and fertility ability (P