Reproductive biology of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus): a key to successful selective breeding.

To study the reproductive biology and physiology lumpfish, we will follow the gonadal development of lumpfish adults for 12 months manipulating the photoperiod and temperature creating four different photoperiod and temperature combinations. This set up will give us the vital information of lumpfish reproductive biology and physiology and how the photoperiod and temperature govern the lumpfish reproduction. During this period, blood, gonads, pituitary, brain and liver will be sampled once-a-month. Ontogeny of plasma sex steroids will be monitored. Gene expressions of different GnRHs, GTHs, and their receptors will also be done and will be related to ontogeny of sex steroids and to the histology of ovary and testis. Egg quality will also be assed using Embryonic/newly hatched larval morphology and biochemistry. Based on the first year results, a second time spawning of the same fish will be attempted and a modified sampling (depending on the first year results) will be made.
The information that will be generated from this project will immensely contribute to stakeholders from academics and industry towards the sustainable production of lumpfish.