Accurate characterization of oocyte development is essential to understanding foundational aspects of reproductive biology and successful management of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Here this study provides complete histological descriptions for eight oocyte developmental stages in addition to postovulatory follicles and demonstrates the potential for oocyte size frequency distribution to act as a proxy for ovarian developmental stage and future maturity assessments. Importantly, it provides the first histological evidence that Pacific halibut have a group-synchronous ovarian developmental pattern with determinate fecundity and support for their batch-spawning strategy.
Keywords: Pacific halibut; developmental stage; histology; maturity; oocyte; reproduction.
© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Fisheries Society of the British Isles.