Biology of Finfish and Shellfish

4.3.1 Maturation and spawning

4.3.1 Maturation

The term ‘maturation’ can be defined as cyclic, morphological changes which the male and female gonads undergo to attain full growth and ripeness. “Spawning” refers the release of male and female gametes from the body of fish to the exterior environment where fertilization takes place. “Breeding” includes all these events along with their prespawning and spawning phases. The breeding season signifies the time of peak maturity and the period during which spawning occurs in a population. Breeding behaviour includes complex behaviour pattern involving nest building, pairing, migration, courtship and shoaling.