Study of the filiform gonads of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma inhabiting the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea

Abstract

The histological study of the adult specimens of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma carrying filamentous gonads evidenced that this group comprised males, females, and sterile fish. The specimens carrying the filamentous gonads have been found mostly in the elder age groups; no maturing of the oocytes or sperm cells has been registered. The frequency of occurrence of such specimens was relatively low: 0.07–0.13% in the Sea of Okhotsk and up to 0.25% in the Bering Sea. We conclude that these specimens have nearly no effect on the reproductive success of this species.