What are the reproductive system of a milk fish?

Milkfish, also known as bangus or channa, are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.

However, they are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they function as males first and then transition to females later in life.

Here's a breakdown of their reproductive system:

Early Life (Male Phase):

* Testes: They develop first, producing sperm.

* Ovaries: Initially, they are rudimentary and undeveloped.

* Spawning: Milkfish spawn multiple times a year, releasing sperm to fertilize eggs released by other females.

Later Life (Female Phase):

* Testes: Gradually regress and become less functional.

* Ovaries: Develop fully and start producing eggs.

* Spawning: Milkfish now release eggs, which are fertilized by sperm from other males.

Other Important Features:

* Gonad development: The rate and timing of sex change are influenced by environmental factors like temperature, food availability, and population density.

* Spawning: Milkfish are pelagic spawners, meaning they release their eggs and sperm into the open water.

* Fecundity: They can produce a large number of eggs, often several hundred thousand per spawning event.

Overall: The protandrous hermaphrodite reproductive strategy is a successful adaptation for milkfish, allowing for greater reproductive success and flexibility within the species.