Morfologia e histologia dos testículos do peixe-anjo Holacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Teleostei: Perciformes: Pomacanthidae)

Abstract

Aspects of the morphology and histology of the testicles of Holacanthus ciliaris were studied in this research. Monthly collections of living fish, totaling 39 males, were carried out between December, 2000 and November, 2001 on the coast of Ceará State, Brazil. The total length of the fish varied between 63.4 mm and 334 mm, the standard length between 50.9 mm and 270 mm, and the total weight between 6,70 g and 590 g. The testicles were bilobed and ribbon-like in shape, with firm texture and coloration varying between transparent and amber. In the histological study, male gametes were found in all espermatogenesis stages along the months of the year.