Light-emitting diode spectral sensitivity relationship with reproductive parameters and ovarian maturation in yellowtail damselfish, Chrysiptera parasema

• For green and blue lights, significantly higher levels of VTG and ER expressions.
• The presence of vitellogenic oocytes in fish exposed to short wavelengths light.
• Greater ovarian maturation in fish exposed to low and medium light intensities.
• Green low intensity lighting accelerate gonadal maturation.

The present study investigated the effects of exposure to different light spectra and intensities on ovarian maturation in yellowtail damselfish, Chrysiptera parasema over a 4-months period. We used a white fluorescent bulb and three different light-emitting diodes (LEDs: red, peak at 630 nm; green, 530 nm; blue, 450 nm), at three different intensities each (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 W/m2). The effects of different illuminations were assessed by measuring the mRNA and protein expressions of vitellogenin (VTG) and estrogen receptor (ER), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and plasma estradiol-17β (E2) hormone level. For green and blue lights, significantly higher levels of VTG and ER expressions, GSI, and plasma E2 were obtained, compared to the other light spectra. Histological analysis revealed the presence of vitellogenic oocytes in fish exposed to short wavelengths (green and blue) light. In addition, we observed significantly greater ovarian maturation in fish exposed to low and medium light intensities. The results indicate that exposure to green low intensity lighting accelerates gonadal maturation, and is likely to facilitate development of more energy-efficient aquaculture procedures.