Neuropeptide F stimulates ovarian development and spawning in the female giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, and its expression in the ovary during ovarian maturation cycle

Alternative techniques to eyestalk ablation to stimulate ovarian maturation in captive prawn broodstock are needed in order to avoid cruel practice on cultured prawns. Attempts have been made in using neurohormones, including neuropeptides to prime female broodstocks to stimulate growth and reproduction to replace the eyestalk ablation. NPF is a neuropeptide known for its control of feeding; however, there is currently no report on the role of NPF in female M. rosenbergii reproduction. We are the first to report the effects of NPF on ovarian maturation and spawning, and its expression and fluctuation in ovaries during the ovarian cycle in the female decapod crustacean. Our findings are novel and the data obtained could be useful for accelerating and enhancing reproduction of the female freshwater prawns.