Post-ovulatory and post-stripping oocyte ageing in northern pike, Esox lucius (Linnaeus, 1758), and its effect on egg viability rates and the occurrence of larval malformations and ploidy anomalies

Knowledge of in vivo and in vitro storage of fish eggs can improve hatchery techniques as well as better broodstock management, which are the most important factors affecting synchronization of the artificial fertilisation and consequently the effectiveness of the entire operation. The duration of egg viability after ovulation and stripping has not yet been determined for the pike. A better understanding and refinement of egg storage methods are strongly desirable to maximize the efficacy of mass production in pike hatcheries.