MOTILITY AND SPECIFIC FEATURES OF MOVEMENTS OF Lepomis gibbosus L. SPERMATOZOA

Abstract

Motility of spermatozoa was studied in Lepomis gibbosus L. inhabiting streams heated by the effluents of the Dolna Odra and Pomorzany power stations. Studies revealed a high percentage (95%) of active spermatozoa, a very long (about 15 minutes, including the oscillatory movement) duration of their motility, and a characteristic trajectory of spermatozoa movement in water (148 s-long progression consisting of linear and circular movements). It is suggested that prolonged duration of spermatozoa motility and characteristic movements observed at that time are adaptations aimed at increasing efficiency of fertilisation of eggs upon the spawning grounds, which eventually enhance the potential for biological and territorial expansion of the species, new in Polish ichthyofauna.