The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of cryopreservation methods for ex situ conservation of spermatozoa from far eastern catfish, Silurus asotus. The spermatozoa activity index (SAI) and hatching rates were higher in spermatozoa stored in Alserver’s solution than those of spermatozoa stored in glucose solution. The SAI and hatching rates in all experimental groups gradually decreased with increasing duration of storage. Additionally, the SAI and hatching rates gradually decreased with increasing thawing temperatures at all storage durations (P<0.05). Based on the SAI and hatching rates, our results suggest that the optimal cryopreservation conditions of catfish spermatozoa involve storage in Alserver’s so-lution with 15% ethylene glycol, and thawing at 25℃. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is a useful and reliable technique for conserving gene resources and for artificial propagation of far eastern catfish.

• Hyun Woo Gil(Division of Marine Bioscience, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University)
• Tae Ho Lee(Department of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University)
• In-Seok Park(Division of Marine Bioscience, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Corresponding Author