We investigated the androgenic effects of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) on gonadal sex reversal and spermatogenesis in honeycomb grouper Epinephelus merra by method of gonadal biopsy. 11-KT was injected intramuscularly at a concentration of 1 and body weight. The proportion of cross sectional area of the gonad occupied by each germ cell type was measured and compared pre- and post-injection group. During the sex change phase, the distribution ratio of oocytes was decreased in all fish of 11-KT treatment group while the distribution ratio of spermatocytes was increased than pre-injection group. In male phase, all fish of 11-KT treatment group shown the increased distribution ratio of spermatocytes, but the distribution ratio of spermatozoa was decreased than pre-injection group. The present results suggest that 11-KT can stimulate degeneration of oocytes, proliferation of spermatocytes and spermiation in honeycomb grouper.

2000년 2월부터 2001년 2월까지 남태평양 미크로네시아 군도의 Chuju 연안에 서식하는 주Epinephelus merra 암컷을 대상으로 생식주기를 조사하였다. 생식소숙도지수 (GSI)는 2월부터 증가하기 시작하여 3월에 최고치 (3.410.84)를 보였다. 조직학적 관찰결과 3월과 4월의 난소 안에는 난황을 가진 다양한 단계의 난모세포와 배란여포들이 존재하였다. 6월부터 1월에 난소 안에는 미성숙 난모세포만 있었다. 이들 결과로 E. merra