Histological studies to evaluate gonad development in Barbus neefi (Cyprinidae), the sidespot barb, from South Africa

Abstract

Barbus neefi gonads were collected seasonally from specimens from the Selati and Makutsi Rivers, tributaries of the Olifants River in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa, preserved in 4% formalin solution and stained with hematoxilin/eosin. These collections represent new records for this species in these rivers. Mature eggs and sperm were found to occur throughout the year in most individuals (SL 22.7–67.2mm), as occurs in other cool water species. One individual was hermaphrodite.