Histology of seminal vesicles of wild African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) during spawning and non-spawning periods in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study investigates histology of seminal vesicles of wild African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) during spawning as well as non-spawning periods in Maiduguri Nigeria. Twenty adult males of wild African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were used for the study. Their mean weight was found to 550 g and mean body length was 42 cm. Histology of the seminal vesicles showed simple cuboidal cells in the glandular epithelium in the spawning period and pseudo columnar epithelial cells during the non spawning period. The proximal part of the seminal vesicles that are connected with the milt duct revealed presence of smooth muscle cells. The seminal vesicles were seen divided into compartments by connective tissue fibers, and the compartments were filled with eosinophilic staining colloidal substances. The study described the histological structures of seminal vesicles of wild Clarias species during spawning period as large lobules filled with colloidal substances were seen, while reduced colloidal substances and pseudo columnar epithelial cells were seen during non-spawning period in Maiduguri, Nigeria.