Chilled and post-thaw storage of sperm in different goldfish types

The effective storage time of sperm after stripping (for 48 hr in 6-hr intervals) and after thawing (for 6 hr in 2-hr intervals) in Black moor, Oranda and Calico goldfish types was investigated. Variations in sperm density were also measured in all lines. The efficiency of a sperm cryopreservation method formerly developed for common carp was recorded in all three goldfish lines. Motility parameters ((pMOT, %), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm/s) and straightness (STR, %)) of Black moor sperm did not decrease significantly during 48 hr of storage. A significant reduction in the Oranda type compared to the fresh control was observed in pMOT after 42 (23 ± 2%) and VCL after 36 (94 ± 12 μm/s) hours (pMOT 84 ± 5%, VCL 150 ± 11 μm/s). In the Calico type, pMOT decreased significantly already after 18 (42 ± 26%) and VCL after 6 (105 ± 8 μm/s) hours (fresh: pMOT 92 ± 5%, VCL 151 ± 6 μm/s). A high pMOT immediately following thawing was measured in Oranda (46 ± 12%) and Calico (55 ± 15%) types, whereas a reduced pMOT was recorded in Black moor (24 ± 19%). In Calico, pMOT showed a significant reduction after 6 hr (19 ± 11%) in comparison with the initial value, with no changes observed in VCL and STR. None of the parameters changed in the Black moor and Oranda types. Evidence was found that different goldfish lines have different sperm quality and characteristics. Further studies can investigate the possible effects of chilled and post-thaw storage on the fertilizing capacity of sperm in the Black moor, Oranda and Calico goldfish types.