Castration and reproductive behavior in the paradise fish, Macropodus opercularis (L.) (Osteichthyes: Belontiidae)

The effects of castration on male spawning behavior, nestbuilding and fertility were measured in a five day spawning trial with an intact female. Spawning and fertility decreased one week following castration while nestbuilding was unaffected. Sham operated males showed normal spawning and fertility. Two weeks postoperatively, fertility and spawning were increased paralleling partial regeneration of the testes. The antigonadotropin methallibure blocked testes regeneration and recovery of spawning in castrated males but it had no effect on reproductive functions of intact males. Spawning did not decrease in one-week castrated males which were administered testosterone enathanate. The results suggest that gonadal androgen facilitates sexual behavior in Macropodus.