Reproductive biology of the jellyfish (<i>Chrysaora</i> sp.) in the north-western coastal waters of Malaysia (Penang Island)

Abstract

Based on histological, microscopic and macroscopic observations, the highest gonadosomatic index (GSI) value for both sexes of <i> Chrysaora</i> sp. was found to be in July. Female GSI value of <i>Chrysaora </i> sp. was higher than male. Furthermore, this species showed an asynchronous pattern of reproduction. Spawning and the peak of the reproductive seasons were in July. Maturation in <i> Chrysaora</i> consisted of four stages (pre vitellogenic, early vitellogenic, mid vitellogenic and late vitellogenic) in female and three stages (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids) in male.