Effects of different artificial motile activating media on sperms motility of Waigieu seaperch Psammoperca waigiensis throughout a reproductive season

Summary We previously determined changes in sperm quality of Psammoperca waigiensis during its spawning season and the optimal cation concentrations and osmolality for sperm preservation of this species at the peak of the reproductive season. In this study, we went one important step further by assessing the effects of the most adequate medium, considering the dilution ratio, osmolality, and cations (Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) on the motility of P. wasigiensis sperm collected during the early, peak, and late spawning season. We determined the maximum velocity (VAP), and percentage of sperm motility (MOT), and the duration of sperm motility (DSM). Under optimal dilution, temperature, pH and osmolarity, MOT, VAP, and DSM did not statistically differ during early, peak, and late spawning season. However, under suboptimal external conditions, MOT, VAP, and DSM showed inconsistent trends during different spawning periods. We recommend using one of three different artificial motile activating media: (1) 0.55 M Na+, (2) 0.6 M K+ or (3) 1200 mOsm/kg for early; or (1) 0.6 M Na+, (2) 0.6 M K+ or (3) 1100 mOsm/kg for the peak; and (1) 0.65 M Na+, (2) 0.55 M K+ or (3) 1200 mOsm/kg for late spawning season; all at the dilution of 1:150 (v:v of semen: artificial motile activating medium).