Change of lecithotrophic to matrotrophic nutrition during gestation in the viviparous teleost Xenotoca eiseni (Goodeidae)

Teleosts possess unique features of the female reproductive system compared with the rest of vertebrates, features that define the characteristics of their viviparity. Viviparity involves new maternal–embryonic relationships detailing the most diverse structures during gestation that include embryonic nutrition. In order to analyze the morphological features of the complex nutrition in viviparous teleosts during intraovarian gestation, this study utilizes the goodeid Xenotoca eiseni as a model. Ovarian gestation in X. eiseni, as in all goodeids, is intraluminal; the early embryo moves from the follicle to the ovarian lumen where gestation continues. The scarce yolk in the oocytes implies that the initial lecithotrophy is replaced by matrotrophy, with nutrients provided via maternal tissues. The nutrients are absorbed by the embryo mainly by trophotaenia, extensions of the embryonic intestine into the ovarian lumen. This histological study analyses the structures involved in these two types of nutrition and when they occur during gestation in X. eiseni. The morphology displayed in this study demonstrated the extended simultaneity of lecithotrophy and matrotrophy during gestation with the progressive reduction of lecithotrophy and increase of matrotrophy. Similarly, it describes the development of complex embryonic structures for metabolic exchange with the maternal tissues associated with matrotrophy; specifically the branchial placenta and mainly the trophotaenia. Ovaries of Xenotoca eiseni in gestation with one embryo in Neurula Stage in the ovarian lumen. The early trophotaenia is formed by extensions of the anal lips, when the yolk vesicle still contained abundant yolk.