A better understanding of the reproductive process is obtained when histologic analysis of gonades is associated with macroscopic observations during the sexual cycles. This paper describes the developmental stages of the oocytes of the ovaries in 119 females of S. brasiliensis sampled along the Brazilian coast, between 22ºS and 28ºS. The cytologic characteristics of the germinative cells during the maturation process are given and six oocyte phases are described. Seven maturity stages are established: A (virgin), Bi (incipient maturation), Bf (advanced maturation), Ci (mature), Cf (ripe), D (spent) and R (repose). These stages are compared to those presently used with respect to S. brasiliensis.
Sardinella brasiliensis; reproductive organs; histology; reproduction (biology)