Endocrinology and fish culture.

In the current practice of fish culture the use of hormones is mainly limited to the field of reproduction, and more precisely to induce or synchronize ovulation and stimulate spermiation. The practice of pituitary homogenates injection (called hypophysation) which started in the early 1930's has allowed spectacular developments in the culture of some cyprinid species, especially in China, India and Europe. HCG has been used successfully in a limited number of species and LHRH-A, often associated with antidopaminergic compounds, started to be used in some species, especially cyprinids, on a commercial scale. Sex steroids are now commonly used to reverse the sex of some species in salmonids, cyprinids, tilapias. Due to legal restriction and consumer opposition, the tendency is to limit the use of steroids, especially in fish which are later offered to consumption. GH, which significantly stimulates growth and reduces the food conversion rate in laboratory experiments, will possibly be used on a large scale in fish farms. Endocrinology has considerably increased the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling some physiological functions; this has allowed the identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity, and helps in the management and the process of domestication (most of the cultured fish species have been taken form the wild recently).