A step towards using the semen of the common pandora Pagellus erythrinus for practical applications of cryo-research: The computer-assessed sperm motility pattern in long-term cryostored samples

The implementation of gamete cryobanking in aquaculture may improve hatchery practices such as assisted reproduction and genetic selection of desired strains. This paper preliminarily investigated the technical feasibility of cryobanking semen of the common pandora Pagellus erythrinus, an important fishery resource in the Mediterranean area and a promising species for the diversification of productions. Post-thawing motility was evaluated in common pandora semen samples cryopreserved according to eight previously selected protocols and stored in liquid nitrogen for eight years. In order to mimic the practical use of long-term cryostored semen samples, the proportion of living sperm in which motility could be activated was evaluated, by computer-assisted analysis, on thawing and after 3 h of post-thawing incubation at 18 °C as biomarker of sperm viability. The assessed parameters were percentage of motile spermatozoa (TM), curvilinear velocity (VCL), lateral head displacement (ALH), beat-cross frequency (BCF) and dance (DNC).