Cryopreservation and Short Duration Storage of Germ Cells and Male Gametes of Freshwater Fish

Storage of fish germ cells and male gametes and utilization is a new frontier for aquaculture research and development. Cryopreservation and short-term preservation of fish milt and germ cells at low temperature may play a great role in brood stock upgradation by utilizing it at distantly located hatcheries. Fish seed production industry recorded a remarkable growth during the last several decades. The quality of seed is an important consideration for commercial aquaculturists. In hatchery seed production sector, storage of milt can facilitate selective breeding, hybridization and commercial seed production. It provides an instant milt component to a stripped egg mass under control condition. A success of stored milt depends upon the quality of milt and standard process of preservation. To keep the selected sample alive for certain duration needs preservation at an appropriate temperature with suitable extenders since only raw milt is unsuitable for preservation. Preservation may be non-cryogenic (short term) or cryogenic (long term). Gametes of improved stock are cryopreserved and utilized for quality seed production as well as upgrading the brood stock in carps. Gamete cryopreservation protocol for fish with special emphasis on freshwater carps is focused in this review.