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The gonadosomatic index at spawning, absolute fecundity, and egg size for the female sexual products as well as the density and consistency of semen for the male sexual products were examined in cultured Abramis brama × Blicca bjoerkna F1 hybrids and compared with the parental species at their first sexual maturity. Females ovulated under environmental conditions, and their eggs were weighed, counted and measured. Semen of males was macroscopically examined and spermatozoa counted using a hemocytometer. Results revealed that hybridization affected the quality of female and male gametes but with an overlap between hybrids and parents. The gonadosomatic index and fecundity were significantly lower than those of parental species. Egg sizes in hybrids showed a parental effect but to the benefit of hybrids. Semen of hybrids was more diluted which was classified into two groups: the white semen overlapping slightly with parents and the aqueous without any overlap with parents. Overlapped areas between hybrids and parents in term of quality of sexual products could translate that females and males of these hybrids have the biological capacity to produce high quality gametes and thus, a greater chance to produce F2 and backcross generations in rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization success at early developmental stages and larval resistance to osmotic, thermal and fasting tests in roach Rutilus rutilus, silver bream Blicca bjoerkna, common bream Abramis brama and their F1 hybrids were investigated. Results revealed that hybrid survival rates were similar to parents. At the eyed embryo stage, however, a maternal effect was observed as a general trend during hatchling and larval stages. After these stages, hybrids displayed a higher survival rate than their parents. Under stress tests, no survival was observed after 40 min for osmotic and thermal shocks and after 24 days for the prolonged fasting test in these species and their F1 hybrids. The median survivals of hybrids were intermediate between the two parents. For total mortality, hybrids were also affected by a maternal effect but to the advantage of the hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]