The gonad histology and spawning pattern of the white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) were determined from fish sampled from commercial catches. Histological, microscopic and macroscopic techniques were used to examine the ovaries of E. aeneus. A six stage maturity scale based on morphology was proposed to classify ovarian development. The results showed that the white grouper has an asynchronous mode of ovarian development, and the histological study of oocyte development in the white grouper indicated that two types of inclusion, first lipid and then protein, are formed during vitellogenesis. Towards maturation, protein granules and lipid droplets increased in size and number and also started to coalesce. From the histological study of oocyte development a number of distinct developmental stages can be delineated.

The gonad histology and spawning pattern of the white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) were determined from fish sampled from commercial catches. Histological, microscopic and macroscopic techniques were used to examine the ovaries of E. aeneus. A six stage maturity scale based on morphology was proposed to classify ovarian development. The results showed that the white grouper has an asynchronous mode of ovarian development, and the histological study of oocyte development in the white grouper indicated that two types of inclusion, first lipid and then protein, are formed during vitellogenesis. Towards maturation, protein granules and lipid droplets increased in size and number and also started to coalesce. From the histological study of oocyte development a number of distinct developmental stages can be delineated.