Molecular and Endocrine Regulation of Ovarian Maturation in the Black Tiger Prawn ( Penaeus monodon ) and Associated Challenges in Its Aquaculture

Gourab Chowdhury; Josephine Nocillado; Abigail Elizur; Scott F. Cummins; Tomer Ventura

doi:10.1111/raq.70141

Molecular and Endocrine Regulation of Ovarian Maturation in the Black Tiger Prawn ( Penaeus monodon ) and Associated Challenges in Its Aquaculture

Gourab Chowdhury, Josephine Nocillado, Abigail Elizur, Scott F. Cummins Tomer Ventura

Reviews in Aquaculture, Vol.18(2), pp.1-24

2026

: https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70141

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Reviews in Aquaculture - 2026 - Chowdhury - Molecular and Endocrine Regulation of Ovarian Maturation in the Black Tiger6.79 MB

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eyestalk ablation

neuroendocrinology

penaeid aquaculture

penaeid reproduction

Over the past four decades, substantial research has investigated the regulation of ovarian maturation and spawning in the black tiger prawn ( Penaeus monodon ). In this species, female reproduction is strongly suppressed by gonad‐inhibiting hormone (GIH) released from the eyestalk, making eyestalk ablation (ESA) the most widely adopted spawning‐induction strategy in aquaculture. Despite its effectiveness, the endogenous mechanisms that naturally overcome GIH‐mediated inhibition remain poorly understood, and only a limited number of stimulatory factors have been identified. As a result, the neuroendocrine and molecular regulation of reproduction throughout the ovarian maturation cycle remains incompletely resolved. Advancing this knowledge is essential for developing effective alternatives to ESA. This review synthesizes current advances in the neuroendocrinology of ovarian maturation in P. monodon , identifies key knowledge gaps, and summarizes molecular approaches evaluated as potential replacements for ESA. Collectively, this review supports ongoing efforts to develop sustainable and animal welfare‐friendly spawning‐induction strategies for P. monodon aquaculture.

: Molecular and Endocrine Regulation of Ovarian Maturation in the Black Tiger Prawn ( Penaeus monodon ) and Associated Challenges in Its Aquaculture
: Gourab Chowdhury - University of the Sunshine Coast
Josephine Nocillado - University of the Sunshine Coast
Abigail Elizur - University of the Sunshine Coast
Scott F. Cummins - University of the Sunshine Coast
Tomer Ventura (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
: Reviews in Aquaculture, Vol.18(2), pp.1-24
: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
: 2026
: 10.1111/raq.70141
: 1753-5131
: © 2026 The Author(s). Reviews in Aquaculture published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
: The authors have nothing to report.
: Novel solutions for inducing ovarian maturation in the black tiger prawn Penaeus monodon, 2022-069, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (Australia, Canberra) - FRDC
: School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
: English
: 991216133102621
: Journal article