최석진*·김영혜1·문경진
IPNAVI 국제특허법률사무소, 1부경대학교 수산생명과학부
Digital color analysis was used to determine the gonadal maturity stages and levels of robust tonguefish Cynoglossus robustus specimens collected from the South Sea of Korea. Maturity stages were determined using photomicrographs depicting ovarian developmental phases and compared with digital color values. Speciments of C. robustus ranged in total length from 21 to 40 cm, with mature ovaries predominantly observed in specimens exceeding 30 cm in length. Monthly color values of the ovaries were primarily concentrated in the 1st and 4th quadrants of the color space, with a* and b* values ranging within ±20 and ±15, respectively. The color values of the testes were predominantly located in the 1st and 4sth quadrants, with a* and b* values ranging from -10 to 10 and -5 to 10, respectively. Although the color values of the mature and spawning stages overlap within a narrow range, distinguishing between them requires consideration of both color values and their monthly distribution. This study underscores the effectiveness of using digital color measurements over subjective visual assessments to evaluate the maturity of C. robustus gonads, thereby providing more quantitative insights into their reproductive biology.
Cynoglossus robustus, CIE 1976 L*a*b*, Color meter, Maturity determination