Technical Notes: Acquisition of Broodstock of Totoaba macdonaldi: Field Handling, Decompression, and Prophylaxis of an Endangered Species

Abstract

Totoaba Totoaba macdonaldi is the largest member in the family Sciaenidae and is considered endangered. Broodstock were collected at depths of 20–50 m in the northern Sea of Cortez, and fish suffered from severe decompression problems when brought to the surface. A field decompression technique was developed to alleviate these problems. Pertinent field handling and prophylactic measures were applied to successfully transport and acclimate the broodfish to the facilities at the Faculty of Marine Science in Ensenada, Mexico. Totoaba adapted to an enclosed environment within 30–40 d after capture. Ten broodfish, constituting the largest captive Totoaba population, are awaiting the appropriate conditions for gonad maturation and spawning.