Table 1. Stages of gonadal development of Ctenopoma petherici females

Maturity stages Macroscopic characteristics
I Ovaries are very small size, oocytes cannot to distinguish to the naked eyes
II Ovaries have begun to develop; oocytes are difficultly distinguishable to the naked eyes
III Advanced maturation, oocyte distinguishable to the naked eyes testes changes from transparent pale yellow
IV Ovaries have achieved their development but the sexual products are still not extruded when light pressure is applied
V Ripe ovaries, sexual products are extruded in responses to very light pressure on the belly
VI The oocytes have been discharged, ovaries have appearance of deflated sacs and containing few left over oocytes
Data from Gogbé et al. (2017).