Comparative Analysis of Morphological Characteristics and Egg Quality Indicators between Naturally Spawning and Artificially Fertilized Eggs of Korean Pomfret (Pampus argenteus)

Korean pomfret (Pampus argenteus) is a commercially important marine fish species with increasing potential for aquaculture. This study aimed to compare naturally spawned eggs with artificially fertilized eggs by evaluating morphological and biochemical indicators of egg quality. Naturally spawned eggs showed higher fertilization and hatching rates than artificially fertilized eggs. Fertilized eggs exhibited larger diameters than unfertilized eggs, while buoyant eggs contained higher levels of total lipids, DHA, and n-3 fatty acids compared to sinking eggs. Fatty acid analysis indicated that palmitic acid, oleic acid, and DHA were dominant components in both the ovarian tissues and eggs. These results suggest that egg diameter, oil globule diameter, buoyancy, and fatty acid composition can be used as practical indicators of egg quality and broodstock performance in Korean pomfret seed production.