Microscopic survey of Balbiani bodies in Yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus), Abu Mullet (Planiliza abu), Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Benni (Barbus sharpeyi)

Balbiani bodies are known as a determinant structures of the fate of germ cells, organells formation and their final location in the oocyte. Due to lack of published information and high diversity in appearance, ultrastructure and composition of balbiani bodies, their function in the process of oogenesis, structional composition and differences between species are not well known, and considering that no study has been done on balbiani bodies in the country, The aim of the present study was light microscopic survey of the balbiani bodies in the oocytes of four species of osteichthyes including two brackish water fish species (Yellowfin seabream and Abu Mullet) and two fresh water fish species (Benni and Common carp), as well as yellowfin seabream and abu mullet to examine two species from two separate families and benni and common carp to examine two species of a family. For this purpose, 5 adult female fish were caught and the ovaries were histologically and histometrically examined after tissue passage. The results showed that balbiani bodies were found in previtellogenesis follicles in benni, common carp and yellowfin seabream. Balbiani body diameter in benni with larger previtellogenesis oocytes, is more than common carp and yellowfin seabream significantly. Results showed that, balbiani body were not exist in abu mullet which can indicate differences between species in the process of oogenesis.