Abstract
In this study, the complete foxl 2 complementary (c)DNA sequence was isolated by simple modular‐architecture research tool (SMART)er rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Two year‐old female spotted scat, Scatophagus argus , were reared at different temperatures (23, 26 and 29° C) for 6 weeks, or fed with different concentrations of dietary fish oil (0, 2 or 6%) for 8 weeks. Ovarian development, serum oestradiol‐17β ( E 2 ) levels, as well as ovarian foxl 2 expression were measured. At the end of experiment, ovarian foxl 2 messenger (m)RNA expression in fish reared at 23 and 26° C was significantly higher than that in fish reared at 29° C, and that in 2 and 6% fish oil groups was also significantly higher than that in control group ( P E 2 levels exhibited the same trend with foxl 2 mRNA expression in temperature treatment groups and fish oil fed groups. There was a significant positive correlation between stage of oocytes and foxl 2 expressions. Results showed that from 23 to 29° C, the optimal temperature for ovarian development in S. argus was 23–26° C, and 6% fish oil supplementation could effectively promote ovarian development. Optimal temperature and fish oil supplement might increase ovarian foxl 2 mRNA expressions to promote ovarian development in S . argus .