Sperm concentration in the mussel Mytilus edulis L.: a spectrophotometric measurement protocol

Quantifying spermatozoa concentration in milt samples is very important for aquaculture purposes, particularly when equal numbers of gametes are needed for experimental purposes, and different methods can be used. Haemocytometer and Coulter counting are the most precise methods to count spermatozoa, but they are very difficult to use when large numbers of samples are involved. A standard curve of spectrophotometric absorbance (A) against sperm concentration ([S]) was used herein instead, and an equation for estimating spermatozoa concentration for the mussel Mytilus edulis L. was obtained. The best wavelength to measure mussel spermatozoa was 320 nm, with a precision two or three times higher than at other wavelengths. The equation for spermatozoa concentration was A = 8.592 x 10(-5) [S] + 0.0190 (r(2) = 0.9979). Recommendations for choosing the best wavelength are discussed.