Finally, in addition to oocyte hydration-related genes, we also observed a strong over expression of several genes such proinflammatory factors, coagulation/clotting factors, vasodilatation factors and proteases in the ovary immediately prior to ovulation. Together, these observations suggest that, similarly to the theory developed in mammals, fish ovulation could also be compared ton an inflammatory-like reaction. In addition, the identification of those genes will allow specific studies leading to a better understanding of the ovulatory process in fish.