نسيج ضام
In females, the gametogenesis stage is called oogenesis, and is when the oocytes are young and in the process of developing. Oogonia are attached to the germinal epithelium in the lumen. The oocytes are arranged in a single layer, and have a defined nucleus and peripheral nucleoli. The connective tissue and folds in the gonad gradually reduce as oogenesis progresses. In the maturity stage, the oocytes are mature and have reached their maximum size. Oocytes are present in all tubules in the lumen, and their peripheral nuclei are distinguishable. Connective tissue is absent, and the gonadal wall is very thin (3). Phagocytes surround the inside and outside of the lumen. During the spawning stage, there is a decrease in the number of oocytes and an absence of gametes due to spawning. A layer of connective tissue is present at the gonad wall The gonadal wall is observed to thicken, and folds are present inside of the wall. Any of the remaining oocytes are either in maturity or oogenesis Lastly, in post spawning, oocytes observed have significantly decreased in volume. Large amounts of connective tissue are present in the gonadal walls. Phagocytes are involved in reducing the number of gonads present, thus ending the reproductive cycle in females.