Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aquaculture sex manipulation and hormonal sex reversal: synthetic anabolic androgens like 17$lpha$-methyltestosterone (17$lpha$-MT) induce 100% phenotypic all-male mono-sex tilapia populations.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Mixed Tilapia Fry (First 21--28 Days)} \xrightarrow{\text{Feed with } 17\alpha\text{-MT } (60\text{ mg/kg feed})} 100\% \text{ Phenotypic All-Male Mono-Sex Population} \]
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Classification of hormones used in aquaculture biotechnology:
1. 17-Alpha Methyltestosterone (17$lpha$-MT) (B): A potent synthetic orally active Androgen (Male sex steroid hormone). Widely used in commercial tilapia aquaculture: administering $17\alpha$-MT-treated feed ($60\text{ mg/kg}$) to sexually undifferentiated first-feeding fry for 21--28 days induces complete phenotypic sex reversal into $100\%$ all-male mono-sex populations, preventing precocious pond overpopulation and maximizing growth rate.
2. Estradiol-17$\beta$: Estrogen (female steroid).
3. HCG: Gonadotropic peptide hormone.
4. Dopamine: Neurotransmitter (GnRH inhibitor).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, 17 Alpha methyl testosterone is an androgen, matching option (B).