A histological and histochemical study of Paracheirodon axelrodi oogenesis was conducted. Four types of oocytes were determined, presenting a thin zona pellucida and squamous follicle cells in all developmental stages. The yolk globules in vitellogenic oocytes are spherical and the micropyle possessed an ample vestibule and short micropylar canal. Atresic follicles were frequent, since ovulation did not occur. The histochemical reactions demonstrated the presence of neutral glycoproteins in the zona pellucida and follicle cells; glycoproteins and lipids in the yolk globules and carboxylated acid glycoconjugates in the cortical alveoli. The knowledge of the reproductive parameters becomes an important tool in captivity breeding programs, reducing the fishing effort on the native stock.