Growth of two species of flounders in the hauraki gulf,New Zealand

Growth of the sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebeia (Richardson), and the yellow‐belly flounder, Rhombosolea leporina Günther, in the Hauraki Gulf is described. In both species females grow more quickly than males. At 2 years of age male and female sand flounders reach mean total lengths of 17 cm and 23 cm respectively, and male and female yellow‐belly flounders reach mean total lengths of 24 cm and 29 cm respectively.     

Size at first maturity of two species of flounders in the Hauraki gulf,New Zealand

The length at first maturity of the sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebeia (Richardson), and the yellow‐belly flounder, Rhombosolea leporina Gunther, (Teleostei: Heterosomata) in the Hauraki Gulf was investigated by the incidence of sexually tnature and immature fish grouped at 1‐cm length intervals. All male sand flounders and yellow‐bellies were sexually mature at sizes considerably less than the legal minima of 22.9 cm (9 in.) and 25.4 cm (10 in.) respectively. About 95% of female sand flounders and about 15% of female yellow‐bellies matured before reaching the respective minimum legal sizes. Most (i.e., over 50%) female sand flounders and yellow‐bellies were mature when they reached lengths of 18 cm and 26 cm respectively.     

Mesh selection studies on flatfish in relation to the Otago trawl fishery

Cod‐end mesh selection experiments were conducted on three species of flatfish (common or English sole Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae, lemon sole Pelotretis flavilatus, and sand flounder Rhombosolea plebeia) trawled off the Otago coast. It is suggested that better yields would be obtained from stocks of these fish if the minimum cod‐end mesh size was increased from 10.2 cm (4 in.) to 11.4 cm (4.5 in.).     

Movements of flounders in the Hauraki Gulf,New Zealand

Information on the movements of two species of flounder, Rhombosolea plebeia and R. leporina, in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, was obtained in 1968–70 from fishing statistics, trawling surveys, and tagging experiments. There was no evidence of significant emigration from the study area and it was therefore concluded that movements were local, consisting essentially of offshore movement to spawn in winter and spring, and of onshore movement in the summer.     

Fish populations of the Avon‐Heathcote estuary

Characteristic organisms are tabulated, and the substrate conditions briefly described for seven habitats in the Avon‐Heathcote Estuary, Christchurch, New Zealand. Temperatures and water movements within the estuary are outlined.

From April 1965 to April 1966, samples were collected by short otter‐trawl shots, gill netting, beach seine hauls, and dip netting; the limitations of the gear are noted. The distributions and movements are recorded for nine fish species : sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebeia (Richardson) ; yellow‐bellied flounder, Rhombosolea leporina (Hutton) ; common sole, Peltorhamphus novae‐zeelandiae (Gunther) ; ye'llow‐eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri (Cuvier and Valenciennes); kahawai, Arripis trutta (Bloch and Schneider); spotty, Pseudolabrus celidotus (Bloch and Schneider); cockabully, Tripterygion nigripenne (Cuvier and Valenciennes) ; common bully, Gobiomorphus basalis (Gray); and globe fish, Spheroides richei (Freminville).

Length‐frequency distributions showed that most of the nine species of fish used the estuary as a feeding area for adults and as a nursery area. Only two species did not migrate to and from the sea.

Length‐weight relationships for eight species showed that weight was a function of length approximately cubed, and that the exponential equation could be used to predict weight from length.

Regressions of caudal fin length on standard length for four species gave a positive correlation (r = +0.95). Relative proportions of body length to caudal fin length were related to habitat; fish of benthic habits had proportionally shorter caudal fins than pelagic fish.     

Egg and yolk sac stages of the sand flounder (Teleostei: Pleuronectidae)

The developmental stages of the eggs and yolk‐sac larvae of the common sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebeia (Richardson), are described and illustrated.     

Fish populations of the Avon‐Heathcote Estuary

Breeding seasons and sizes at first maturity for nine species of fish in the Avon‐Heathcote Estuary, Christchurch, New Zealand, were: sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebeia, mid‐winter to spring at 200 mm+; yellow‐bellied flounder, Rhombosolea leporina, winter and spring at 260 mm+; common sole, Peltorhamphus novaeieelandiae, did not breed in the estuary but reached first maturity at 220 mm +; yellow‐eyed mullet, Aldrichetta forsteri, spawned twice a year, winter and summer, at 220 mm +; kahawai, Arripis trutta, bred outside the estuary at 520–540 mm +; spotty, Pseudolabrus celidotus, spring to autumn at 200 mm for males and 160 mm for females; cockabully, Tripterygion nigripenne, spring and early summer at 52–57 mm +; common bully, Gobiomorphus basalis, spring and early summer at 45–50 mm+; and globefish, Speroides richei, spring to autumn at 147 mm + for males and 120 mm + for females. The successive stages in gonad development are described for these species.

In pelagic species, e.g., flatfish and kahawai, x² analyses showed that for most months females are more numerous than males, and that migration is of major importance. In (littoral species, e.g., common bully and cockabully, there is a 1 : 1 sex ratio in the breeding season, but this ratio subsequently breaks down.

The Avon‐Heathcote estuary was used mainly as a nursery area by juvenile fish, although some species, such as sand flounder, yellow‐bellied flounder, yellow‐eyed mullet, and cockabully spawned in the estuary.     

Food of snapper,Chrysophrys auratus (forster), in the Hauraki Gulf,New Zealand

The food of the snapper, Chrysophrys auratus (Forster), in the Hauraki Gulf was investigated by an occurrence method. The diet was extremely varied and depended on the size of the fish and the food available to it. Variation in feeding occurred during the day, but there was no difference in diet at different times of the year or between male and female snapper.

No evidence was found for the existence of two races of snapper in the Hauraki Gulf. Changes of colouration and behaviour among snapper schooling in the summer appeared merely to be associated with spawning activity.     

Habitat selection of stone and starry flounders in an estuary in relation to feeding and survival

Juveniles of both stone flounder Platichthys bicoloratus and starry flounder Platichthys stellatus utilize estuaries as nursery grounds. To understand their habitat selection and the functions of habitats such as food supply, we defined the seasonal distribution of recently settled fish of these species in shallow nursery areas and investigated their feeding habits in the Natori River estuary, Japan. Distribution of stone flounder was limited to the lower estuary (<3 km upriver from the mouth) and stone flounder were most abundant near the mouth. Recently settled starry flounder were first detected further upstream in areas characterized by low salinity <10 and by the absence of the predatory sand shrimp Crangon uritai. Early juvenile stone and starry flounders consumed mainly siphons of the bivalve Nuttallia olivacea and the mysid Neomysis awatschensis, respectively; however, 1- and 2-yr-old fish of both stone and starry flounders fed mainly on the bivalve siphons. These results indicate that habitat selections of juvenile stone and starry flounders enable utilization of preferred prey and predator avoidance, respectively, and that non-overlap of these species' habitats results in avoidance of inter-specific competition for food between these two species.     

Fish populations of the Avon‐heathcote estuary

Details are given of gut‐content analyses for nine fish species from the Avon‐Heathcote Estuary, Christchurch, New Zealand: sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebeia (Richardson); yellow‐bellied flounder, R. leporina (Hutton); common sole, Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae (Gunther); yellow‐eyed mullet, Aldrichetta forsteri (Cuvier & Valenciennes); kahawai, Arripis trutta (Bloch & Schneider); spotty, Pseudolabrus celidotus (Bloch and Schneider); cockabully, Tripterygion nigripenne (Cuvier & Valenciennes); common bully, Gobiomorphus basalis (Gray); and globefish, Spheroides richei (Freminville). The percent occurrences of each food type recorded over Ihe sampling period (April 1965‐April 1966) for each species are compared. Monthly food tables are given for those species of which suitably large samples were obtained (sand flounder, yellow‐bellied flounder, common sole, yellow‐eyed mullet, and globefish). Where possible, the dietary occurrence of different food types is related to environmental and other factors observed or considered likely to influence food selection.     

Abnormal pigmentation in the sand flounder (note)

Two abnormally pigmented sand flounders, Rhombosolea plebeia (Richardson), are described; one exhibits complete ambicolouration and the other almost total albinism. Causes of ambicolouration and albinism are discussed.     

Surveys of mussels (Mollusca: Lamellibranchia) in the firth of Thames, 1961–67

Surveys are described which were made to determine distribution and relative density of stocks of mussels, Perna canaliculus Gmelin (Lamellibranchia: Anisomyaria; Mytilidae), in the Firth of Thames, North Island, New Zealand, during the late autumn‐early winter of each year 1961–63 and 1965–67.

Two dredges available for sampling were tested against one another over similar ground. Both gave comparable results, but although the one chosen was never actually calibrated, it gave consistent results which allowed relative changes of abundance to be studied.

In 1961, 206 stations were sampled on a grid of 1 square mile which covered most of the Firth. Early results showed that the densest beds were along the western shore line; there were only small patches of mussels off Coromandel and along the eastern shore. A well‐stocked and readily identifiable area of 2 square miles off Matingarahi Point was selected for more intensive sampling on a 1/16 square‐mile grid. Samples collected there annually showed a rapid decline of the population after commercial dredging in 1961–62; there was no substantial regeneration on the bottom after this, though satisfactory settlement occurred above the bottom on experimental moorings. Declining yields are shown for other areas (Ponui Island and New Brighton) which were also sampled on a 1/16 square‐mile grid.

Commercial landings of mussels decreased rapidly after 1961, and have not recovered. There have been no regular landings since 1966 but a promising private experiment in small‐scale cultivation is described.     

Summer spatial patterns of the fish community in a large,shallow, turbid coastal lake

Several water quality parameters, marginal vegetation, and the fish community in Lake Ellesmere, a large, shallow, turbid lake situated on the east coast of the South Island, New Zealand, were sampled along selected transects in late summer to determine species spatial patterns. Thirteen species offish were caught, with seven of them comprising major populations, although only four of these were adequately sampled by the method used—they included inanga (Galaxias maculatus), common smelt {Retropinna retropinna), shortfinned eel (Anguilla australis), and common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus). Inanga were almost exclusively confined to areas on the western side of the lake which has a convoluted shoreline with a variety of small embayments with scattered vegetation along the margins. Common smelt occupied both marginal and offshore areas, but they too were more abundant along the margins particularly on the western side. Both the common bully and shortfinned eel were widespread and abundant in the lake, although their abundance and biomass were higher within the vicinity of the lake outlet, major inflowing tributaries, and other marginal habitats. All three species of flounders of the genus Rhombosolea were poorly represented in our samples. However, in commercial catches they were reasonably abundant, with the sand flounder (R. plebeia) and yellowbelly (R. leporina) being more common in offshore than inshore catches, whereas the black flounder (R. retiaria) showed no difference in the catches between areas. Our overall findings are consistent with the hypothesis that bottom‐dwelling species (eels, bullies, flounders) are more widely distributed than free‐swimming forms (inanga, common smelt), which were largely confined to areas sheltered from prevailing winds. The highly turbid nature of the lake, primarily because of re‐suspension of fine bottom sediments by frequent winds, is considered an important factor in the distribution of the fish fauna.     

Fecundity of the snapper Chrysophrys auratus (Pisces: Sparidae) from the Hauraki Gulf

Fecundity estimates were made for snapper Chrysophrys auratus, a serial spawning fish, for the 1974–75 and 1975–76 spawning seasons. Weighed sub‐samples of ovaries were used, and eggs were counted manually. All eggs >0.1 mm diameter were considered potentially capable of being spawned; estimates of these eggs were made at the beginning and end of spawning, and their difference was considered to be the actual fecundity. A log‐log transformation of egg numbers against length offish gave a linear relationship. Fecundity estimates ranged from 297 000 at 25 cm to 4 528 000 at 50 cm in 1974–75, and from 83 000 at 25 cm to 6 164 000 at 50 cm in 1975–76. Counts of ripe eggs were also made, and batch sizes ranging from 13 000 at 25 cm to 104 000 at 50 cm were predicted. By combining these data with fecundity estimates the number of batches spawned was estimated to be 23–44 in 1974–75, depending on and increasing with length; and 6–59 in 1975–76.     

Snapper tagging in north‐east New Zealand, 1974: Analysis of methods,return rates,and movements

During 1974, 5045 snapper Chrysophrys auratus (Forster) were tagged at various locations along the north‐east coast of the North Island. Most were trawl‐caught using a canvas cod‐end in shallow inshore areas. Four types of tags were used, of which two were found to be effective: a large single‐barbed dart tag, and a lock‐on spaghetti tag. For the period up to the end of October 1975, 88 (1.74%) were returned. Highest returns were from the Hauraki Gulf (2.3%) and lowest from Northland (nil). Analysis of the recapture data showed that most movements were local, with a mean distance between tagging site and recapture position of 13.9 nautical miles (25.7 km). Four movements greater than 50 miles (92.6 km) were recorded. Local movements in the Hauraki Gulf were associated with the spring/summer spawning period. This movement, out from inshore areas which are closed to seiners and trawlers, and schooling behaviour, are thought to be the main factors contributing to the peak in snapper catches at this time of the year.     

Photo‐identification of short‐beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in north‐east New Zealand: A photo‐catalogue of recognisable individuals

Photo‐identification has been established as a helpful tool in cetacean research. However, no study to date has attempted to apply this method to short‐beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis L.). We present here the results of two studies that were conducted concurrently in Mercury Bay and the Hauraki Gulf on the north‐east coast of New Zealand's North Island. Methods for distinguishing between individual dolphins are discussed. Sighting records of recognisable individuals indicate that some common dolphins move between Mercury Bay and the Hauraki Gulf (100 km distance), as well as between Mercury Bay and Whakatane (200 km distance). Common dolphin abundance and site fidelity appeared to be greater in the Hauraki Gulf than in Mercury Bay. A selection of photographs of distinct individuals is presented to allow future studies to compare their sighting records to ours, which may help establish the extent of home ranges, site fidelity, and possibly even longevity for common dolphins.     

Population size and exploitation rate of snapper,Chrysophrys auratus,in the Hauraki Gulf from tagging experiments, 1975–76

The results of three snapper tagging cruises in the Hauraki Gulf area to estimate population size and annual exploition rate are presented. Eight hundred and thirty‐two snapper were tagged around Great Barrier Island in August 1975; in the inner Hauraki Gulf 1743 were tagged in June 1976 and 2685 in October 1976. Estimates of tag loss due to the combined effect of shedding of tags and tagging mortality were made, and the crude tag return rates were adjusted accordingly. The combined returns from commercial and amateur fishermen for the first year after tagging, adjusted for tag loss, were: Great Barrier Island, 19 (2.3%); inner Hauraki Gulf, June tagging, 98 (5.7%), October tagging, 179 (6.8%). Tag return rates from different parts of the study area varied considerably.

Calculations of the population size for the inner Hauraki Gulf (fishery statistical areas 006 and 007) were made from tag returns of longline and set net fishermen and their catch statistics taken from the monthly fishing returns; Petersen's method gave population sizes of 43 million (returns from June tagging) and 36 million (October). The catch statistics are thought to considerably under‐record the real landings, and better estimates of the population size may be 71 million and 60 million respectively.     

Fishes from Porirua and Pauatahanui inlets: Occurrence in gill nets

From June 1983 to July 1984, gill nets were set at intervals of approximately one month in the Porirua and Pauatahanui Inlets, Wellington. During this period, 24 species of fish were caught, bringing the total number of species known from the two inlets to 43. The inlets are a nursery area for juvenile Callorhynchus milii, Mustelus lenti‐culatus, Rhombosolea plebeia, and Arripis trutta.     

Food of predatory demersal fish in Hauraki Gulf

Feeding was examined in five species of fish associated with snapper Chrysophrys auratus (Forster) trawled from Hauraki Gulf and north‐west Bay of Plenty: trevally Caranx lutescens Richardson, red gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu Lesson and Garnot, horse mackerel Trachurus novaezelandiae Richardson, eagle ray Holorhinus tenuicaudatus (Hector), and john dory Zeus japnnicus Cuvier and Valenciennes. All five species feed on some elements of the bottom fauna; in general, crustaceans were the most important food group.     

台湾海峡野生牙鲆人工繁殖和育苗技术研究

2003年12月至2004年5月对台湾海峡的野生牙鲆进行了亲鱼的驯养、促熟产卵及人工育苗技术研究.结果表明,活的鲻鱼苗可用于牙鲆亲鱼的诱食;当水温达到16.2~19.5℃时,牙鲆可自然产卵,产卵盛期为3月中旬至4月上旬.4月份受精率高达86%.在驯养过程中亲鱼未发生死亡.本实验共用受精卵约153万粒,孵出仔鱼140.8万尾,孵化率达92%.经63d培育,育出全长3.8~5.5cm幼鱼53.4万尾,成活率37.9%.育苗水温为20~24℃,海水盐度为26~31.