Variability in maturity and growth in a heavily exploited stock: whiting (Merlangius merlangus L.) in the Irish Sea

This paper examines the relationships between maturity, length and age of whiting sampled on a length-stratified basis from groundfish surveys of the Irish Sea during spawning in spring 1992–2001. Maturity, defined by the triggering of vitellogenesis or milt production, was a function of both length and age. Proportions of mature individuals in 1-year-old males increased successively from almost zero in length classes below 15 cm to around 0.9 at 25 cm, whilst almost all 2-year-old males were mature from their smallest length of around 19 cm. Maturity in females was more strongly linked to age than to length. Most 1-year-old females were immature, the proportion of mature individuals not exceeding 0.3 in any length class. Most 2-year-old females were mature and immature fish were found in the smallest length classes only (20–25 cm). Almost all 3-year-olds of both sexes were mature in all length classes. Proportions of mature individuals in 1-year-olds increased substantially after 1997, particularly in males. Significant positive cross-correlation between proportion mature and mean length was found for 1-year-olds of both sexes. Length at 50% maturity (L₅₀) averaged around 19 cm in males and 22 cm in females. Variability in L₅₀ was negatively cross-correlated with average sea surface temperature in the preceding year. There is no evidence for substantial changes in maturity of whiting since the 1950s, despite an order-of-magnitude reduction in biomass caused by high fishing mortality. Concomitant decreases in mean length-at-age and weight-at-age in recent decades indicate that conditions may have been unfavourable for compensatory changes in maturation.     

Reproductive biology of the mackerel scad Decapterus macarellus from Cabo Verde and the implications for its fishery management

The mackerel scad Decapterus macarellus is of great social and economic importance to Cabo Verde citizens; however, in recent years catches have shown an unexplained decline. The harvest is regulated by way of a minimum legal size and a seasonal closure, with both measures based on the results of reproductive studies that did not consider the microscopic characteristics of the gonads. This study aimed to analyse the gonads microscopically in order to classify the sexual development stage of individuals and to estimate the size at first maturity and the reproductive season. This information was then used to analyse the match between the reproductive parameters and the management measures. The samples comprised 284 females (20–36 cm fork length [FL]) and 85 males (21–35 cm FL). The annual variation in gonadosomatic index and the monthly frequencies of mature phases suggest that the reproductive season occurs from March to October, with two spawning peaks, one in March and another from July to October. The current seasonal closure (from July to September) covers the main reproductive period. However, the species has a long spawning period and the timing of peaks can vary between years; hence, a reassessment of this management measure is recommended. The sizes at first maturity were estimated at 24.1 cm FL for females, and 26.6 cm FL for males. These values are higher than the minimum legal size (20 cm FL) currently established for management of the species at Cabo Verde; thus, we strongly recommend an increase in the minimum legal size in an attempt to reduce catches of immature individuals.     

Etropus crossotus, an annual flatfish species; age and growth of the fringed flounder in South Carolina

Fringed flounder, Etropus crossotus, a small flatfish common along the southeastern coast of the US, were collected along the South Carolina coast in the fall of 1992, and in the North Inlet estuary from August 1992 until July 1994. Standard length was 82% of total length and the relationship between standard length and wet weight showed near-isometric growth with no significant differences between males and females. Dry weight was 21% of wet weight and ash-free dry weight 14% of wet weight with no significant differences between sexes. Daily increments in the sagittal otoliths were used for age determination. No annual structures could be identified. The maximum age was about 14.5 months. Age-at-length was not different between the sexes. The relationship between age and length was exponential, with age (in days) equalling an e power of 4.242 + 0.135 × standard length (in cm). Back-calculated hatch dates and catches of early juveniles indicated a spawning season that lasted from March to October. Females started to be sexually mature at 7 to 7.5 cm standard length, but 50% maturity was reached at 8 to 8.5 cm. Females could grow to that size within one spawning season. Individuals hatched early in the spawning season could produce eggs in the latter portion of that season's spawning period.     

Spawning and length‐weight of Barracouta (Teleostei: Gempylidae) from eastern cook strait

A sample of 244 barracouta, Thyrsites atun (Euphrasen), caught in eastern Cook Strait, New Zealand, between March 1966 and April 1967, was examined to determine the spawning season and length‐weight relationship.

Female barracouta ripened from April onwards, a month earlier than males. Females tended to attain maturity more rapidly than most males. October and November were the peak spawning months, although some barracouta (mainly females) were mature until January. The smallest spawning barracouta was 55 cm L.C.F. Disappearance of barracouta preceding the spawning months suggested a spawning migration.

A mathematical analysis of the length‐weight data was used to predict one value from the other, and to obtain an index of the relationship (i.e., a condition factor). There was no significant difference between the slope of the regression line n for males and females, the equations being W = 0.03867. L^2.5209 and W = 0.07391 .L^2.3687 respectively. The equation for the regression line for all barracouta, W = 0.05893 . L^2.4222, had an exponent value n lower than expected for a length‐weight relationship of unmutilated fish. The condition factor of barraoouta, measured at monthly intervals, gave a good indication of the spawning cycle.     

Reproductive cycle,size at first maturation and fecundity in the golden ling,Genypterus blacodes,in Chile

Reproductive aspects of the golden ling, Genypterus blacodes, from the southern Chilean fishery are presented. Gonad samples were obtained from commercially caught fish between September 1999 and October 2000. Stage of sexual maturity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and size of females at 50% maturation determined by logistic methods and by plotting the mean GSI by total length, are presented for both years. Batch fecundity was calculated from subsampling mature ovaries containing oocytes in advanced stages of maturity. Changes in GSI and monthly diameters of oocytes showed that ling had a spawning season which extended between August and November. The sizes at first maturity in 1999 and 2000 were 86.6 and 84.8 cm total length (TL), respectively, using the logistic model, and 84 cm for both years using the mean GSI‐size plotting method. The mean batch fecundity was 333 330 oocytes per individual for fish sized 85–120 cm TL. Fecundity increased with increasing weight and total length.     

Spawning behaviour of snapper,Chrysophrys auratus,in captivity (note)

Spawning of snapper was observed in the public aquarium at Napier. Spawning males were characterised by a grey coloration and spawning females were the typical silvery‐pink colour. On four occasions spawning behaviour activity involved several males and one female and on one occasion it initially involved one male and one female, although other males joined in the spawning act. At each spawning event the female swam vertically towards the surface closely pursued by males. Eggs and sperms were released near the surface.     

Size at first maturity in females of the spiny lobster jasus verreauxi (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)

The carapace length and total length size at first maturity in females of Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards, 1851) has been investigated by a detailed study of (a) the detection of the smallest size class with external eggs, and (b) the incidence of egg‐carrying females per size‐class interval. For the study 834 females were measured and examined at Spirits Bay, New Zealand, during mid October and late December 1966. The specimens ranged in carapace length from 12.0 cm to 23.9 cm, and in total length from 29.0 cm to 56.9 cm.

The results of the study show clearly that the females reach first maturity at a carapace length or a total length larger than the present minimum legal size, i.e. a carapace length of 10.2 cm (4.02 in.), or a total length of 25.4 cm (10.0 in.). No mature females were found less than 13.5 cm carapace length, or 32.0 cm total length. First maturity was attained by the majority (50% or more) of the J verreauxi females at a carapace length of 15.3 cm or larger, or at a total length of 38.0 cm or larger.

No undersized (smaller than the minimum legal size) females were present in the collections—yet 10.3% of the specimens were found to be immature. Immature females ranged in carapace length from 12.0 cm to 16.9 cm, or in total length from 29.0 cm to 41.9 cm. Being larger than the minimum legal size, all of the immature specimens examined were “harvested"—without having reached first maturity. It appears therefore that the stocks of small, immature female J. verreauxi are not protected by the present New Zealand minimum size regulation.     

Reproductive biology of Mustelus lenticulatus from Kaikoura and Nelson

Mustelus lenticulatus is a non‐placental ovoviviparous shark with a gestation period of about 11 months. Young are born at a total length of 30–32 cm from September to December. Copulation, and ovulation of a further set of eggs, rapidly follows parturition. Fecundity increases with the length of the female; the most eggs found in one female was 24; the mean for all females was 10.73.

Males mature at about 85 cm total length and females at 95 cm at Kaikoura. Nelson males probably mature at a smaller size than do Kaikoura males. Nelson females mature at about 85 cm. Maximum observed lengths were 137 cm for females and 115 cm for males.     

Evidence of summer parturition in shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) sharks from New Zealand waters

A litter of eight near‐term shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque 1810) embryos is described from a 317.5 cm total length (TL) female caught off Hawke Bay, south‐east North Island, New Zealand on 5 February 1999. The embryos (3 males and 5 females) were 67.2–77.0 cm TL. Embryo length, condition, hepato‐somatic indices, and mass of yolk in their stomachs all indicate they were close to birth. This is the first shortfin mako litter reported from New Zealand and is outside the late winter‐early spring parturition period predicted from estimated embryonic and juvenile growth rates. Uterine width data from four mature non‐pregnant females and age‐0+ length‐at‐capture data suggest parturition occurs from September to late February (late winter‐mid summer) but is infrequent after January. We suggest that shortfin makos have an extended parturition period, possibly year‐round, with peak parturition occurring in late winter‐spring.     

Biology of Evechinus chloroticus (echinoidea: Echinometridae) from different localities

Mean gonad indices of Evechinus chloroticus (Val.) at Kaikoura and Kaiteriteri, South Island, New Zealand, increased during the winter and spring to reach peak values during the summer and then decreased to minimum values in autumn. There was only one major summer peak at Kaikoura, but two at Kaiteriteri. The maximum mean gonad index of Kaiteriteri specimens was little higher than the minimum at Kaikoura. Absolute size of gonads and spawn producton were also lower at Kaiteriteri, perhaps because of less food there.

At both localities gametogenic cycles were correlated with gonad index cycles, progressing from unripe to ripe from late autumn to spring, but Kaikoura urchins held ripe gametes over a longer period than Kaiteriteri urchins. The volume of spawn from females was greater than that from males but males had ripe gametes (and could be artificially induced to spawn) longer. At Kaikoura, some spawning probably occurred throughout summer with a major spawning in late summer or early autumn. Large urchins with small dark gonads were found throughout the year, particularly at Kaiteriteri; these were probably senile individuals.

Although at both localities Evechinus matured at 3–4 years, Kaikoura urchins were larger at maturity.

At Kaiteriteri sex ratios of mature Evechinus did not differ significantly from 1:1, but in some populations at Kaikoura males were significantly more prevalent than females.     

山东近海高眼鲽种群结构及资源分布

根据秋(2016年10月)、冬(2017年1月)、春(2017年5月)和夏(2017年8月)4个季节在山东近海的底拖网调查数据,对高眼鲽(Cleisthenes herzensteini)种群结构和资源分布的季节差异进行研究。结果表明,高眼鲽的平均体长在秋、冬季较大,而平均体质量则在夏、秋季较大。当体长大于15 cm时,体质量呈现较大的季节变化,体质量增长率在夏季最大。采用von Bertalanffy生长方程表示其生长特性,生长参数L∞为37.85 cm、K为0.28、t0为-0.57。通过Pauly经验公式求得高眼鲽的自然死亡系数为0.54。体长转换的渔获曲线求得总死亡系数为1.69,进而求得现阶段的捕捞死亡系数为1.15,开发率高达68.05%,并求得开捕年龄为1.48龄,开捕体长为12.68 cm。年龄组成为1~5龄,其中1龄与2龄个体分别占总数的45.15%与40.23%。各季节中,只有夏季样品的雌雄性比与1∶1差异显著(p<0.05),且雌性的数量显著多于雄性。50%性成熟体长为22.35 cm,性成熟比例和平均性成熟系数最高的季节出现在夏季。高眼鲽主要分布在底层水温为6.45~19.06℃、底层盐度为31.82~33.10和50 m等深线以深的海域,其平均渔获量在秋季远多于其他季节,在冬季陡然下降,随后缓慢上升。山东近海高眼鲽显现出体长分布狭窄、饵料条件恶化、产卵期延迟和过度捕捞等现象,休渔期前后资源量变化剧烈。     

Biological parameters reflecting the current state of the exploited pink dentex Dentex gibbosus (Pisces: Sparidae) population off the Canary Islands

A total of 639 pink dentex Dentex gibbosus was collected in Canary Islands waters between April 1991 and September 1993. Total lengths ranged from 14,2 to 95,2 cm. Females dominated smaller size-classes and males the larger ones. The species was characterized by protogynous hermaphroditism. The overall ratio of males to females was 1 : 1,45. The reproductive period extended from April to September, spawning peaking in June/July. The total lengths at 50% maturity were 34,7 cm for females and 38,6 cm for males. The length-mass relationship for the whole sample can be described by the parameters a = 0,01014 and b = 3,0812. Fish aged 0–16 years were present in the samples. The parameters of the Von Bertalanffy growth equation were: L _∞ = 101,2 cm, k = 0,149·year^?1, and t ₀ = ?0,111 years. The rates of total mortality Z and natural mortality M were 0,57 and 0,28·year^?1 respectively. Rates of fishing mortality F and exploitation E were 0,29 and 0,51·year^?1 respectively. The estimated length at first capture (LC ₅₀) was 17,8 cm total length.     

Reproductive pattern and egg development of the deep-sea crab Paromola cuvieri (Brachyura,Homolidae) around the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic)

This work investigated the biology of Paromola cuvieri in the Atlantic Ocean, including reproductive patterns, sex structure, depth distribution and egg development. Females were more abundant than males, mainly at depths greater than 600 m. Males were dominant in size classes larger than 110 mm carapace width (CW), especially over 120 mm, for which only males were observed. The mean length of both sexes decreased with depth. P. cuvieri appears to have continuous reproduction throughout the year. Large females tend to spawn mainly between summer and winter, but smaller females spawn during the summer. Four maturity categories were identified based on the ovary colour, and these categories were histologically validated. Three categories of testes were identified according to their colour and morphology. Sexual maturity was estimated at sizes between 71.6 and 74.0 mm CW for females and at 91.0 mm CW for males. The relative growth showed changes along the ontogeny, at 73.6 mm CW (females) and 91.3–92.2 mm CW (males). Egg development appears to not be completely synchronous, and two colour patterns can be observed simultaneously. Four stages of egg development were found: eggs undivided and fully filled with yolk in orange egg masses; eggs with a free region of yolk visible in orange or red egg masses; embryos with slightly pigmented, crescent-shaped eyes in brown egg masses; and embryos with visible pigmented structures, enlarged eyes, segmented appendages and abdomen in brown egg masses. The mean number of external eggs carried by females in stage I was estimated to be 315,753±19,267. Three species of barnacle were observed on the exoskeleton: Poecilasma aurantia, Poecilasma crassa and Heteralepas microstoma (Cirripedia, Thoracica).     

A Quantitative Assessment of the Reproductive System of the Mediterranean Cave-Dwelling Triplefin Blenny Tripterygion melanurus

Abstract. The breeding biology of the cave-dwelling Mediterranean triplefin blenny Tripterygion melanurus (Pisces, Blennioidei) was studied in the field. Two types of reproductive male were observed, territorial males and non-territorial males. Territorial males establish territories for mating, but not necessarily for feeding, in caves and crevices at depths between 0.5 and 33  m. Territories can be settled in clusters in a single cave. Non-territorial males occur in the vicinity of territories and attempt to parasitise matings of territorial males. Gravid females wait near territories where another female is spawning, rather than spawn with currently unmated territorial males. Waiting females intrude in matings and sometimes displace a spawning female. The frequency of mating of the territorial male, of sneaking and of female intrusions are higher in territories that border others than in isolated territories. Females may minimise predation risks both on themselves and on their eggs by spawning in clustered territories and by spawning with males that have more than one clutch of eggs. Territorial males must find a compromise between the benefits of attracting a female and the costs of parasitic spawning by sneaker males. The possibility that territorial males tolerate the proximity of other territorial males and accept a risk of cuckoldry is discussed. Parasitic spawning in T. melanurus is relatively rare and the gonadosomatic index in both non-territorial and territorial males is low, indicating that sperm competition is probably not intense.     

Reproductive traits of sandbird octopus, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Amphioctopus aegina</Emphasis> (Gray, 1849) from Mandapam coastal waters (Palk Bay), Southeast Coast of India

The sandbird octopus Amphioctopus aegina (Gray, 1849) is one of the important octopod species in trawl catches in Mandapam waters (Palk Bay). The reproductive biology of this species from these waters was studied from October 2001 to September 2002. In the majority of months(Jan–June), the sex ratio was biased towards males. The ratios of males to females increased consistently with respect to weight Total weight at first maturity were 78.78g for females and 40.8 g for males. Four maturity stags were recognized for females and two for males. Maturation and spawning occur all year round, with a peak during October and another peak during January–February. In males, no definite seasonal changes were observed in gonadosomatic index (GSI) values. In females there were two peaks in GSI values during October and January–February. For individuals of a DML range of 67–85 mm fecundity varied between 2,962–8,820 oocytes. The average relative fecundity was estimated at 68 to 83 and the average number oocytes per gram of ovary were 488 to 539.     

Some observations on the reproductive biology of The sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788) from southern African waters

Observations are made of the maturation status of 81 male and 88 female sixgill sharks Hexanchus griseus from southern African waters. Males mature at about 310 cm total length (TL) with the calcification of the terminal cartilage elements of the claspers. Determination of maturity for females was problematic, but most were fully mature by at least 420 cm TL. Newborns were captured at the same location over three consecutive summer seasons, indicating the location of a possible pupping ground.     

中华乌塘鳢雌雄异体和雌雄同体性类固醇激素含量的季节变化与差异

采用酶联免疫吸附法测定了野生中华鸟塘鳢（Bostrichthyssinensis）不同季节血清E2和1l—KT含量的变化,并比较了生殖季节养殖雌雄同体与野生雌雄异体之间E,、11一KT和17仪,2013一P三种性类固醇激素含量的差异．结果表明,野生雌鱼和雄鱼血清E：和11一KT的含量均具有明显的季节变化,其高低均依次为5〉8〉2〉11月．在相同月份,雌鱼的E,含量显著高于雄鱼,而雄鱼的ll—KT含量显著高于雌鱼．生殖高峰期,雌雄同体E：含量高于雌雄异体雄鱼,但低于雌雄异体雌鱼;雌雄同体l1一KT和17仅,20]3一P含量均高于雌雄异体雌鱼和雄鱼;野生雌鱼和雄鱼血清170L,2013一P含量没有显著差异．性类固醇激素在中华鸟塘鳢的生殖过程中起着重要作用,E：是野生中华乌塘鳢雌鱼的主要雌激素,而11一KT则是野生雄鱼的主要雄激素．     

The life history of the giant octopus Octopus magnificus in South African waters

Octopus magnificus is a regular bycatch of traps set for spiny lobsters and bottom trawls for Cape hakes Merluccius spp. on the continental shelf of South Africa. Octopuses were collected from rocky substrata (traps) and soft sediments (research trawls) during a three-year period (2002–2005) and over a wide geographical and depth range to investigate their basic biological and life-history characteristics. Octopuses collected from trawl nets were smaller than those from traps. Males from traps and trawl nets were larger than females, with males being more frequently caught in traps than females. Size distributions were seasonally cyclical, increasing from a small mean size in the austral winter to a peak in summer, and receding during autumn. No mature females were found on soft sediments. The female gonadosomatic index peaked during summer, and sperm were found in oviducts year-round. Males reached 50% maturity at a weight of 4.6kg compared with 5.8kg in females. Mature females produced up to 10 000 medium-to-large (4–9mm maximum length) eggs, and potential fecundity was positively related to female body and ovary weight. Feeding rates were highest in trap-caught octopuses and gut contents consisted mainly of bait, spiny lobsters and teleosts (mainly jacopever Helicolenus dactylopterus). The gut contents of trawl-caught octopuses consisted mainly of crustaceans (84%), mostly portunid crabs but no spiny lobsters, teleosts (15%) and molluscs (1%). The results suggest that O. magnificus has a short (c. 1 year) lifespan, with winter/spring recruitment, a summer spawning peak, and post-spawning mortality in autumn. Alternatively, the species may have a longer lifespan with seasonal migrations between rocky and soft substrata.     

Life-history patterns of the salt-marsh killifish Fundulus heteroclitus (L.) introduced in the estuary of the guadalquivir river (South West Spain)

Two thousand four hundred and eighty-four specimens from a population of Fundulus heteroclitus introduced into the southwestern Iberian Peninsula were used to carry out a study on age, growth and reproduction. In this new habitat the species displayed the same life-history tactics as in its original areas. The life-span was shorter, with a winter age-structure of 67·4% in 0 + group, 29·1% in 1 + group, 2·5% in 2 + group and 1·1% in 3 + group. Females showed a higher growth rate and a longer growth period than males and because of this they were always longer than males in all the age-groups. In both sexes growth stopped and the somatic condition was at a minimum from April to June, when the gonadosomatic index reached its highest values. The maximum average gonadosomatic index in females was four times higher than that of males. Specimens achieved maturity during the spawning season the year following birth at a minimum average total length of 45 mm for males and 60 mm for females. Fecundity was related to fish weight, total length and gonad weight. The overall sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1.     

Growth and reproduction of the Japanese mantis shrimp, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oratosquilla oratoria</Emphasis> (De Haan 1844) in the coastal area of Tongyeong,Korea

Growth and reproduction of the Japanese mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria, were investigated in the Tongyeong, Korea from July 2014 to August 2015. A total of 2,621 samples (1,380 females and 1,241 males) were collected during the study period. Females were observed more frequently than males. The mean body length (BL) was 128.5 ± 0.38 mm in females and 126.9 ± 0.42 mm in males. The mean body weight (BW) was 31.2 ± 0.28 g in females and 31.1 ± 0.32 g in males. There was a significant difference in the length-frequency distribution between females and males. The relationship between BL and BW was lnBW = 2.85 × lnBL - 10.43 for females and lnBW = 2.87 × lnBL -10.52 for males. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) varied on a monthly basis. The GSI reached a maximum in May and a minimum in November. The highest values of the GSI coincided with the spawning period of O. oratoria. Larger individuals of O. oratoria have their spawning season earlier than smaller ones. The size at sexual maturity of females was estimated as 96.5 mm. The Von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were BL_∞ = 184.5 mm, K = 0.72 year^?1, C = 0.36 and WP = 0.45 for females and BL_∞ = 183.75 mm, K = 0.82 year^?1, C = 0.38 and WP = 0.22 for males. The growth of males was slightly faster than females. The present study will help with the fisheries management of O. oratoria based on ecological parameters.