Reproductive cycle of yellow sea bream <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dentex tumifrons</Emphasis> in Wakasa Bay,the Sea of Japan off central Honshu

ABSTRACT:   To determine the spawning season and reproductive cycle of the yellow sea bream, Dentex tumifrons , in Wakasa Bay, in the Sea of Japan off central Honshu, seasonal change in the gonadosomatic index ( GSI ) was examined and histological observations of both ovaries and testes were conducted. The female GSI gradually increased from May, maintained a high level between August and October and then rapidly decreased. The histological observations of the ovary showed that vitellogenesis began from May and developed until September. Spent fish began to be observed in October and all the fish collected in December were spent. There was only one peak in the seasonal change in GSI of males and females in Wakasa Bay. Thus, yellow sea bream spawn only in autumn in Wakasa Bay. Differences in the reproductive cycle and number of spawning seasons were found between the two different latitudinal areas, Wakasa Bay and the East China Sea (low latitudinal area) where the spawning seasons were spring and autumn. An increase in water temperature is an important factor to initiate gonadal maturation (recrudescence) and is terminated by the short day-length in Wakasa Bay.     

黄海北部辽宁近岸海域鳀产卵场分布特征及其影响因素

为掌握黄海北部辽宁近岸海域鳀(Engraulis japonicus)产卵场的分布特征及其关键环境因子,基于2021年4—12月开展的产卵场综合调查获取的鳀样品及其鱼卵密度数据,运用Garrison重心分布法阐释鳀产卵洄游分布特征及其主产卵期;通过基于Tweedie分布的广义可加模型(generalized additive model, GAM)的构建,分析主产卵期内鳀卵密度与同步获取的海水表层温度(SST)、海水表层盐度(SSS)、海水表层叶绿素浓度(Chla)、浮游动物丰度(Fd)、浮游植物丰度(Fz)和深度(Depth)等6个环境因子,以及时间(月份,Month)和空间(经纬度、Lon和Lat)因子之间关系,并识别主控因子。结果显示,海域内鳀产卵期较长,由4月持续至11月,5—8月为主产卵期,其中,5—6月为产卵盛期。鳀产卵场规模和位置时空变化明显,时空因子与鳀卵密度分布呈密切非线性相关(累积偏差解释率为48.1%),(SST, SSS) (18.7%)和Depth (5%)次之。鳀产卵期适温范围较广,产卵场分布表现出高温高盐(低温低盐)增效作用和高温低盐限制作用。产卵初期(4月),鳀产卵场规模和鱼卵密度均较低,产卵重心位于海洋岛东南侧深水区;盛期(5月底—6月初)在SST主导下,鳀产卵场规模和鱼卵密度均至年内最高值,核心产卵场位于石城岛–庄河河口一带海域;此后,随着辽南沿岸水系盐度的下降,高温低盐的抑制作用使SSS因素主导产卵鱼群避开沿岸海域,鳀产卵场迁移至外海深水区,7月后位于30~50 m等深线之间;9—10月鳀繁殖活动基本结束,10月鳀卵仅零星分布于调查海域,直至12月未有鳀卵采获。研究可为黄海北部辽宁近岸海域鳀产卵场研究及鳀资源合理开发利用提供参考依据。     

Aspects in spawning biology and migration of the mud crab Scylla olivacea in the Andaman Sea, Thailand

Abstract  Spawning biology and migration of the mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst), in the Andaman Sea were examined from November 2002 to March 2004 at Klong Ngoa Mangrove area, Ranong Province, Thailand. Mature females were dominant from July to November. The changes in monthly gonadosomatic index of females ranged from 1.9 (±3.3) to 8.2 (±5.8) and size at first maturity was 9.4 cm internal carapace width (ICW). Fecundity ( F ) correlated ICW according to F =3.02 ×ICW^2.98. A total of 1013 female crabs were double tagged with spaghetti and bottom tags. The recaptured rate was 36.7% and showed that females migrated from coastal area to the open sea during the spawning season. A closed season during the north-east monsoon season and a minimum legal ICW size of 10 cm are recommended for sustainable management of the fishery.     

Reproductive biology of the Japanese silver-biddy,Gerres equulus,in western Kyushu,Japan

The Japanese silver-biddy Gerres equulus (Temminck and Schlegel) is one of the most common shore fish in the costal waters of southern Japan and commercially important for the local fishery. In the present study, the reproductive biology of G. equulus is described for the first time and its spawning season and size at sexual maturity were determined. A total of 1081 specimens (484 males and 597 females) were collected in the Yatsushiro Sea, western Kyushu, Japan, from January 2001 to December 2002. Monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index exhibited higher values between June and September, with a peak in July, and the trend was similar for both sexes. Furthermore, the sequential development of the ovaries observed through the histological studies suggested that the spawning season of G. equulus continued from June to September. The female attained sexual maturity at a minimum size of 141 mm standard length. The simultaneous presence of postovulatory follicles and yolk globules in some ovaries indicated that this species is a multiple spawner.     

东海区太平洋褶柔鱼生殖群体结构特征的季节差异

依据1997~1999年东海区春、夏、秋3个季节的底拖网资料,分析了东海区太平洋褶柔鱼生殖群体的性别组成、性腺成熟度和初次性成熟胴长等群体结构特征。结果表明:在东海区春、夏、秋三季均存在太平洋褶柔鱼的生殖群体。各季节生殖群体的雌雄比例均不符合1∶1的关系(P<0.05),雌性比例小于雄性。生殖群体中性成熟个体胴长的季节性变化较为明显,雌、雄平均胴长均以秋季最大,夏季最小。雌性个体的平均胴长均显著大于雄性。各季节太平洋褶柔鱼生殖群体中胴长与体重关系的性别差异极显著(P<0.01)。此外,不同季节雌、雄太平洋褶柔鱼的初次性成熟胴长差异较大,雌性为:春季223.4 mm、夏季170.4 mm、秋季202.3 mm;雄性为:春季174.0 mm、夏季164.3 mm、秋季165.3 mm。雄性初次性成熟胴长小于雌性,夏季雌、雄初次成熟胴长均小于春、秋季。依据春季生殖群体的胴长范围、初次性成熟胴长等群体结构特征推测,在东海区可能存在着小规模的春生群。     

Reproductive biology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sillago aeolus</Emphasis> in Okinawa Island,Japan

ABSTRACT:   A total of 414 fish (female, 59.3–275.0 mm and male, 61.0–220.0 mm standard length) were collected from December 2000 to March 2002 around Okinawa Island, Japan, for the determination of sex, spawning season, maturity and fecundity. Monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) exhibited similar trends for both sexes and the mean GSI maintained a high level between February and May. Furthermore, the percentage frequency of hydrated oocytes and the spermatozoic activity suggested that main spawning occurred between February and May. Some hydrated oocytes were found throughout the year, with a GSI value greater than 1.0, suggesting that sporadic spawning occurred. Length at first maturity was determined for females and males as 120 and 113 mm standard length, respectively. Almost 50% and 100% males were matured at the end of their 0 and 1 year of age group, respectively. In contrast, no females were found to be mature at 0+ age group, and almost 60% of females were mature at 1+ age group. At ages over 2 years, all males and females were found to be mature. Batch fecundity (BF) of 33 females was related to standard length, and the relationship between standard length and BF was expressed by the exponential equation: BF = 269.5e^0.020954SL.     

Maturation and spawning of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spratelloides gracilis</Emphasis> Clupeidae in temperate waters off Cape Shionomisaki,central Japan

ABSTRACT:   The reproductive ecology of Spratelloides gracilis was investigated in the temperate waters off Cape Shionomisaki, central Japan. Cape Shionomisaki is located at the northern margin of the distribution range of this species. Females of S. gracilis with gonadosomatic index (GSI) ≥ 4.0 were defined as mature based on the relationship between GSI and the histological maturity phases of their ovaries. More than 50% of females greater than 60 mm standard length (SL) were mature. Hatch dates of larvae and juveniles collected in the study area were determined by otolith daily ring counts and found to extend from April to November. The size at maturity of females (60 mm SL) and the spawning season of S. gracilis in the temperate waters off Cape Shionomisaki (April–November) was larger and shorter, respectively, than those in tropical waters in the western Pacific. The reproductive traits observed for S. gracilis off Cape Shionomisaki appear to be adaptive to northern temperate waters with seasonal changes in environmental conditions.     

夏季东海太平洋褶柔鱼群体结构的年际变化

依据2009―2012年连续4年在东海进行的夏季(6月)渔业资源调查资料, 分析了太平样褶柔鱼(Todarodes pacificus)的资源密度、性比、胴长结构、胴长与体质量的关系、初次性成熟胴长等基础生物学参数的年际变化, 阐述了东海太平洋褶柔鱼的群体结构动态。结果表明: (1)夏季东海太平洋褶柔鱼的出现率较高, 但资源密度分布不均。在调查的4年间, 2009年的平均资源密度最高, 2010年最低。(2)各年度的雌雄比例均符合1∶1的关系(P>0.05)。(3)夏季渔汛期的太平样褶柔鱼个体较小。相比较而言, 2012年的优势胴长组最大, 2011年最小。但各年度的优势胴长均小于200 mm。(4)雌、雄个体胴长与体质量的关系符合指数生长曲线, 年间差异极显著(P<0.001)。(5)渔获个体以性未成熟幼体为主, 性腺成熟度随胴长增加而升高。各年度雌性个体的初次性成熟胴长均大于雄性。分析认为, 2009—2012年东海太平洋褶柔鱼夏季渔汛期均以秋、冬生群的性未成熟幼体为主, 夏生群的性成熟大个体较少。各年度太平洋褶柔鱼的生长发育速度以及群体结构有所不同。本研究可为掌握该物种资源的变动规律, 实现资源的合理利用提供基础资料。

     

Maturity and reproduction of goneplacid crab <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carcinoplax vestita</Emphasis> (Decapoda,Brachyura) in Tokyo Bay

ABSTRACT:     Sexual maturity, morphological sexual dimorphism, and reproduction of the goneplacid crab Carcinoplax vestita were investigated in Tokyo Bay, Japan, from November 2002 to October 2003. The puberty molt in males was evidenced by changes in the relative size of the chelipeds and merus of the walking legs, and was estimated to occur at a size range of 13.20–18.85 mm carapace length. Post-pubertal females were identified by the relative size of the abdomen and puberty was estimated to occur at a size range of 12.81–15.46 mm carapace length. Sexual dimorphism in C. vestita was observed in all features that showed secondary sexual characteristics. Monthly changes of gonad index in males, and of seminal receptacle index and occurrence of sperm plugs in females were synchronized, and indicated that mating was intense in spring. Ovaries began developing in March. Ovigerous females were found in all months except December, but were clearly more abundant between August and October. Fecundity ranged from 7800 to 57 000 mature oocytes per female per batch and was highly correlated with body size. The results suggest that some females may spawn more than one batch per year.     

东海中部日本鲭(Scomber japonicus)产卵群体繁殖力特征

利用2010–2012年春季在东海中部获得的日本鲭产卵群体样品的生物学及繁殖力测定数据,对其群体结构、性腺指数GSI和繁殖力特征进行了研究。结果显示,目前东海中部日本鲭产卵群体年龄结构由1–5龄组成,以2–4龄占优势。日本鲭的个体绝对繁殖力为24770–734684粒,平均为(145575±10067)粒;纯体重相对繁殖力为175–1404 grain/g,平均为(524±24)grain/g;叉长相对繁殖力为102–2070 grain/mm,平均为(483±29)grain/mm。ANOVA分析结果显示,不同叉长组间的性腺指数GSI(F=2.34,P0.05)、绝对繁殖力(F=8.57,P0.01)和叉长相对繁殖力(F=5.59,P0.05)均有显著性差异,但体重相对繁殖力差异不明显(F=2.03,P0.05)。多元逐步线性回归和非线性回归分析显示,绝对繁殖力与体高、肝重关系密切。为了应对高强度的捕捞压力,日本鲭主要采用降低性成熟年龄,减小最小性成熟叉长和卵径、增加繁殖力等策略来维持种群的延续。     

Reproductive biology of the dolphin fish Corphaena hippurus on the east coast of Taiwan

ABSTRACT: The dolphin fish, Corphaena hippurus Linnaeus, is one of the most important migratory fishes on the east coast of Taiwan. Present results are based on an investigation of 1439 specimens caught using long-line and driftnet, and set net collected monthly between September 1996 and September 1997. The sex ratio of female to male and female combined was 65%, demonstrating a female predominance. Oocytes became mature and transparent when they attained 1.0 mm in diameter. The total number of oocytes per ovary was estimated to range from 2.78 × 10⁵ to 23.48 × 10>⁵, but batch fecundity was noticeably lower than the total number of ovarian eggs, ranging 5.3–32.7% (average 30.1%), and the relative fecundity ranging 10–344/g bodyweight (mean 111/g bodyweight). Minimum body size at sexual maturity was estimated to be 51 cm for both sexes. Dolphin fish spawned throughout the year with reproductive activity peaking in February to March. It is suggested that the dolphin fish has an extended spawning season, during which it lays eggs almost continuously.     

Characteristics of a Pacific herring Clupea pallasii spawning bed off Minedomari, Hokkaido, Japan

ABSTRACT:   The spawning bed selection of herring Clupea pallasii off Minedomari, Atsuta, on the west coast of Hokkaido, Japan, is discussed in relation to the topography of the rocky shore and wave conditions during the spawning season. From 1998 to 2003, herring have spawned their eggs mainly on the leaves of the seagrass Phyllospadix iwatensis Makino in almost the same site on the rocky shore off Minedomari in the Atsuta area. The site is connected to a valley-like feature offshore. Wave conditions were surveyed at Minedomari during the spawning season in 2000 and the wave height was estimated from 1998 to 2003, except for in 2000, using the correlation of wave height between Minedomari and Ishikari Bay New Port, approximately 18 km south-west of Minedomari. Herring spawned under calm conditions, during which the wave height was approximately 0.5 m off Atusta and Aoshima and was 0.18–1.28 m off Minedomari. The distribution of water particle velocity on the sea bottom surface as a result of ocean waves off the Minedomari area, which was estimated based on the wave height and the topography of the coast, suggested herring could swim easily into the shallower area along the valley-like feature off Minedomari. Therefore, topographical features are thought to be one of the reasons why herring have used Minedomari as a spawning bed. Additionally, seepage of freshwater from the bottom, which was observed in this area, could also be the reason why herring spawn in Minedomari repeatedly.     

Estimation of the spawning grounds of chub mackerel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scomber japonicus</Emphasis> and spotted mackerel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scomber australasicus</Emphasis> in the East China Sea based on catch statistics and biometric data

The spawning grounds of the chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) and spotted mackerel (Scomber australasicus) in the East China Sea were estimated based on catch statistics of the Japanese large- and medium-type purse seine fishery from 1992 to 2006. Biometric data were obtained from specimens caught by purse seiners in the East China Sea from 1998 to 2006. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) at 50% sexual maturity of chub mackerel and spotted mackerel females was 2.5 and 2.6, respectively. Using this criterion for GSI, chub mackerel larger than 275 mm and spotted mackerel larger than 310 mm in fork length were considered to be mature. Mature chub mackerel was observed in the area of 15–22°C sea surface temperature (SST), and mature spotted mackerel was observed in the area of 17–25°C SST. The spawning period of chub mackerel ranged from February to June, and that of spotted mackerel ranged from February to May in the East China Sea. The spawning grounds were estimated from the distributions of catch per unit effort (CPUE) of spawners and SST. As a result, the spawning ground of chub mackerel was estimated to be in the central and southern part of the East China Sea and the area west of Kyushu in February, March, and April, and in the central part of the East China Sea, the area west of Kyushu and Tsushima Straight in May, and in Tsushima Straight and western part of the Sea of Japan in June. The spawning ground of spotted mackerel was estimated to be in the central and southern part of the East China Sea and southern coastal area of Kyushu in February, March, and April, and the central and southern part of the East China Sea and the area west of Kyushu in May.     

Seasonal distribution, age, growth, and reproductive biology of marbled sole Pleuronectes yokohamae in Tokyo Bay, Japan

ABSTRACT:   The seasonal distribution, age, growth and reproductive biology of marbled sole Pleuronectes yokohamae (Günther) from Tokyo Bay, Japan were studied. A clear seasonal distribution trend was observed, with P. yokohamae limited to the south of the bay in summer and expanding almost throughout the bay in other seasons. The formation and dynamics of hypoxic areas in the bay limited the northward distribution of P. yokohamae in summer. Age was determined by counting growth rings on otoliths; maximum ages were found to be 5 years for males and 6 years for females. The mean back-calculated length for females at each estimated age was greater than that for males. Growth of males and females was shown by the von Bertalanffy growth equations. Reproductive biology was studied on the basis of gonadosomatic indices and histological sections of gonads. The spawning season lasted from November to March, peaking in December and January. Sixty per cent of males at 1 year and all males ≥ 2 years had mature testes, whereas 6.7% of females at 1 year, 58.3% of females at 2 years, and all females ≥ 3 years had attained maturity.     

东海南部鲐鱼生物学特性的初步研究

本文对东海南部的鲐鲹鱼类的叉长、体重及性腺成熟度等进行了初步分析,认为1999年5月份东海南部鲐鱼优势叉长组为26～28cm,优势体重组为200～300g;7、8月份优势叉长组为24～26cm,优势体重组为100～200g。蓝圆鲹优势叉长组为20～21cm。2000年7、8月份鲐鱼优势叉长组为24～26cm。1999年鲐鱼叉长组成基本呈正态分布,2000年鲐鱼叉长组成明显存在两个峰值。2000年相同叉长的鲐鱼体重要略低于1999年,认为跟1999年、2000年海洋环境因子变化有关。从相关系数来看,2000年的曲线更贴近实际情况。并认为5月份北上参加产卵洄游的鲐鱼群体、其性腺已开始发育成熟,并沿途产卵。     

Long-term stock assessment and growth changes of the Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) in the Sea of Japan and East China Sea from 1953 to 2006

We estimated the stock size of Japanese sardine ( Sardinops melanostictus ) in the Sea of Japan and East China Sea since 1953 using cohort analysis based on the changes of growth patterns. Growth of Japanese sardine, estimated by using annual rings on archived scales since 1961, showed that body lengths were extremely stunted in the 1980–1987 year-classes. The body length at age 3 from February to April in the 1980–1987 year-classes, a period when the stock size exceeded 4 million tons, was 180.0 ± 2.6 mm (mean ± SD), and in the other year-classes was 195.1 ± 7.6 mm. The body length at age 3 and wet weight of zooplankton in August in the offshore area of the Sea of Japan had a significantly positive correlation. We assumed three scenarios for maturation ratios, and estimated Ricker's spawner–recruitment relationships. We analyzed the correlations between logarithmic recruitment residuals (LNRR) and environmental factors in winter, represented by the North Pacific index (NPI), Aleutian low pressure index (ALPI), Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), monsoon index (MOI), Arctic oscillation (AO) and Southern oscillation index (SOI). Significant correlations were observed between MOI and LNRR and between AO and LNRR. A combination of strong MOI and weak AO would increase the biomass of phytoplankton and zooplankton and subsequently increase the recruitment of Japanese sardine.     

Reproductive biology of common silver biddy Gerres oyena in Okinawa Island of southern Japan

ABSTRACT:   Common silver biddy Gerres oyena were collected monthly between November 2002 and November 2005 in Okinawa Island of southern Japan. The seasonal reproductive cycle of this species was investigated using the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and through histological observation of gonads. Temporal variation in the GSI reflected gonadal development from histological observations; ovary development occurred from March to September and testes development occurred between March and August. Maximal development was observed in April and May in both sexes. While mean values for hepatosomatic and lipidosomatic indices decreased markedly in females relative to males during gonadal development, mean condition factors decreased with gonadal recrudescence in both sexes. The minimum standard length (SL) at sexual maturity was 89.7 mm for females and 81.4 mm for males and the size at which 50% of individuals were sexually mature was 104 and 92 mm SL in females and males, respectively. The power relationships of batch fecundity (BF) versus standard length (SL, mm) and body weight (BW, g) of females can be expressed as BF  = 46.7 × e^{1.64 SL} and BF  = 19 697 × e^{0.49 BW} , respectively.     

Introducing size limits as a management tool for the recreational line fishery of silver kob, Argyrosomus inodorus (Griffiths and Heemstra), in Namibian waters

Individual silver kob Argyrosomus inodorus (Griffiths and Heemstra) first mature at just over 1 yr of age and the median age at maturity is approximately 1.5 yr. Spawning of silver kob was observed in the southern and central region of the stock's range, but little spawning activity was found in silver kob sampled from the northern region. The spawning period is protracted over 6 months (October–March), which coincides with warmer water temperatures (>15 °C) and the occurrence of large-sized spawning silver kob in the southern and central part of Namibia. Implementing a minimum size limit for the silver kob fishery is not recommended as it will have serious economic implications for the coastal communities. The protection of the spawning areas, Meob Bay and Sandwich, should be continued and a strict bag limit on large-sized silver kob is recommended for the Namibian silver kob recreational fishery.     

基于鱼卵仔鱼数据的东海中南部日本鲭产卵场分析

利用2016年4—5月在东海中南部海域的调查数据,对该海域日本鲭(Scomber japonicus)鱼卵仔鱼的分布特征进行了研究,并对产卵场的划分展开讨论及提出保护措施和管理建议。结果显示:4月,日本鲭鱼卵仔鱼主要出现在台湾海峡和东海南部海域,出现率均大于25%,但仔鱼在东海南部外海的出现率和丰度均较低,分别为5.00%和0.01个·100m-3。5月,日本鲭鱼卵仔鱼在台湾海峡的出现率和丰度均显著降低,分别下降至5.88%和0.22个·100m^-3;东海南部外海日本鲭鱼卵仔鱼的出现率和丰度则均显著升高,分别升至50%和36.48个·100m^-3,其中鱼卵集中出现在南部外海,出现率和丰度分别达到了40%和36.46个·100m^-3;东海中部外海从5月开始出现日本鲭鱼卵和仔鱼。结合历史资料,可以判断东海中南部日本鲭产卵场主要有台湾海峡、东海中南部近海、东海南部外海、东海中部外海等4个。日本鲭鱼卵丰度与表层水温呈显著相关关系(R=0.37,P<0.05),与表层盐度无显著相关关系(P>0.05);仔鱼丰度与表层水温及表层盐度均无显著相关关系(P>0.05)。结果表明,水温对日本鲭的产卵活动影响较大,随着水温的逐步升高,性腺发育速度加快,开始产卵的亲体数量也大量增加,这从鱼卵仔鱼的数量大量增加得以体现;而盐度变化对日本鲭的产卵活动影响相对较小。针对日本鲭不同的产卵场,建议制定差异化的繁殖亲体和幼鱼保护措施。     

Variation in life history parameters of the cardinalfish Apogonlineatus

ABSTRACT:   Life history parameters (growth pattern, the length of the spawningseason and age at sexual maturity) of Apogon lineatus wereinvestigated from three localities in Japan. The maximum ages werefound to be 3 years in Tokyo Bay, 2 years in Osaka Bay and 5 yearsoff Niigata Prefecture. Both sexes from Tokyo Bay grew to largersizes between the ages of 1 and 2 years than both sexes from otherlocalities, food availability being suggested as the major factorfor differences in growth. Spawning seasons were during 4 months(July–October) in Tokyo Bay and Osaka Bay, but were foundto only occur during the two months of July and August off NiigataPrefecture. Factors that could limit the spawning season off NiigataPrefecture were not determined. Age at maturity for both sexes inall localities appeared to be 1 year. We could not elucidate whetherthese variations in life history parameters arose from genetic differencesor from phenotypic plasticity. In either case, the trade-off betweenthe maximum age and the length of the spawning season in the offNiigata Prefecture population and any other population may be interpretedas an adaptation to local conditions, such as with the off NiigataPrefecture population.