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.     

Reproductive characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gymnocypris firmispinatus</Emphasis> in the Anning River,China

The reproductive characteristics of Gymnocypris firmispinatus were determined from 582 individuals collected in the Anning River, China. The sex ratio (male: female) was 1:1 for the overall population but 3.1:1 for the mature group. Females reached a larger total length and total weight (242 mm and 148.17 g) than males (163 mm and 41.58 g). Lengths and ages at maturity were estimated to be 83.4 mm and 2.4 years for males, 130.7 mm and 5.9 years for females, respectively. Based on the analyses of gonad development and the size distribution of oocytes, G. firmispinatus spawned from March to May with high degree of the spawning synchronicity. The opposite tendency between gonado-somatic index and hepato-somatic index from January to March in females indicated that the energy requirement for the oocytes growth may be derived from the liver. In addition, the estimated mean fecundity and mean relative fecundity were 1227 and 29.7 eggs per g total weight. The fecundity of G. firmispinatus increased linearly with increasing of total length, total weight and ovary weight. This study provides details about the reproduction suggesting that G. firmispinatus might be especially vulnerable to exploitation in the Anning River.     

Reproductive biology of the common ponyfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leiognathus equulus</Emphasis> in the south-western waters off Taiwan

ABSTRACT:   Reproductive biology of the common ponyfish Leiognathus equulus was described based on 958 specimens caught by otter trawlers in the south-western waters off Taiwan and landed at Tungkang and Linuan fishing ports from March 2000 to February 2001. Macroscopic appearance of the ovary, gonad-somatic index, oocyte diameter frequency distribution, and histological examination suggested that the spawning season of the common ponyfish in south-western Taiwan waters is from May to August. Eight stages of oocyte development were determined based on histological examination, and ovarian development can be divided as immature, early maturing, late maturing, mature and spent stages. The sex ratio of 0.52 was not significantly different from 0.5 using χ² test, but females were overwhelmingly more when fork length (FL) was greater than 170 mm. The relations between fecundity (F), batch fecundity (BF), and body weight (BW) were estimated to be F =−5328 + 1.2946 BW ( n  = 132, P  < 0.05) and BF = −11.26 + 0.2748 BW ( n  = 25, P  < 0.05), respectively. Mean fecundity and mean batch fecundity (± standard error) were estimated to be 129 955 ± 79 343 and 28 160 ± 14 698, respectively. Sizes at 50% maturity estimated from the Logistic model were 162 mm FL and 158 mm FL for females and males, respectively.     

繁殖季节长江口斑尾刺虾虎鱼的形态、生殖力与卵巢组织学特征

在繁殖季节研究了斑尾刺虾虎鱼的形态、生殖力与卵巢组织学特征。结果表明,斑尾刺虾虎鱼全长(TL)与体长(SL)、头长(HL)与体长(SL)、体长(SL)与体高(BD)、体重(BW)与空壳重(SW)、体重(BW)与体长(SL)的相关关系分别为:TL=0.779 6SL+1.793 9;HL=0.299 9SL+7.288;SL=0.783 2BD+7.324 9;BW=0.818 4SW-4.979 6;BW=0.062 9SL2.331 5。斑尾刺虾虎鱼个体绝对生殖力(F)为6 328~59 878 egg,与体长(SL)、空壳重(SW)、卵巢重(OW)的相关关系分别为F=94.972SL2-4 832.2SL+833 435;F=83.823SW+14 084;F=507.54OW+13 190。个体绝对生殖力(F)与体长、空壳重、卵巢重、成熟系数(GSI)的多元回归方程为:F=2 375.54+525.67SL-31.44SW+199.43OW+261.74GSI。斑尾刺虾虎鱼体长相对生殖力(FL)平均为88±31 egg/mm,体重相对生殖力(FW)平均为157±54 egg/g。平均卵径为1.22±0.24 mm。斑尾刺虾虎鱼IV期卵巢以第IV时相卵母细胞为主,第IV时相晚期卵母细胞开始出现油球,细胞核偏移和变形,放射带明显;Ⅴ期卵巢的卵细胞游离,卵膜外的二层滤泡膜脱落,卵细胞的外层分别有胶膜、放射带和质膜。     

Life history traits of leopard coralgrouper Plectropomus leopardus in the Okinawa Islands, southwestern Japan

The life history of the leopard coralgrouper Plectropomus leopardus was examined for the purpose of stock evaluation and to help maintain populations in the Okinawa Islands, southwestern Japan. Age was estimated from cut and burnt otoliths, and gonads were observed histologically to reveal the growth, spawning period and relationships between age and both sexual development and sexual maturation for P. leopardus in waters north of Okinawa Island. The three parameters in the von Bertalanffy growth equation, L _∞ , k, and t ₀, were estimated at 61.2 cm fork length, 0.289, and 0.41, respectively. The oldest individual obtained among the specimens was 18.8 years. The spawning period started in May and lasted until July. During this period, 50 % of females reached maturity at 43.3 cm fork length and at 5 years of age. Due to the sexual transition from female to male, the sex ratio decreased to 50 % at 59.8 cm fork length and at 10.3 years of age.     

Reproductive cycle of yellow croaker <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larimichthys polyactis</Emphasis> in southern waters off Korea

The reproductive cycle and batch fecundity of yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis were examined in 981 specimens (286 males, 695 females) caught from waters around Mokpo, Busan, and Jeju-do (Korea) between February 2008 and January 2009. Males and females with ripe-stage gonads were collected between April and June, at which time the mean gonadosomatic indices were also high, indicating that the spawning season of yellow croaker around the waters off southern Korea occurs from April to June. Degenerating postovulatory follicles as well as oocytes in the migratory-nucleus stage or hydrated stage were found in ripe-stage gonads, suggesting that this species can spawn repeatedly in a season. Batch fecundity in 45 females with migratory-nucleus or hydrated oocytes ranged from 19,396 to 106,311 eggs in fish varying from 20.0 to 26.7 cm in total length and was found to be positively related to total length and body weight. Our findings should assist in implementing a proper stock assessment of yellow croaker around the waters off Korea.     

春季钓鱼岛海域竹鱼产卵群体生物学特征的研究

利用2005年3月在钓鱼岛海域捕获的竹鱼产卵群体样品测定数据,对其主要生物学特征、主要产卵期和繁殖力特征进行了研究。结果表明,钓鱼岛海域是春季东海南部竹鱼的主要产卵场,主要产卵期为3月中下旬。根据叉长和体重的频率分布图,可以看出该产卵群体主要有3个叉长优势组,其中以200～220mm和230～240mm叉长组为主,260～270mm叉长组个体极少;体重的组成特征与叉长组成基本一致。由于所取样品处于产卵后期,因此条件生长因子相对较小。个体绝对生殖力在12264～37629粒/尾,个体平均绝对生殖力为27844±10179粒/尾;单位长度生殖力范围为50～157粒/mm,平均值为121±42粒/mm;单位纯体重生殖力为82～238粒/g,平均值为202±68粒/g。     

日本七鳃鳗冬季两性形态及个体生殖力研究

采用SPSS13.0软件的t检验、回归检验和因子分析等方法,对2006年12月于黑龙江中下游萝北江段捕到的日本七鳃鳗(Lampetra japonica)的两性形态及个体生殖力进行了研究。结果表明:日本七鳃鳗雌雄个体的体长、体重、净体重和肥满度等指标在繁殖前没有显著差异,而性腺重和成熟系数两性差异显著。日本七鳃鳗的个体绝对生殖力平均为(101959.47±23259.82)粒,体长的相对生殖力(FL)平均为(2219.36±496.84)粒/cm,净体重的相对生殖力(FW)平均为(964.1±260.9)粒/g。体长绝对生殖力、体长相对生殖力(FL)和净体重相对生殖力(FW)均与卵巢重和成熟系数显著正相关。卵巢重、成熟系数、绝对生殖力、体长相对生殖力(FL)和净体重相对生殖力(FW)是与个体生殖力密切相关的主要因子,而体长、体重、净体重和肥满度可以间接地反映个体生殖力的大小。     

Natural Spawning of Captive Bigeye Scad Selar crumenophthalmus in Hawaii

Abstract.— Juvenile bigeye scad Selar crumenophthalmus were caught from the wild by hook and line and reared over 3 yr to establish a spawning broodstock of this species. The size at first maturity for captive males and females was 19-cm and 25-cm fork length (FL). Natural spawning of captive individuals occurred during the first year in captivity. The broodstock were observed to spawn repeatedly throughout their second and third years in culture. This species is a multiple spawner producing approximately 96 × 10³ to 121 × 10³ eggs/spawning group, 5 to 10 times per year. Stocking densities of 1–8 individuals/m³ were found to be suitable for natural spawning to occur. Collectively, the results indicate that this species exhibits notable potential for artificial propagation.     

Reproductive biology and per-recruit analyses of striped trumpeter (Latris lineata) from Tasmania,Australia: Implications for management

This paper profiles the reproductive biology of and investigates the resilience of Tasmanian striped trumpeter under different levels of fishing pressure and size at entry to the fishery using per-recruit analysis. The spawning season around Tasmania occurs in the austral spring, with peak spawning activity in September and October. Size at 50% maturity was estimated at 543 mm fork length (FL) for females (estimated age = 6.8 years) and 529 mm FL for males (estimated age = 6.2 years). Striped trumpeter is a multiple spawner with batch fecundity estimates ranging from 205,054 for a 2 kg fish (540 mm FL) to 2,351,029 for a 9.5 kg fish (800 mm FL). At the current minimum legal size limit of 450 mm total length (equivalent to approximately 425 mm FL), yield-per-recruit was estimated to be close to maximum, and spawning biomass-per-recruit (SPR) ranged from 35 to 52% of virgin stock, depending on the mortality estimates used. Although these SPR are at a level considered sustainable, this methodology does not incorporate temporal variability, specifically recruitment variability. Therefore, conservative management measures are recommended until a dynamic model is applied to the striped trumpeter population.     

Growth and maturation of Pacific saury Cololabis saira under laboratory conditions

This study details the growth and maturation processes of Pacific saury Cololabis saira from eggs to first spawning under laboratory conditions. They were reared at 20°C, and fed almost to satiation every day. There was no significant difference in the knob length (KnL) between males and females, and so data for both sexes were combined in the following Gompertz growth formula: KnL _t  = 277.1 exp[?exp(?0.015 (t ? 83.8))]. The first spawning was observed 243 days after hatching (DAH). At the beginning of spawning, when the mean KnL was about 250 mm, only several hundred eggs were spawned at most. The spawning continued, and the number of spawned eggs increased notably after 260 DAH. Correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis of the gonad somatic index (GSI) of Pacific saury versus KnL, CF, and DAH revealed that only DAH (R = 0.88 and 0.72 for males and females, respectively) was significantly correlated with GSI of Pacific saury (P < 0.001). This result suggests that DAH is one of the most influential factors for maturation in this species.     

Reproductive characteristics of Ancherythroculter nigrocauda, an endemic fish in the upper Yangtze River, China

Knowledge on the reproductive biology of fishes is critical for understanding a species’ life history and devising appropriate management strategies. Anthropogenic forces, such as damming and overfishing, threaten fishes endemic to the upper Yangtze River. We conducted a study on the reproductive biology of an endemic species, Ancherythroculter nigrocauda in order to provide information on the life history of this species and to assist in its conservation. From July 2011 to June 2012, a total of 417 fishes were captured via monthly sampling by fishermen in the Longxi River, a tributary in the upper Yangtze River. Although the female-male ratio was 1:1.03, females were predominantly larger in body size. Gonad somatic indices and oocyte diameter distribution showed that the spawning period of A. nigrocauda in the Longxi River ranged from April to August, with the peak in April. Body length at 50 % sexual maturity of A. nigrocauda was estimated to be 125 and 106 mm for females and males, respectively. Absolute fecundity of A. nigrocauda varied between 11,300 and 504,630 eggs, with the mean of 162,377 eggs. In conclusion, A. nigrocauda mature early, spawn once, and are highly fecund, all of which are consistent with an r-selected life history. It is recommended that a moratorium on fishing this species be enacted and the culture of this species be continued.     

Reproductive biology of blue marlin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Makaira nigricans</Emphasis> around Yonaguni Island,southwestern Japan

We studied the spawning seasonality and gonadal development of blue marlin Makaira nigricans using specimens captured around Yonaguni Island in southwestern Japan between February 2003 and February 2006. The mean (±SD) lower jaw–fork length of females (234 ± 24 cm) was greater than that of males (191 ± 12 cm). The smallest mature female and male were 183 and 160 cm, respectively. Most of the 717 females had immature ovaries. However, in March and from May to September, the ovaries of 26 females contained oocytes with yolk globules, hydrated oocytes, or postovulatory follicles. Most males had testes with a large amount of spermatozoa throughout the year. The occurrence of mature blue marlin at Yonaguni Island suggests that spawning occurs here. The mean condition factors (fatness of the fish) of both sexes decreased from March to June or July, presumably as they expended energy to reproduce. We discuss our results in the context of migration theory for blue marlin in the western North Pacific Ocean.     

Reproductive biology of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) along the East Coast of the United States

The reproductive biology of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) along the U.S. East Coast is examined from a collection 1437 females sampled from nearshore to the continental slope and from Florida to New York over a period of 3 years (2001–2003). In most years concurrent sampling along the coast was conducted over spring and summer months to resolve the initiation of spawning. We examined the spawning location, pattern and timing, and calculated the fecundity of fish from 600 to 840 mm in length. Based on macro- and microscopic analysis of female gonads, bluefish are multiple spawners with indeterminate fecundity. The presence of all stages of development in fully mature ovaries further indicates that bluefish have asynchronous oocyte development. Mean age at first maturity for female bluefish was 1.90 years and 480 mm total length. Mean batch fecundity was 402,247 eggs and ranged from 114,513 to 920,746 eggs, depending on age and weight. Direct observation of gonads showed imminent spawning in Florida and North Carolina during March to April, and from April to August from Virginia to New York. Given the progression of oocyte development over the range of space and time we sampled, we suggest that bluefish exhibit continuous spawning during their migration from the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) to Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB).     

长江中游贝氏(鳖)繁殖生物学研究

2016年4-12月在监利长江何王庙故道采集591尾样本,对长江中游贝氏(鳖)(Hemiculter bleekeri)性比、初次性成熟大小、繁殖季节、产卵类型、产卵群体组成及繁殖力等繁殖生物学指标进行了分析.结果显示:贝氏(鳖)总体雌雄性比1.44:1,与1:1存在极显著性差异;繁殖期间雌雄比2.5:1,非繁殖季节雌雄比为0.91:1.繁殖群体年龄结构为1-3龄,以1龄补充群体为主,属于第Ⅱ类型.初次性成熟体长:SL♀50=8.08 cm, SL♂50=8.47 cm,最小观测性成熟个体分别为:雌性7.5 cm,体重6.65 g, 1龄;雄性8.2 cm,体重8.13 g, 1龄.根据成熟系数变化和性腺发育期观察,推测其繁殖季节为4-6月,可能延至7月份.贝氏(鳖)绝对繁殖力为1703~9601粒/尾,平均为(5876.6 ± 1837.8) 粒/尾,与体重、性腺重均呈线性关系,与体长呈幂函数关系.相对繁殖力(FW)为204.7~406.5粒/g,平均(322.3 ± 49.7) 粒/g,与成熟系数呈幂函数相关;相对繁殖力(FL)为212.0~827.6粒/cm,平均(552.4 ± 136.1) 粒/cm,与体重幂函数相关.     

GnRHa‐induced Multiple Spawns and Volition Spawning of Captive Spotted Rose Snapper,Lutjanus guttatus,at Mazatlan,Mexico

Sexual maturation and induced spawning treatments were carried out with captive spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus. A total of 3013 × 10⁶ eggs (64.7% were floating) were produced from eight treated females in 42 spawns induced with GnRHa implants during the course of the present study. GnRHa ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer effective doses were 204 ± 11 µg/kg in June 2005, and 224 ± 13 µg/kg in July 2005. General fertilization was 50.9 ± 34.5% and 12–14 h after spawning, viability of floating eggs was 90.4 ± 12.4%. Mean incubation period at 29–31 C was 18–20 h, and mean hatching was 94.4 ± 8.2% (73–100%). Newly hatched larvae were 2.18 ± 0.15 mm in total length (TL). One month after the last hormone experiment, previously GnRHa‐treated and untreated fish began spawning voluntarily. Hormone‐treated breeders had higher fecundity than untreated fish, producing 72.5 million eggs versus 13.9 million eggs for the untreated fish, over the following 11 mo. Combined data of volitional spawning for total egg fertilization, viability, hatching, and larval TL were 77.7 ± 1.8%, 90.3 ± 1.3%, 87.9 ± 2%, and 2.50 ± 0.12 mm, respectively. These results can ensure the sustainability of a commercial hatchery.     

Reproduction biology of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.)) – a review

Abstract –  The present review focuses on the reproduction biology of pikeperch ( Sander lucioperca (L.)). Aspects like maturity, fecundity, spawning migrations, spawning habitats, onset of spawning, and development time of eggs were reviewed. The onset of maturity is reached at younger age in southern than northern populations due to higher growth rate in the south. Males mature at smaller size and are on average younger than females. Absolute fecundity is closely related to the length and weight, but no clear relationship could be found between relative fecundity and length. Statistically significant relationships were found between the onset of spawning and latitude, and between the duration of the development time of eggs and stable water temperature. Near the southern limits of distribution, the onset of spawning is in February while near the northern limits it is in June. The interannual variability in fecundity and in the onset of maturity and further the factors affecting them have not been studied much. Furthermore, it is not known whether these variations could affect the population dynamics of pikeperch. Little is also known about the actual spawning behaviour of pikeperch in natural habitats. This is probably due to the typical spawning habitats located at 1–3 m depth in waters with high turbidity and low visibility. Even though the homing behaviour to the same spawning areas is well developed in adults, it is not known whether the adults were actually born in the same area.     

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。     

中华花鳅的繁殖生物学特性研究

探究中华花鳅(Cobitis sinensis)的繁殖生物学特性,可为其人工增养殖和资源保护利用提供科学依据。2017年11月至2018年5月,在贵州境内舞阳河施秉段采集中华花鳅样本381尾,以鳞片作为年龄鉴定材料,将样本解剖后进行性别鉴定和性腺分期。结果表明,舞阳河中华花鳅体长(L)为58.9~100.2 mm,体重(W)为2.0~13.7 g,年龄在1~4龄。381尾样本中,性别不可辨样本有23尾,雄248尾,雌110尾,性腺发育至IV期最多。经肉眼观察发现,中华花鳅的精巢和卵巢均可分为6期,有70尾雌鱼性腺发育达到IV期,其绝对繁殖力(F)为542~2 865粒,体长相对繁殖力(FL)为6.6~28.6粒/mm,体重相对繁殖力(FW)为99.8~490.7粒/g;绝对繁殖力(F)、体长相对繁殖力(FL)均与体长(L)、体重(W)、净体重(W0)、性腺重(W1)、成熟系数(GSI)之间具有极显著相关性(P<0.01),体重相对繁殖力(FW)与性腺重(W1)、成熟系数(GSI)之间具有极显著相关性(P<0.01)。实地调查发现,中华花鳅的产卵场主要在砂质底质、水质清新、水流较缓、水草丰富的浅水区,繁殖期为5-8月,繁殖高峰期为5月中旬至6月上旬。研究显示,中华花鳅的繁殖力较低,繁殖高峰期时间较短,低龄化严重,亟需对其进行资源保护和系统研究。     

Age,growth, maturity,and sex changes of monogrammed monocle bream Scolopsis monogramma in the waters around Okinawa-jima Island,Japan

Age, growth, maturity, and sex changes of the monogrammed monocle bream Scolopsis monogramma were estimated from ca. 500 specimens collected at Okinawa-jima Island in southern Japan. Age was determined from sectioned otoliths: maximum ages were 10 years for females and 9 years for males. Parameters for von Bertalanffy growth functions were L _t  = 206.6{1 ? exp[?0.68(t + 0.81)]} (n = 337) for females and L _t  = 244.4{1 ? exp[?0.93(t + 0.32)]} (n = 130) for males. The spawning season was estimated to last from June to July, with a peak in July. The standard length (SL) and age at 50 % maturity for females were estimated as 186.4 mm SL and 3.3 years, respectively. Intersex individuals appeared from 159.6 to 237.5 mm SL (n = 16) in fish between 1 and six years old, with the highest frequencies occurring at 170 mm SL and 2 years old. Hence, almost all S. monogramma specimens found at Okinawa-jima Island exhibited pre-maturational sex change, although some may have been protogynous hermaphrodites. Biological characteristics such as age at growth, maturation, and spawning season are valuable factors that can inform the resource management of local fisheries.