Some aspects of reproductive biology of Gobius paganellus (Gobiidae) on the north-eastern coasts of Tunisia (Bizerta lagoon)

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (8) ◽  
pp. 2235-2246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibtissem Louiz ◽  
Mossadok Ben Attia ◽  
Oum Kalthoum Ben Hassine

The rock goby, Gobius paganellus one of the most common gobiid fish in Bizerta lagoon (north-east of Tunisia), is a gonochoric species that belongs to the Gobiidae family. This study provides the first detailed information of its reproductive biology in lagoon environments. Gobius paganellus was sampled monthly from January 2005 to December 2006 involving 1486 specimens. Total length distribution ranged between 38 and 125 mm. The maximum recorded total lengths were, respectively, 122 mm and 125 mm for female and male. Over the entire population, the sex-ratio was unbalanced in favour of females. According to months, a predominance of females sex-ratio was recorded during the spawning period while according to body size, males were dominating among larger size-classes. In both sexes, the variation of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was independent of size. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the gonads added to the monthly monitoring of gonadosomatic index and hepatosomatic index showed that gonads development begins in October and spawning period extends from December to March. The cyclic pattern of gonads development was determined by histology. Results indicated that G. paganellus exhibits a group-synchronous oocyte development. The sizes of first sexual maturity related to 50% of mature individuals were 78.3 mm (CI95: 77–84 mm) for males and 79 mm (CI95: 75–85 mms) for females. The discussion part underlined the impacts of some environmental factors and antropization of this lagoon on sexual cycle of G. paganellus.

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (66) ◽  
pp. 9376-9389
Author(s):  
JO Olapade ◽  
◽  
S Tarawallie

The length – weight relationship (LWR), condition factor (K), sex ratio, gonadosomatic index (G S I) and hepatosomatic index (H S I) of 412 specimens of Pseudotolithu s s enegalensis (Valenciennes, 1833) from Tombo , a coastal fishing community in the western rural district of Sierra Leone were studied for twelve months . Samples used for the study were collected from the catches of artisanal fishers and measurement s of length and weight of samples were done in situ using the facilities of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Samples for the reproductive study were preserved in an ice box and taken to the laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Njala University , Sierra Leone for analysis. The parameters "a" and "b" of the length - weight relationship were estimated using the equation described by Ricker ( W = aL b ) while the condition factor was calculated using Fulton`s equation (K = W1 00 / L 3 ) . The reproductive biology of the fish was estimated using Gonadosomatic index ( GSI ) and Hepatosomatic index ( H S I ) . The combined LWR for both sexes showed that a, b and r values were – 2.57 , 3. 3 5 and 0. 899 , respectively. The r – values obtained show a strong linear relationship between the length and weight of the species. The length - weight relationship indicated allometric growth for P . senegalensis in the study area. The condition factor (K) varied from 0.64 – 1.0 ; this may be attributed to environmental conditions of the water . The species clearly exhibited a positive allometric growth pattern ( tα ( 2) , 0.05, 411 > 1.965) . The sex ratio of males to females was 1:1. 15 and was not significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio. Estimation of GSI and HSI was carried out from December, 2010 to May, 2011 to determine the spawning behaviour of P. senegalensis . The mean GSI obtained indicate d that March and April , respectively are the two peak spawning period for the species . Gonado somatic index ranged between 1.1 % and 2.8% for the females. The results of this study revealed that P. senegalensis doe s not have obligatory spawning month but exhibit multiple spawning behaviour. T he length - w eight relationships and condition factor of the study indicated that the fish were thriving very well in the coastal water of Sierra Leone. Sustainable management of the species , therefore , require s that the environment be protected against anthropogenic pollution and imposition of closed fishing season especially during the t wo peak spawning period is recommended to enable the species recruit effectively.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Costa

This work provides for the first time a description of the reproductive biology of Trachurus picturatus in Portuguese continental waters (between 41° 49′ and 36° 57′ latitude North). From January 2010 to December 2016 a total of 7409 individuals were sampled from bottom trawlers operating on the northwestern coast of Portugal. The observed sex ratio was 0.56 in favor of the females. Monthly variations in gonadosomatic index, proportion of actively spawning individuals, hepatosomatic index and Fulton′s condition factor were analyzed. More than 60% of spawning individuals were recorded in the first quarter, corresponding to the highest values of GSI, and Fulton's K and hepatosomatic index increased after the start of spawning. The morphometric relationships between total length and gutted weight showed significant correlations (high determination coefficient, r2 > 0.9) and isometric growth (b = 3) for both sexes. Results indicate that the spawning season of T. picturatus starts in December and extends until April–May, with a peak in March, which agrees with what has been indicated by other authors for the northeast Atlantic. This work provides important biological information on a species that although not subject to stock assessment is currently the 5th species landed by weight in Portuguese continental waters.


Author(s):  
N. Mouine ◽  
P. Francour ◽  
M.H. Ktari ◽  
N. Chakroun-Marzouk

The reproductive features of four commercially important species of the Diplodus genus were studied in the Gulf of Tunis to contribute to better fisheries management on the local scale. The study was specifically aimed to estimate sex-ratio and size at first maturity, to determine spawning season, to analyse hepatic and muscular energy reserve changes and to highlight possible regional difference over the Diplodus geographical distribution. A total of 570 Diplodus vulgaris (two-banded seabream), 428 Diplodus annularis (annular seabream), 350 Diplodus sargus sargus (white seabream) and 218 Diplodus puntazzo (sharpsnout seabream) were collected from the commercial catches of the artisanal fleet between October 2004 and June 2006. Male:female ratio was initially skewed in favour of females for the four Diplodus species and especially among larger-sized individuals. Length and age at first maturity was 17.4 ± 0.2 cm total length (TL) (4 years) for D. vulgaris, 9.7 cm TL (2 years) for D. annularis, 21.0 ± 0.3 cm TL (4 years) for D. s. sargus, 21.5 ± 0.2 cm TL (3 years) for D. puntazzo and a recommendation is made for the increasing of the captured length. According to the monthly succession of gonad maturity stages and the yearly gonadosomatic index (GSI) fluctuation, the spawning season of Diplodus species present a temporal succession along the year. The two-banded seabream has a winter spawning period, the white seabream is mainly a spring spawner, the annular seabream spawns essentially in summer months and the spawning of sharpsnout seabream takes place in autumn. Generally, hepatosomatic index presented an inverse trend to GSI in relation to the breeding activity. The condition factor showed significant monthly variations affected by the sexual cycle of the Diplodus species.


2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 737-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea B. Schaan ◽  
Júlia Giora ◽  
Clarice B. Fialho

The reproductive biology of a population of the weakly electric fish Brachyhypopomus draco from southern Brazil is described. Information is provided on the establishment of the reproductive period in this species and its relations with environmental and feeding factors, as well as on the absolute and relative fecundities, spawning type, sex ratio and sexual dimorphism. The species exhibits a relatively long reproductive period, a relative fecundity of 0.173 oocytes per mg of female total weight, and fractional spawning. The sex ratio did not differ from 1:1 during all sampled months. Sexual dimorphism related to hypertrophy of the male's distal portion of caudal filament was observed and males grew to greater lengths than females. Male gonadosomatic index (GSI) was significantly related to water depth, oxygen saturation and temperature. Female GSI was significantly related to water depth and hepatosomatic index.


Author(s):  
Eduardo D. Spivak ◽  
Elisabeth Arévalo ◽  
José A. Cuesta ◽  
J. Ignacio González-Gordillo

The present study describes the reproductive biology, population structure and life history traits of the abundant intertidal crab Xantho poressa. Between March 2007 and April 2008, a total of 1918 individuals were collected in Corrales de Rota (south-western Spain), a human-modified intertidal habitat characterized by an artificial high complexity. Suitable refuges for crabs (cobbles and boulders) are very abundant in this area and density (maximum of 50 ind*m−2) was directly related with the area covered by these stones. In spring and summer, size–frequency distributions showed a polymodal pattern with seasonal variations related to the incorporation of juveniles to the adult population. Newly settled juveniles were not found in the Corrales suggesting an ontogenetic migration from a distant recruitment habitat. The annual reproductive cycle was seasonal and successive peaks in the abundance of ovigerous females were observed in late spring and summer. Females probably produced multiple broods during a long intermoult period. The gonadosomatic index had a cyclic pattern of variation with peaks two weeks prior to those of ovigerous females; it was lower during the non-reproductive season. The hepatosomatic index was high during spring, decreased during summer and increased gradually at the end of the reproductive season. There was a monthly cycle of larval release resulting from a combination of a cyclic and synchronic ovarian maturity, oviposition and incubation; hatching took place during neap tides when the moon was at last quarter. The adaptive significance of the rhythmic reproduction and hatching observed may not be explained by the predator avoidance hypotheses. The overall sex-ratio did not differ from 1:1 but one male and several females coexist under a stone, indicating a female biased operative sex-ratio. The combination of a complex habitat, its use, and a strong sexual dimorphism suggest a refuge–defence polygenic mating system. The survival and fitness of X. poressa in the Corrales de Rota are probably enhanced by the availability of shelter, a consequence of a highly complex habitat, and probably, of human activity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 114-127
Author(s):  
Ebram Luc Gervais ◽  
Soumaïla SYLLA ◽  
Tizié Thierry ZAN-BI ◽  
Boua Célestin ATSE

The reproduction of Liza falcipinnis were investigated in both lagoons (Ebrié and Grand-Lahou) from January 2006 to december 2007. 2162 specimens were examined (914 and 1248 respectively in Ebrié and Grand-Lahou lagoons). Fork length was taken to the nearest 1 mm, and total body weight (TW) and eviscerated body weight (EW) to the nearest 0.1 g. The gonads and the liver were then established removed, weighted to the nearest 0.001g. The reproduced period of Liza falcipinnis was established by analysing the temporal evolution of the frequency of the maturity stages and the monthly variations in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), the hepatosomatic index (HIS) and the condition factor (K). Sex ratio was established taking into account the sex determinations. The size at which 50 % of the specimens became mature (FL50) was estimated. The sex ratio (1:1.24) and (1:1.40) observed respectively in Ebrié and Grand-Lahou lagoons were in favour of females. The first sexual maturity size was 21.0 cm (FL) for males and 27.9 cm (FL) for females in Ebrié lagoon and 24.7 cm (FL) for males and 27.9 cm (FL) for females in Grand-Lahou lagoon. Liza falcipinnis spawns in lagoon and the spawning period ranged from December to April.


Author(s):  
Nitin Kanji Suyani ◽  
Mridula Rajesh ◽  
Kothanahally Mallegowda Rajesh

Abstract The feeding habits and reproductive biology of red-toothed triggerfish Odonus niger (Ruppell, 1836) was analysed from 449 specimens collected from the Karnataka coast of the south-eastern Arabian Sea. Of the total stomachs examined, only 54 (12%) were empty and 395 contained food remains. The diet comprised crustacean remains (48.0%), zooplankton (21.4%), algae (16.5%), fish remains (6.1%) and cephalopod remains (5.3%) along with partially digested matter (2.3%) and detritus (0.4%). The species was found to be a generalist feeder and an omnivore. The overall sex ratio between males and females (1: 0.44) was significantly (P < 0.05) different. Histological examination of the ovaries indicated asynchronous ovarian development in females, with males maturing earlier than females. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) patterns of males and females, and the presence of ripe ovaries and spermatozoids suggested that April–May is the peak spawning period. The absolute and relative fecundity estimates ranged from 16,464–312,420 eggs and 251–2812 eggs g−1 respectively. Fecundity was positively correlated with total length and body weight. The biological information on diet composition and reproductive traits provided for the first time in this study can facilitate conservation, management and sustainable exploitation of this species in the study area.


1992 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 753 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Deual ◽  
NW Pankhurst

Changes in gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), oocyte development and plasma levels of steroid hormones were studied during the reproductive cycle of the sweep Scorpis lineolatus. GSI values for both sexes were maximal in March and April. During this period the size distribution of oocytes showed a predominance of advanced stages of vitellogenesis, whereas males were completing spermatogenesis. However, staging data suggest that spawning may not begin until April. HSI was maximal 2 months prior to the beginning of gametogenesis in both sexes. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17β in females increased rapidly from February, reached a peak (2.3 ng mL-1) in association with the end of vitellogenesis in March, and returned to low concentrations in May and June. Plasma concentrations of 17α,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20βP) also peaked in March in females, but 17,20βP was generally not detectable in males. Plasma testosterone concentration peaked along with other steroids in March in females but showed no significant change in males. Plasma ll-ketotestosterone (1 1KT) concentration was maximal in males before spawning (February), but was not elevated during the spawning period itself. Changes in oestradiol-17β and testosterone in association with vitellogenensis in females are consistent with those reported for other teleosts, whereas changes in 17,20βP, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone in males are different from those previously reported.


2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Werllen de Jesus Azevedo ◽  
Antonio Carlos Leal de Castro ◽  
Marcelo Henrique Lopes Silva

Abstract The whitemouth croaker, Micropogonias furnieri, which is exploited off the state of Maranhão, Brazil, reinforces the need for maintenance programs of natural stocks of this species to assist in the management of this exploited resource. The aim of the present study was to describe aspects regarding its reproductive characteristics (gonadosomatic index and condition factor) and also the length distribution and weight-length relationships. The fish were caught in Lençóis Bay in the state of Maranhão (eastern Amazon) between June 2010 and July 2011. A total of 570 individuals were caught (318 males and 252 females). Differences in length were found between the sexes, with females larger than males. The sex ratio indicated a tendency for females to be more abundant in the rainy season (first semester), whereas males predominated in the dry season (second semester). The weight-length relationship indicated negative allometric growth for both sexes. The analysis of the variation in the condition factor suggests that lower values coincided with higher gonadosomatic index values and that this factor is a good reproductive indicator for M. furnieri in the region.


Author(s):  
Chiyuki Sassa ◽  
Seiji Ohshimo ◽  
Hiroshige Tanaka ◽  
Youichi Tsukamoto

Benthosema pterotum is a dominant myctophid in the shelf region of the East China Sea (ECS). They are a key species linking secondary producers and upper trophic levels. We examined the reproductive biology of B. pterotum in the ECS, based on 3065 specimens (10.7–54.8 mm standard length (SL)) sampled during cruises in 1999 and 2004–2009 to enable data over a 12 month cycle to be assessed. Between 14 and 30 mm SL, the ratio of females to males was ~1:1; it increased with SL, and all individuals ≥46 mm SL were females. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) at 50% sexual maturity of females and males was 3.91 and 0.24, respectively. Based on this criterion, females and males can mature at sizes larger than 28 mm and 24 mm SL, respectively. Although mature females having GSI ≥3.91 occurred over nine months (May–January), mean GSI of females peaked sharply during August–September, i.e. the primary spawning period. The hepatosomatic index peaked during April–July, and declined during August–September, indicating storage of materials and energy for reproduction. Based on data from seasonal bottom trawl surveys, small individuals of B. pterotum began to occur abundantly in autumn, and modal body lengths increased progressively during spring–summer, corresponding to the above reproductive seasonality. Oocytes at various sizes were found in mature ovaries, indicating that they are multiple spawners. Egg size at hydration ranged from 0.5 to 0.85 mm. Batch fecundity was positively correlated with SL, and ranged from 253 to 1942 eggs in fish from 30.1–54.8 mm SL.


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