scholarly journals Aspects of the reproductive biology of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei) from southern Africa

2007 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Ebert ◽  
Leonard J. V. Compagno ◽  
Paul D. Cowley

AbstractEbert, D. A., Compagno, L. J. V., and Cowley, P. D. 2008. Aspects of the reproductive biology of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei) from southern Africa. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 81–102. New information is presented on the reproductive biology of 22 southern African skate species. Sex ratios for most species were relatively even. Sexual dimorphic differences in disc shape were evident in all species, but the total length (LT) to disc width (D) relationship was significantly different in only three species, and the LT to weight (W) relationship significant in just five species. Sexual dimorphism relative to maximum total length (LTmax) was absent in all but the two largest species. Males and females of the same species grow to a similar LTmax except those whose LTmax is >1.5 m LT. Size at first and 50% (LT50) sexual maturity was approximately the same for both sexes in all but the two largest species. First maturity occurred at >60% of LTmax for all species for which sufficient data were available, and most (n = 18) matured at >75% LTmax. The large size at maturity relative to LTmax suggests that growth slows or is partially suspended following sexual maturity. The egg cases of 15 species are described, and a key to their identification is presented. Egg cases in utero were observed throughout the year suggesting that most species reproduce year-round.


2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (9) ◽  
pp. 1829-1835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio S. Motta ◽  
Rafael C. Namora ◽  
Otto B. F. Gadig ◽  
F. M. S. Braga

Abstract Motta, F. S., Namora, R. C., Gadig, O. B. F., and Braga, F. M. S. 2007. Reproductive biology of the Brazilian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) from southeastern Brazil. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1829–1835. The reproductive biology of the Brazilian sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon lalandii, off southeastern Brazil was investigated using data from gillnet landings. The size-at-maturity for males and females was estimated to be 59 and 62 cm total length (LT), respectively. Ovarian fecundity ranged from 3 to 7 follicles (mean = 4.54), and uterine fecundity from 1 to 5 embryos (mean = 3.3). There was a slight positive relationship between female LT and the number of ovarian follicles, but uterine fecundity was not related to female LT. Embryonic growth is fast following fertilization during summer and autumn. Gestation requires 11–12 months, and peak parturition is between August and September. A comparison of size-at-maturity between animals from northeastern and southeastern Brazil suggests the existence of at least two stocks of R. lalandii along the Brazilian coast.



2018 ◽  
Vol 108 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro N. Eduardo ◽  
Alex S. Lira ◽  
Thierry Frédou ◽  
Flavia Lucena Frédou

ABSTRACT: Roughneck Grunt (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. However, the population dynamic of this species is poorly known in the region. The aim of this study was to describe aspects of the population structure and reproductive biology of the H. corvinaeformis, providing important information for the development of sustainable management practices. Specimens were collected monthly from August 2011 to July 2012 and quarterly from October 2012 to June 2014. A total of 1,140 individuals was collected; 340 males (29.8%), 391 females (34.3%), and 409 were immature and could not be sexed (35.9%). Total length ranged from 7 to 25 cm. In general, total length of females [12.85 ± 2.49 cm (mean± SD)] and males [12.72 ± 2.46 cm (mean ± SD)] were similar (p > 0.05). The proportion of males and females was similar along the year, except in March. The relationship between total length and total weight was statistically significant (p< 0.05), showing an isometric growth. The (GSI) coupled with the distribution of maturational stages suggests that females reproduce all year around, with a peak during October-November. The length at first maturity (L50) was estimated at 11.88 cm for females and 11 cm for males.



2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 771-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Basallo ◽  
Maria Cristina Oddone

The present study analyzed the sexual development, sizes at maturity and morphometric relationships for both sexes of Sympterygia acutaand S. bonapartii, endemic of south-western Atlantic Ocean. The examined specimens were obtained through research cruises and commercial fishing trips, during 2011 and 2012, along the southern Brazilian coast, in latitudes ranging from 34°28'S to 31°29'S and at depths between 15 and 142 m. Significant differences (p<0.05) in S. bonapartii and in S acutabetween sexes for the relationships total length (cm) - disc width (cm) and total length - total/eviscerated weight (g) respectively, demonstrated sexual dimorphism during the development in both species. The estimated size at maturity for males and females, respectively, were 46.1 and 44.7 cm, for S. acuta, and 58.4 and 59.9 cm, for S. bonapartii. A decrease in size at maturity for both sexes was observed in S. acuta and females of S. bonapartii of the southern coast of Brazil, respect to previous studies carried out over the last 30 years.



2003 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 1335-1341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Veríssimo ◽  
Leonel Gordo ◽  
Ivone Figueiredo

Abstract A total of 871 females (76–122 cm) and 86 males (68–100 cm) of Centroscymnus coelolepis caught in Portuguese mainland waters were examined for reproductive characteristics. One hermaphroditic individual of 95 cm was found. Males were few in numbers and dominated by immature specimens. Female length at first sexual maturity was 98.5 cm. Mean ovarian and uterine fecundity were 13.2 oocytes per female and 9.9 embryos per pregnant female, respectively. Total length of embryos with completely absorbed external yolk sacs ranged between 233 and 300 mm. Sex ratio (F/M) of embryos with completely absorbed external yolk sac was 0.9. All stages of reproduction were found during the 12-month sampling period. Results were compared with those from other regions. A hypothesis is formulated on the existence of several regional populations based on morphometric and reproductive parameters observed in different areas.



Author(s):  
m.e. costa ◽  
k. erzini ◽  
t.c. borges

the reproductive biology of 1045 female (9.5–67 cm (total length (tl)) and 1007 male (9.4–64.3 cm tl) blackmouth catsharks, galeus melastomus, was investigated. the sharks were caught off southern portugal by bottom crustacean trawlers at depths from 209 to 754 m. the sex ratio was 1:1, and this species is sexually dimorphic with males approaching maturity at smaller size than females. sexual segregation appears to be given for the stock within the study area. sexual maturity was reached at a total length above 49 cm in males and above 56 cm in females. mating and egg-deposition take place all year round, with two reproductive peaks of activity, in winter and summer. egg capsules are, on average, 54 mm long and 21 mm wide, with a maximum of 63×25 mm encountered. morphometric measurements of claspers, testes, ovaries, and oviducal glands were suitable for determining sexual maturity of blackmouth catshark.



2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 1812-1822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophy R. McCully ◽  
Finlay Scott ◽  
Jim R. Ellis

Abstract McCully, S. R., Scott, F., and Ellis, J. R. 2012. Lengths at maturity and conversion factors for skates (Rajidae) around the British Isles, with an analysis of data in the literature. –ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1812–1822. Biological data on skates (Rajidae) from around the British Isles were collected between 1992 and 2010. The relationship between total length and weight for nine species (Amblyraja radiata, Dipturus batis-complex, Leucoraja fullonica, L. naevus, Raja brachyura, R. clavata, R. microocellata, R. montagui, and R. undulata) are provided for each sex and ICES ecoregion (when significantly different). Conversion factors for disc width to total length are provided. The lengths at first maturity and of the largest immature skates are reported for each sex, and the lengths at 50% maturity are estimated. Spatial differences in the length at maturity of R. clavata (females only) and L. naevus (both sexes) were observed. The lengths at maturity are discussed in relation to the results of earlier studies, and methodological differences are considered to have influenced reputed decreases in the length at maturity. A more standardized approach to collecting and reporting maturity information is required if potential spatial differences and temporal changes are to be investigated.



1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 693 ◽  
Author(s):  
SH Abdel-Aziz

The reproductive biology and diets of Torpedo torpedo and T. marmorata from Egyptian Mediterranean waters are described. Males and females reached a maximum size of 39.1 and 40.8 cm total length (TL), respectively, in T. torpedo and 38.6 and 61.2 cm TL, respectively, in T. marmorata. The size at maturity of males of T. torpedo and T. marmorata is 18 and 25.5 cm TL, respectively, and of females, is 22 and 35.5 cm TL, respectively. Both species exhibit aplacental viviparity. T. torpedo has a restricted breeding season, and individual females appear to breed annually, whereas T. marmorata females appear to have a more extended reproductive cycle (probably breeding every two years). In both species, males are capable of mating every year. In T. torpedo, mating occurs between December and February, ovulation in March-April, and parturition in late August and September after five to six months of gestation. Individuals of T. marmorata mate between November and January, ovulate between December and February, and give birth the following December after 10-12 months of gestation. Mean embryos sizes are 7.3 cm TL (range 4.6-8.2 cm TL) for T. torpedo and 8.5 cm TL (range 5.8-10.1 cm TL) for T. marmorata. Observations in Egyptian Mediterranean waters show a strong correlation between ovarian and uterine fecundity and the length of the mother in both species. Fish are an important component of the diet of the two species, as, to a lesser extent, are crustaceans for T. torpedo and cephalopods for T. marmorata. Juveniles eat a wide variety of food items, whereas adults feed only on fish.



Author(s):  
Selvia Oktaviyani ◽  
WANWAN KURNIAWAN ◽  
FAHMI

This study provides information on the reproductive biology of the coral catshark caught in the waters around Seribu Islands, Indonesia. A total of 257 coral catsharks were collected from February 2017 to January 2018. The total length of coral catshark ranged from 170 to 585 mm for females and 255-575 mm for males, respectively. The total weight of females ranged from 85 to 640 g and males from 100 to 620 g The sex ratio between females and males was 0.45 and it was not significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio. The growth pattern of coral catsharks in Seribu Island was negatively allometric and the population was dominated by mature sharks. The mean size at first maturity was estimated to be 557 mm for females and 514 mm for males, based on to the relationship between the proportion between maturity stage and total length. The ovulation season was estimated occur from October to March, whereas September to April was mating season based on monthly variations of gonadosomatic index (GSI) values and the occurrence of egg cases in uterus.



2009 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 1173-1181 ◽  
Author(s):  
AF. Fischer ◽  
FHV. Hazin ◽  
F. Carvalho ◽  
DL. Viana ◽  
MG. Rêgo ◽  
...  

One hundred seventeen specimens of sharks were caught along the coast of Pernambuco State, Northern Brazil, between May 2004 and May 2007, among which 86 were blacknose sharks, Carcharhinus acronotus, enabling a more detailed study of the species. Blacknose sharks were caught in the 2 study areas along the Boa Viagem/Piedade and Paiva beaches, accounting for the highest relative abundance among the species caught (73.5% of total). Potentially dangerous sharks, tiger and bull sharks, were also caught in the same areas, whereas hammerhead and blacktip sharks were only captured off Boa Viagem/Piedade. Concerning the blacknose shark, the total length (TL) ranged from 39.0 to 180.0 cm. Among the 38 females analysed, 32 were juveniles, 11 were maturing, 2 were pre-ovulatory and 21 were pregnant. Sexing was possible for 75 of the 83 embryos, 38 of which were males and 37 were females, with a sex proportion of 1:0.9 and total length ranging between 6.4 and 63.5 cm. Ovarian fecundity ranged from 5 to 10 and uterine fecundity from 1 to 3, with an estimated gestational period of 9 months. Among the 48 males, 6 were juveniles and 42 were adults. Both males and females seem to reach sexual maturity at about 105.0 cm TL. Among the 86 stomachs analysed, only 22.1% had contents, with teleosts as the most frequent item.



2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
María I. Burgos-Vázquez ◽  
Valeria E. Chávez-García ◽  
Víctor H. Cruz-Escalona ◽  
Andrés F. Navia ◽  
Paola A. Mejía-Falla

Rhinoptera steindachneri is one of the most common batoid species in the artisanal gill net fishery of the Gulf of California. In this study we investigated its reproductive biology based on 317 specimens caught in Bahía de la Paz, Mexico. Females measured up to 94.2-cm disc width (DW) and males reached 82.5cm DW; there were no significant differences in size or weight between sexes. The median size at maturity was estimated at 68.5cm DW for males and 71.8cm DW for females, and the median size at pregnancy was 84.3cm DW. Only the left ovary and uterus were functional; a maximum of six preovulatory vitellogenic follicles per female was recorded, although uterine fecundity was one embryo per female. Ovulation and birth occurred in May, June and July, with birth sizes ranging from 38.1 to 42cm DW. R. steindachneri in Bahía de la Paz exhibited low fecundity, large size at maturity and birth and a continuous and synchronous annual reproductive cycle.



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