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Spawning Period (spawning + period)
Selected AbstractsBreeding Tubercles, Papillomatosis and Dominance Behaviour of Male Roach (Rutilus rutilus) During the Spawning PeriodETHOLOGY, Issue 8 2004Raine Kortet We studied the relationship between the breeding tubercle ornamentation (i.e. skin roughness) and male pre-spawning dominance and courtship behaviour in roach (Rutilus rutilus) within an experimental laboratory system. Sexually mature fish were caught during their migration to their spawning pond and their behaviours were studied in an artificial spawning arena. Males behaved naturally both in terms of male,male interactions and attempts to achieve spawnings. Males having many, large breeding tubercles (i.e. rough skin) were significantly more often dominant in our dyadic trials than those with smooth skin. The dominant male in the trial exhibited a more active courtship behaviour than its subordinate rival. Papilloma skin disease did not affect the dominance rank. As a result of the relationship between skin roughness and male dominance, breeding tubercles may be used by the females as a cue for choosing a high-quality mate in a roach lek. Thus, breeding tubercles might offer a workable tool for examination of sexual selection among cyprinids. [source] Relationships between water temperatures and upstream migration, cold water refuge use, and spawning of adult bull trout from the Lostine River, Oregon, USAECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 1 2010P. J. Howell Howell PJ, Dunham JB, Sankovich PM. Relationships between water temperatures and upstream migration, cold water refuge use, and spawning of adult bull trout from the Lostine River, Oregon, USA. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 96,106. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA Abstract,,, Understanding thermal habitat use by migratory fish has been limited by difficulties in matching fish locations with water temperatures. To describe spatial and temporal patterns of thermal habitat use by migratory adult bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, that spawn in the Lostine River, Oregon, we employed a combination of archival temperature tags, radio tags, and thermographs. We also compared temperatures of the tagged fish to ambient water temperatures to determine if the fish were using thermal refuges. The timing and temperatures at which fish moved upstream from overwintering areas to spawning locations varied considerably among individuals. The annual maximum 7-day average daily maximum (7DADM) temperatures of tagged fish were 16,18 °C and potentially as high as 21 °C. Maximum 7DADM ambient water temperatures within the range of tagged fish during summer were 18,25 °C. However, there was no evidence of the tagged fish using localized cold water refuges. Tagged fish appeared to spawn at 7DADM temperatures of 7,14 °C. Maximum 7DADM temperatures of tagged fish and ambient temperatures at the onset of the spawning period in late August were 11,18 °C. Water temperatures in most of the upper Lostine River used for spawning and rearing appear to be largely natural since there has been little development, whereas downstream reaches used by migratory bull trout are heavily diverted for irrigation. Although the population effects of these temperatures are unknown, summer temperatures and the higher temperatures observed for spawning fish appear to be at or above the upper range of suitability reported for the species. [source] Effect of habitat fragmentation on spawning migration of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)ECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 3 2006C. Gosset Abstract , Human-induced habitat alteration is one of the main causes of the decline of freshwater fish populations. The watershed of the River Bidasoa (Spain) is an example of heavily fragmented habitat. The local brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) population is disturbed, with evidence of poor recruitment as well as low adult densities in the main stem. Forty male and female adult migratory trout were tagged with external or internal radio transmitters and released. Fixed stations with data loggers and mobile antennae were used with daily surveys to track fish movements during the migration and spawning period (3 months). Migration distances did not exceed 10 km, and half of the fish never entered a tributary in the study area. Fragmentation because of weirs on the main stem apparently prevented fish from reaching their spawning destination. Fish that entered the tributaries were first confronted with an accessibility problem because of low discharge. However, each fish chose one tributary, without making attempts to run up in other tributaries. Once in the tributary, fish were restrained in their upstream movements by dams. The study area appeared to be isolated from the vast upper part of the watershed. Within the study area, upper parts of tributaries also seemed strongly disconnected from the main stem. This study illustrates the negative impact of river fragmentation on S. trutta migration pattern. Population sustainability can be directly affected through the low availability of spawning grounds for migratory fish. Long-term effects of fragmentation may cause reproductive isolation within watersheds, which in the case of trout also means isolated phenotypic population units. [source] Distribution, zoogeography and biology of the Murchison River hardyhead (Craterocephalus cuneiceps Whitley, 1944), an atherinid endemic to the Indian Ocean (Pilbara) Drainage Division of Western AustraliaECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 3 2005M. G. Allen Abstract , The Murchison River hardyhead (Craterocephalus cuneiceps) is endemic to the extremely arid Indian Ocean (Pilbara) Drainage Division of Western Australia, where it is found in the Greenough, Hutt, Murchison, Wooramel, Gascoyne and DeGrey rivers, but is absent from numerous rivers within its range. The most likely explanation for the disjunct contemporary distribution is that C. cuneiceps has simply never inhabited the rivers from which it is conspicuously absent (e.g. Ashburton and Fortescue). Biogeographical, geological and palaeoclimatic evidence is presented to support this hypothesis. In the Murchison River, breeding was extremely protracted with recruitment occurring throughout the year. The largest female and male specimens captured were 96 mm total length (TL; 7.73 g) and 86 mm TL (5.57 g), respectively. Sex ratio was 1.09 females:1 male. Batch fecundity ranged from 46 to 454 (mean 167.5 ± 25.7 SE). Estimates for the length at which 50 and 95% of females first spawned were 36.4 and 44.3 mm TL, respectively. Craterocephalus cuneiceps is essentially a detritivore, but also feeds on aquatic invertebrates. Rainfall in the Murchison River catchment is unpredictable and pH, salinity and temperature are variable. A specialised diet, small size and young age at maturity and protracted spawning period, coupled with serial spawning and high fecundity, allows the numerical dominance of this species in competitive, harsh, arid and unpredictable desert environments. Resumen 1. Craterocephalus cuneiceps es una especie endémica de las cuencas del Océano Indico (i.e., Pilbara) de Australia Occidental. Se encuentra en los ríos Greenough, Hutt, Murchison, Wooramel, Gascoyne y DeGrey pero está ausente en numerosos ríos dentro de su área de distribución. La explicación más probable para esta distribución separada en la actualidad es que C. cuneiceps no ha habitado nunca los ríos en los que está ausente tales como los ríos Ashburton y Fortescue. Presentamos evidencia bio-geográfica, geológica y paleo-climática para soportar esta hipótesis. 2. En el río Murchison, la reproducción es extremadamente prolongada con reclutamiento a lo largo de todo el año. Los mayores machos y hembras capturados alcanzaron 96 mm LT (7.73 g) y 86 mm LT (5.57 g), respectivamente. La proporción de sexos fue 1.09 hembras: 1 macho. La fecundidad varió entre 46 y 454 (media 167.5 ± 25.7 SE) y la longitudes a la que el 50 y el 95% de las hembras se reproducen por primera vez alcanzaron 36.4 y 44.3 mm LT, respectivamente. 3. C. cuneiceps es esencialmente detritívoro pero también se alimenta de invertebrados acuáticos. La lluvia sobre la cuenca del río Murchison es impredecible y el pH, la salinidad y la temperatura son variables. Una dieta especializada, pequeño tamaño, una edad joven en la madurez, y un período reproductivo prolongado, ademos de una freza seriada y alta fecundidad, permiten la dominancia numérica de la especie en ambientes competitivos, duros, áridos e impredecibles. [source] Immunocompetence of bivalve hemocytes as evaluated by a miniaturized phagocytosis assayENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2002C. Blaise Abstract Immune function in bivalves can be adversely affected by long-term exposure to environmental contaminants. Investigating alterations in immunity can therefore yield relevant information about the relationship between exposure to environmental contaminants and susceptibility to infectious diseases. We have developed a rapid, cost-effective, and miniaturized immunocompetence assay to evaluate the phagocytic activity, viability, and concentration of hemocytes in freshwater and marine bivalves. Preliminary experiments were performed to optimize various aspects of the assay including 1) the time required for adherence of hemocytes to polystyrene microplate wells, 2) the time required for internalization of fluorescent bacteria, 3) the ratio of hemocytes to fluorescent bacteria in relation to phagocytosis, 4) hemolymph plasma requirements, and 5) the elimination of fluorescence from (noninternalized) bacteria adhering to the external surface of hemocytes. The results of these experiments showed the optimal adherence time for hemocytes in microplate wells to be 1 h, that phagocytosis required at least 2 h of contact with fluorescently labeled E. coli cells, that the number of fluorescent E. coli cells had a positive effect on phagocytic activity, that at least 2.5 million cells/mL were required to measure a significant intake, and that a linear increase in uptake of bacteria (R = 0.91; p < 0.01) could be obtained with concentrations of up to 1.3 × 106 hemocytes/mL. Afterward, the assay was used in two field studies to identify sites having the potential to affect the immunocompetence of bivalves. The first study was conducted on Mya arenaria clams collected at selected contaminated sites in the Saguenay River (Quebec, Canada), and the second examined Elliptio complanata freshwater bivalves that had been exposed to a municipal effluent plume in the St. Lawrence River (Quebec, Canada). In the Saguenay River field study a significant increase in phagocytosis was observed at sites closest to polluted areas. Phagocytotic activity varied over time and was highest during the warmest months (June, July, and August), closely paralleling the spawning period of Mya arenaria clams. In contrast, a drop in phagocytic activity was observed in Elliptio complanata mussels exposed to surface water 4 km downstream of a major municipal effluent plume, with a concomitant increase in the number of hemocytes in the hemolymph. It appears that both immunosuppressive and immunostimulative effects are likely to occur in the field and that responses will be influenced by the type and intensity of contaminants at play. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 17: 160,169, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/tox.10047 [source] Snorkelling as a method for assessing spawning stock of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salarFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2007P. ORELL Abstract, Reliability of underwater snorkel counts of adult Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., was analysed in the tributaries of the River Teno, close to the spawning period. In small (width 5,20 m) rivers, the replicated total counts of salmon were reasonably precise (CV = 5.4,8.5%), while in the medium-sized river (width 20,40 m) the precision of the counting method was considerably lower (CV = 15.3%). Low precision in a medium sized river was also observed in an experiment using marked live fish where the observation efficiency varied between 36.4% and 70.0%. In a small river, the detection efficiency of artificial fish silhouettes (test salmon) was almost perfect in pools (98%), but decreased in rapids (84%). Separate counts of males, females, grilse and large salmon were usually more variable than total counts, indicating that divers were more capable of locating a fish than properly identifying its sex and sea-age. The behaviour of adult salmon was favourable to conduct snorkel counts, as fish normally stayed still, or after hesitating, moved upstream (>95%of the cases) when encountering a diver. The high observation efficiency (>90%) and precision, favourable behaviour of salmon and congruence between snorkel counts and catch statistics in small rivers suggest that reliable data on Atlantic salmon spawning stock can be collected by snorkeling provided that the environmental conditions are suitable and the divers are experienced. [source] Prespawning migratory behaviour and spawning success of sea-ranched Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the River Gudenaa, DenmarkFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 5 2000K. Aarestrup The migratory behaviour of sea-ranched Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., was analysed by radio-telemetry in the River Gudenaa, Denmark. The main objectives were to: (1) estimate mortality of returning adults through the fjord; (2) observe rate of progression and migratory pattern in the fjord and river; and (3) record whether spawning occurs in the river. Forty-two returning salmon (19 males and 23 females of total body length from 60,97 cm) reared and released as smolts, were caught and equipped with external radio transmitters in the outer estuary of the River Gudenaa in 1994 and 1995. Of the tagged salmon, 18 (43%) were caught in the estuary, four (10%) were not recorded after release and 20 (47%) entered the river. The mean rate of progression through the fjord was 7.6 km d,1 (range 1.4,18.2) in 1994 and 5.4 km d,1 (range 1.6,17.1) in 1995. Eleven salmon were alive at the onset of the spawning period. Eight were retrieved dead from the river during or after the spawning period; four with empty gonads assumed to be successful spawners, and four with intact gonads. In 1994, unsuccessful spawners (found dead with intact gonads) entered the river earlier and had a longer total migration distance in the river compared to successful spawners. This suggests that spawning success of sea-ranched salmon is associated with time of river entry and river migration length. [source] Spawning habitat and daily egg production of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in the eastern MediterraneanFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2006S. SOMARAKIS Abstract Spawning habitats of two eastern Mediterranean sardine, Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792), stocks (coastal waters of central Aegean and Ionian Seas) are characterized from daily egg production method (DEPM) surveys conducted during the peak of the spawning period. The latter occurs earlier in the Aegean Sea (December) than in the less-productive Ionian Sea (February). Single-parameter quotient analysis showed that the preferred bottom depth for spawning was 40,90 m in both areas but sardine selected sites of increased zooplankton in the Aegean Sea during December and increased fluorescence in the Ionian Sea during February. Estimates of daily egg production (P) and spawning stock biomass (B) were about four times lower for the Ionian Sea (P = 7.81 eggs m,2, B = 3652 tonnes) than the Aegean Sea (P = 27.52 eggs m,2, B = 16 174 tonnes). We suggest that zooplankton biomass might not be sufficient to support sardine reproduction in the highly oligotrophic Ionian Sea where the very small sardine stock may rely on the late-winter phytoplankton bloom. Actively selecting sites with increased zooplankton or phytoplankton and feeding plasticity (the well-known switching from selective particle feeding to non-selective filter feeding in sardines) are interpreted as adaptations to grow and reproduce optimally at varying prey conditions. Despite differences in temperature and productivity regimes, reproductive performance of sardine in the Ionian Sea was very similar to that in the Aegean Sea during the peak of the spawning period. In comparing adult parameters from DEPM applications to Sardina and Sardinops stocks around the world, a highly significant linear relation emerged between mean batch fecundity (F) and mean weight of mature female (W, g) (F = 0.364W, r2 = 0.98). The latter implies that, during the peak of the spawning period, mean relative batch fecundity (eggs g,1) of sardine is fairly constant in contrasting ecosystems around the world. [source] Selection for birth date in North Sea haddock and its relation to maternal ageJOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2005PETER J. WRIGHT Summary 1Birth date can be important to lifetime reproductive success. However, selection for birth date has rarely been addressed in fish, despite the opportunity provided by otolith microstructure. 2This study examined the relationship between maternal age, spawning time and early survivorship in the North Sea haddock stock. Temporal changes in egg production were compared with the birth date distribution of progeny surviving to the demersal phase in 1994, 1996 and 1999, when the age structure of the spawning stock differed. 3Estimates of intra-annual variation in stock egg production indicated that first-time spawning 2-year-olds began spawning much later than older age-classes. 4The form and magnitude of selection on birth date varied between years, indicating that the production of multiple batches of eggs over an extended period has some adaptive significance to progeny survival. 5Survivorship was consistently poor from the late spawning period when age 2 females contributed most to stock egg production. This persistent selection against late hatched offspring could reflect either low parental investment, as age 2 females produce smaller eggs, or the short length of the growing season prior to settlement. 6Variability in birth date selection, particularly with respect to first vs. subsequent years of spawning, implies a strong selection pressure for a long reproductive lifespan. As such, reproductive potential in this and other exploited fish species with a similar reproductive trait may have been affected adversely by the general decline in repeat spawning females in recent years. [source] Reproduction in Bagre marinus (Ariidae) off Pernambuco, northeastern BrazilJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 3 2006P. Pinheiro Summary Throughout 1997, the catches of artisanal gillnetters working off the coast of northeastern Brazil were sampled monthly for Bagre marinus (Mitchill 1815). Significantly more females (n = 207) than males (n = 82) were caught, although there was no significant difference in their size compositions (21,47 cm fork length, FL). All males sampled (21,40 cm FL) had developed gonads and were classified as sexually mature. According to macroscopic and microscopic examination of their reproductive tract, females were separated into four reproductive stages (immature, maturing, mature, and resting). Size at 50% sexual maturity for females was estimated to be 33 cm FL. A positive linear relationship was detected between the size of mature females and their fecundity (between 11 and 32 oocytes). Clear reproductive progress indicated a spawning period between March and May. We conclude that further fishery-independent data are required to determine patterns of male abundances and distributions. [source] Successful gonadal development and maturation of tench (Tinca tinca L.) in small concrete pondsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 3 2003J. M. Carral Summary The experiments were performed in a tench farm from autumn until the spawning season (June,July). Tench broodstocks from natural habitats were maintained in 25 × 6 × 1 m concrete ponds and fed on commercial trout pellets. Females and males were separated and maintained under natural photoperiod and temperature conditions at densities around 2 kg m,2. Water flow throughout was supplied at the rate of 15 L s,1. When females showed external signs of advanced gonadal development, induction of spawning was made by luteinizing hormone releasing factor (LH-RH) synthetic analogue administration at three different periods of the reproductive season (June,July). A single intramuscular injection (20 ,g kg,1 body weight) was administered to 110 mature females selected from a total of 150. The females were stripped 42 h (22°C) after hormone administration. The mean rate of stripped females to the number injected was 77%. Mean relative egg weight in relation to the weight of the stripped females was 5.61%. More than 90% of the males provided semen without hormonal induction. Differences in egg production and external egg quality were observed at different times of the spawning period. It was proven that tench maintained in small concrete tanks and fed on artificial diets were able to reach gonadal maturation. [source] Reproductive biology of the silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen), in Kuwait watersJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 6 2000S. Dadzie Summary The reproductive activities of the silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen), in Kuwait waters were investigated from March 1996 to February 1998. Observations on the seasonal distribution of maturity stages and variations in seasonal fluctuations in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) confirmed recent findings that the spawning period begins in May. The species has a prolonged spawning period in the females extending from May to August, whereas the males mature in April and ripe specimens were encountered in monthly samples until September. The recruitment pattern confirmed the one breeding season. There are two spawning peaks, the first in May and the second in August. Variations in GSI relative to fish length indicated that females and males are most fecund at about 24.5,26.4 cm and 20.5,22.4 cm length classes, respectively. The males mature earlier than females, at a minimum size of 12.5,14.4 cm, while the females mature at 20.5,22.4 cm. The oocyte diameter-frequency distribution suggests a serial rhythm of spawning. Fecundity ranged from 28 965 to 455 661 and correlated positively with: (a) standard length (P < 0.006); (b) ovary weight (P < 0.001); and (c) body weight (P < 0.001), and negatively with egg size (P < 0.003). [source] The food and feeding habits of the silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen), in Kuwait watersJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 2 2000By S. Dadzie The food habits of the silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen 1788), in Kuwait waters were investigated by examining the stomach contents of 738 specimens collected from May 1996 to April 1997. Their diet consisted of a broad spectrum of food types, but Crustacea were dominant, with copepods and their eggs constituting 39 % other non-copepod Crustacea constituted 16 %. The next major food group was Bacillariophyta (21 %), followed by Mollusca (11 %), fish scales (10 %) and, finally, fish eggs and larvae (3 %). In summer the species fed on a wider variety of food items than in winter. Copepods, other non-copepod crustaceans, and molluscs tended to occur in the stomachs in higher frequencies with an increase in P. argenteus size (up to 18.5,20.4 cm), while the bacillariophytes tended to increase in stomachs at fish sizes between 22.5,24.5 cm. Analysis of monthly variations in stomach fullness indicated that feeding intensity fluctuated throughout the year, with a low during August and September, corresponding to the spawning period. [source] Reproductive biology of two co-occurring mugilids, Liza argentea and Myxus elongatus, in south-eastern AustraliaJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008B. W. Kendall The reproductive biology of Liza argentea and Myxus elongatus occurring in two estuaries (Lake Macquarie and St Georges Basin) was found to differ. Gonado-somatic index values and macroscopic staging of gonads identified the peak spawning period of L. argentea occurred between March and November in Lake Macquarie and January and April in St Georges Basin. In contrast, peak spawning of M. elongatus was concentrated between January and March in both estuaries. Spawning of L. argentea probably occurred in the lower reaches of estuaries as well as in nearshore coastal waters, whereas evidence indicated M. elongatus spawned only in ocean waters. The mean fork length at maturity (LF50) was greater for females than males in both species, and it also occurred at a larger mean LF in M. elongatus (males = 230 mm and females = 255 mm) than L. argentea (males = 180 mm and females = 207 mm). Estimates of total potential fecundity were also greater for M. elongatus (425 484,1 157 029) compared to L. argentea (159 933,548 954). Both species had determinate fecundity and displayed a group synchronous pattern of oocyte development, with two distinct size classes of oocytes present in mature ovaries. Liza argentea probably release the larger class of oocytes in one spawning event, but this could not be established for M. elongatus. [source] Effect of temperature changes on the reproductive cycle of roach in Lake Geneva from 1983 to 2001JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006C. Gillet In Lake Geneva, the surface water temperature has increased by 1° C over 20 years probably as a result of climate change. The effects of changes in temperature on the reproductive cycle of the roach Rutilus rutilus were assessed in a 19 year survey. Over time, spawning tended to begin earlier. The consequences of temperature changes were assessed on two different stages of the female reproductive cycle: the development of the ovaries from the beginning of autumn to ovulation, and the onset of the spawning period. The development of the ovaries was studied for 7 consecutive years from October to June. From 1 October to the onset of spawning, it was possible to assess the gonado-somatic index (IG) of females in terms of time expressed as a sum of degree-days. The correlation between IG and the sum of degree-days was +0·97. The onset of the roach spawning period in Lake Geneva was triggered by a thermal threshold (median and range 190 ± 10 degree-days for the 15 previous days). From October to April, climate warming accelerated the development of gonads, then in May, a thermal threshold that triggered the onset of roach spawning occurred earlier. [source] Estimating the timing of growth rings in Atlantic cod otoliths using stable oxygen isotopesJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006H. Høie A technique involving micro-scale sampling of otolith carbonate and analyses of stable oxygen isotope composition was used to relate the zone appearance of the otolith to the seasonal temperature cycle. Otolith opacity could then be related to the timing of zone formation. Otoliths from two groups of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua held under known temperature conditions over a period of 4 and 6 years were examined. The otolith translucency followed the same pattern as the estimated temperature (from otolith ,18O values) in the yearly increments three and four, meaning that the translucent zones were deposited at the seasonal highest temperature in late summer and early autumn. The relative light intensities of otolith yearly increments five and six of older fish (deposited in the same years), however, were not significantly correlated to the estimated temperatures since increased otolith translucency also occurred at low temperatures. This might have been caused by stress in connection with gonad development or starvation during the spawning period. The results showed that this method of coupling otolith opacity and stable oxygen isotope composition can be used to estimate the timing of zone formations in otoliths. [source] Reproductive cycle and sex inversion in razor fish, a protogynous labrid in the southern Mediterranean SeaJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004G. Candi The reproductive biology of the Mediterranean razor fish Xyrichthys novacula was investigated by demographic data and histological analysis of the female, intersexual and male gonads. Specimens were collected by bottom trawl on a monthly basis between June 2000 and July 2001 in a sandy bay in southern Thyrrenian. Gonad histology confirmed that the Mediterranean razor fish is a monandric, protogynous hermaphrodite. Females reached first sexual maturity at 100 mm (LT) and the estimated mean LT at first maturity (L50) was 125 mm. Females exhibited asynchronous ovarian development and multiple ovulations occurred over the spawning period. Vitellogenesis started in early May and spawning occurred from late May until late September. Sexual transition involved a large-scale atresia of all oocyte stages and a massive degeneration of ovarian tissue followed by primordial germ cells proliferation. Sex change began at spawning time (June) but transitional individuals tended to cluster at the end of the reproductive period (September). They accounted for 17·1% of the population sampled and were found in a broad size range (105,150 mm LT). [source] Specific gravity and vertical distribution of sprat eggs in the Baltic SeaJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003A. Nissling During peak spawning of sprat Sprattus sprattus in the Baltic Sea in May,June egg specific gravity averaged ±s.d. 1·00858 ± 0·00116 g cm,3 but was significantly higher in the beginning and significantly lower towards the end of the spawning season. A close relationship was found between egg diameter and egg specific gravity (r2 = 0·71). This relationship, however, changed during the spawning season indicating that some other factor was involved causing the decrease in specific gravity during the spawning period. The vertical egg distribution changed during the spawning season: eggs were distributed mainly in the deep layers early in the season, occurred in and above the permanent halocline during peak spawning, and above the halocline towards the end of the spawning season. Consequently, poor oxygen conditions in the deep layers and low temperatures in layers between the halocline and the developing thermocline may affect egg development. Thus, opportunities for egg development vary over the spawning season and among spawning areas, and depending on frequency of saline water inflows into the Baltic Sea and severity of winters, between years. [source] The ovarian morphology of Scorpaena notata shows a specialized mode of oviparityJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2002M. Muñoz Scorpaena notata is an oviparous species with external fertilization that deposits its eggs in a gelatinous matrix. The internal epithelium of the ovarian wall is chiefly responsible for the production of this matrix, which is particularly abundant and viscous during the spawning period. The oocytes lack lipid droplets, so flotation and transport of the eggs is probably accomplished by means of the matrix that surrounds them. The ovarian stroma is situated along the centre of the gonad and the developing oocytes are connected to it by peduncles. The paucity and small size of the cortical alveoli of the oocytes are notable, as is the thinness of the zona radiata. These are characteristics that would be typical of viviparous species. The histological and ultrastructural observations lead to the conclusion that this species presents a type of oviparity more highly specialized than that of the majority of teleosts. [source] The effects of thermal effluent exposure on the gametogenesis of female fishJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000D. Luk High temperature in Swedish and Lithuanian thermal effluent areas influenced gametogenesis of female perch Perca fluviatilis, roach Rutilus rutilus and pike Esox lucius negatively, indicating reduced reproductive capacity. Oocyte atresia started during vitellogenesis in autumn, and was often followed by asynchronous egg cell development. Among other anomalies, multi-nucleus oocytes and hermaphroditism were observed. No significant impact was seen in silver bream Blicca bjoerkna. Ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus reacted by a tendency to produce an additional mature oocyte generation during the spawning period. Ovaries in roach from coastal areas were often infected by a microsporidian parasite Pleistophora mirandellae, causing severe damage to the gonad. Parasites were also detected in pike, but neither in perch nor in lake populations of roach. Fish living in open coastal environments did not avoid impact by moving out of the heated areas. There seems to be a conflict in some temperate fish between temperature preference behaviour and safeguarding normal reproduction. [source] Sustained, Natural Spawning of Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma Under an Extended Photothermal RegimeJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2 2001Wade O. Watanabe Hormone-induced spawning of southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma has produced substantial numbers of viable eggs, but wide variations in fertilization and hatch rates have been reported. Recently, sustained natural spawning of southern flounder broodstock, without hormone induction, has been achieved in our laboratory. Adults (average weight = 1.12 kg; N= 25), including 6 captured as juveniles in 1993 and 19 captured as adults during September 1998, were stocked in two 4.8-m3 controlled-environment tanks in October 1998 and held under natural photothermal conditions until January 1999, when an artificial winter photo-period of 10 L:14 D was initiated and then maintained through April 1999. Sex ratio was approximately 13 females:8 males:7 unknown. Natural spawning was observed in early December 1998 and increased in frequency to a peak in March 1999, before declining in late April. Water temperature ranged from 13.9 to 24.5 C during the spawning period. Natural spawnings over 142 d produced a total of 18.3 × 106 eggs, with a mean fertilization rate of 28.0% (range = 0,100%), yielding 4.94 × 106 fertilized eggs. The mean percentage of eggs that remained buoyant in full-strength seawater (34 ppt) was 41.3% (0,98%), while hatching rate of buoyant eggs was 37.3% (0,99%) and survival of yolksac larvae to the first-feeding stage was 30.2% (0,100%). Gonadal biopsies in late April identified six females from both tanks as probable spawners. A preliminary comparison suggests that natural spawning produced much larger numbers of viable eggs per female, with higher egg quality (i.e., fertilization and hatching success) than hormone-induced spawning. In contrast to natural spawning, hormone-induced strip-spawning enabled timing of spawnings to be more precisely controlled. These results suggest that a combination of both natural and hormone-induced spawning of photothermally conditioned fish will help produce the large numbers of eggs required to support commercial production. [source] Spawning behaviour, early development and first feeding of the bluestriped angelfish [Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)] in captivityAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010Ming-Yih Leu Abstract Successful natural spawning of Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis in captivity from 19 March to 11 May, 2008 is described for the first time. A single male dominates a harem of two females, spawning with each at dusk, from 10 min before to 20 min after sunset. Each female laid an average 119 × 103 eggs during the spawning period. Fertilized eggs were spherical, buoyant and had a diameter of 0.83 ± 0.02 mm (mean ± SD). Embryonic development lasted 15,18 h at 28.1 °C. Newly hatched larvae were 1.60 ± 0.07 mm in total length (TL) with 27 myomeres. Larvae completed yolk absorption within 3 days post hatching (ph) at 3.01 ± 0.08 mm TL. Ten days ph, the larvae had attained 3.95 ± 0.12 mm TL. Larvae were fed either 100% s-type rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis), 100% copepods (Microsetella sp.), a combination of the two (50%:50%) or without live feed (starved control) to determine the effect of live feed on the survival rate. The survival was significantly (P<0.001) higher in larvae fed a combination of diet than the others. These results indicate that C. septentrionalis is a potential species for captive breeding programs and the use of a combination of diet (s-type rotifers and copepods) may be a suitable first food for the larvae. [source] Reproduction, growth and stress response in adult red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel) exposed to different photoperiods at spawning seasonAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010Amal Biswas Abstract Adult red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight, 1.0,2.0 kg) was exposed to three photoperiods [12 h light:12 h dark (12L:12D), 16 h light:8 h dark (16L:8D) and 24 h light:0 h dark (24L:0D)] from 2 months before spawning till the end of the spawning season to investigate growth, spawning and stress response. During the spawning season, tanks were checked every morning for spawned eggs. The growth performance in fish under 24L:0D was stimulated with significantly higher feed intake than those under other photoperiods (P<0.05). The number of eggs and gonadal histology confirmed that three and five females out of six in each of duplicate tanks of the 16L:8D treatment spawned. In contrast, only two out of six females in one tank of the 24L:0D treatment spawned, and no spawns were observed in the 12L:12D treatment. At the end of the spawning period, both 17,-estradiol and testosterone levels were significantly higher in fish exposed to 16L:8D followed by 12L:12D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P<0.05). Photoperiod manipulation did not cause significant stress response in fish (P>0.05). The results suggest that stimulating the growth performance of red sea bream at reproductive stage with a 24L:0D photoperiod is possible if the fish are subjected to this photoperiod long before the onset of the spawning season. [source] Dietary effects of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid levels on egg and larval quality, and the fatty acid composition of the eggs of Chilean flounder Paralichthys adspersus broodstockAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 12 2009Rodolfo Wilson Abstract The effects of dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (n-3 HUFA) on eggs and larval quality were investigated in the Chilean flounder Paralichthys adspersus. Broodstock were fed with three formulated diets with similar proximate compositions but different n-3 HUFA (2.1%, 3.1% or 4.1%) estimated levels from 5 months before and during the spawning period. The diet with an intermediate n-3 HUFA level resulted in a significantly higher (P<0.05) percentage of buoyant eggs (68.2 ± 2.9%), fertilization (92.8 ± 3.9%), normal cell cleavages (93.5 ± 1.9%), hatching rate (87.7 ± 4.1%) and normal larvae (76.3 ± 3.7%) compared with the other two diets. In contrast, high levels of n-3 HUFA produced larvae with a higher survival capacity when subjected to fasting. The diet with the lowest content of n-3 HUFA produces lower quality eggs and larvae. The n-3 HUFA level in eggs increased with an increase in the dietary level, and the n-3/n-6 ratios were 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1. The DHA/EPA and EPA/ARA ratios of 2 and 4 in eggs, respectively, were associated with improved egg and larval quality and were similar to the ratios found in eggs from wild broodstock. Attainment of optimal fatty acid contents in broodstock diets is one of the key factors for producing the high-quality spawning required for managed culture of this flounder. [source] Natural spawning, early development and first feeding of the semicircle angelfish [Pomacanthus semicirculatus (Cuvier, 1831)] in captivityAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 9 2009Ming-Yih Leu Abstract Successful natural spawning of Pomacanthus semicirculatus in captivity from 11 September to 18 October, 2006 is described for the first time. Each female laid an average of 230 000 eggs during the spawning period. Fertilized eggs were spherical, transparent and buoyant and had a mean diameter of 0.61 ± 0.03 mm (mean ± SD). Embryonic development lasted 18,21 h at 28.5 °C. Newly hatched larvae were 1.35 ± 0.02 mm in total length (TL) with 27 (12+15) myomeres and had an oil globule in the ventroposterior area of the yolk sac. Larvae completed yolk absorption within 3 days post hatching at 2.37 ± 0.05 mm TL. Larvae were fed either 100% microalgae (Nannochloropsis sp.), 100% s-type rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis), 100% dinoflagellates (Gonyaulax sp.) or different combinations of the three (50%:50%:0%, 30%:35%:35%) to determine the effect of live feed on the survival rate. The survival was significantly (P<0.001) better in larvae fed a combination of diets (30%: 35%: 35%) than others. These results indicate that P. semicirculatus is a potential species for captive-breeding programmes and the use of a combination of diets (microalgae plus s-type rotifers and dinoflagellates) may be a suitable first food for fish larvae. [source] Age, growth and reproduction of Marcusenius pongolensis, Oreochromis mossambicus and Schilbe intermedius in an oligotrophic impoundment in SwazilandAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Anthony J. Booth Abstract The age, growth and reproductive biology of Marcusenius pongolensis, Oreochromis mossambicus and Schilbe intermedius were investigated in the Mnjoli Dam, Swaziland. Otolith annulus formation occurred in winter for M. pongolensis, and in spring/summer for O. mossambicus and S. intermedius. Maximum ages of 8, 6 and 8 years were recorded for M. pongolensis, O. mossambicus and S. intermedius, respectively. Growth was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 238.73(1 , exp,0.27(t+2.27) mm fork length (FL) for M. pongolensis, Lt = 226.83(1 , exp,0.45(t+2.02)) mm total length (TL) for O. mossambicus, and Lt = 214.59(1 , exp,0.60(t+1.20)) mm FL for S. intermedius. Sexual maturity was estimated for male and female M. pongolensis at 134 mm FL and 119 mm FL, respectively. Marcusenius pongolensis matured within their first year. Female O. mossambicus and S. intermedius matured at 239 mm TL and 205 mm FL, corresponding to 2 and 4 years of age, respectively. Extended spawning periods, with two spawning peaks was observed for M. pongolensis, one in spring (September) and the second in autumn (March) and one peak over late-summer for S. intermedius. Résumé L'âge, la croissance et la biologie reproductive de Marcusenius pongolensis, Oreochromis mossambicus et Schilbe intermedius ont étéétudiés dans le barrage de Mnjoli, au Swaziland. La formation des anneaux des otolithes se passe en hiver pour M. pongolensis et au printemps/été pour O. mossambicus et S. intermedius. On a enregistré les âges maximum de 8, 6 et 8 ans respectivement pour Marcusenius pongolensis, Oreochromis mossambicus et Schilbe intermedius. La croissance a été décrite selon le modèle de croissance de von Bertalanffy selon la formule suivante: Lt = 238.73(1 , exp,0.27(t+2.27) mm LF pour M. pongolensis, Lt = 226.83(1 , exp,0.45(t+2.02)) mm LT pour O. mossambicus, et Lt = 214.59(1 , exp,0.60(t+1.20)) mm LF pour S. intermedius. On a estimé que la maturité sexuelle était atteinte à 134 LF et à 119 LF respectivement pour le mâle et la femelle de M. pongolensis, qui arrivaient à maturité au cours de leur première année. Les femelles d'O. mossambicus et de S. intermedius devenaient matures à 239 mm LT et 205 mm LF, ce qui correspond à l'âge de 2 et de 4 ans, respectivement. On a observé des périodes de frai prolongées, avec deux périodes de frai pour M. pongolensis, une au printemps (septembre) et la seconde en automne (mars), et un pic en fin d'été pour S. intermedius. [source] | |||||||||||||