Reproductive biology of Menticirrhus littoralis in southern Brazil (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Sciaenidae)

Abstract

= 32.120; DF=1; P<0.001). The smallest individual (total length) for captured animals was a male of 13 cm whereas the largest was a female of 46 cm. The minimum size (total length) for a mature female was 19.8 cm. The size at first maturation (L 50 ) was 23 cm and females larger than 27 cm spawned at least once (L 100 ). The reproductive period for M. littoralis is from September to March. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed a clear seasonal pattern. Mean ovarian weight was highest in November when it reached 5% of total body weight. Apparently, there is a size gradient for M. littoralis in the area. Larger individuals inhabit deeper water, and they move to the coast mainly for spawning.Menticirrhus littoralis é uma espécie importante para a pesca esportiva e comercial no sul do Brasil. O presente trabalho objetiva estudar a biologia reprodutiva da espécie nas águas costeiras do Rio Grande do Sul. As capturas foram efetuadas na plataforma de pesca de Cidreira (30º 08' S; 50º 11' W), localizada na costa nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul, onde a pesca esportiva desenvolve-se ao longo de todo o ano. As capturas foram efetuadas exclusivamente por pescadores esportivos, utilizando linhas e anzóis de diferentes tamanhos e empregando iscas variadas. Um total de 807 indivíduos foi capturado entre junho de 1997 e maio 1998. A proporção sexual foi de 0,67 fêmea para cada macho (323 fêmeas e 484 machos; χ 2 c = 32,120; DF=1; P<0,001). O menor indivíduo capturado (comprimento total) foi um macho com 13 cm, enquanto que o maior foi uma fêmea com 46 cm. O menor tamanho (comprimento total) para uma fêmea madura foi 19,8 cm. O tamanho de primeira maturação (L 50 ) foi 23 cm e fêmeas maiores que 27 cm já reproduziram pelo menos uma vez (L 100 ). O período reprodutivo de M. littoralis é de setembro a março. O índice gonadossomático (GSI) apresenta uma clara tendência sazonal. O peso médio ovariano apresentou maiores valores em novembro, quando atingiu 5% do peso corporal. Aparentemente existe um gradiente de tamanho para M. littoralis na região, com indivíduos maiores ocorrendo em águas mais profundas e deslocando-se para águas mais rasas para desova.

Reproductive characteristics and the weight-length relationship in Anableps anableps (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cyprinodontiformes: Anablepidae) from the Amazon Estuary

“…comm.). This finding is supported by a number of studies, which have demonstrated a positive correlation between the buildup of body fat and the condition factor in fish, in addition to a close relationship (positive or negative) between gonad development and seasonal variation in the K value in these animals (Gomiero & Braga, 2003;Braun & Fontoura, 2004).…”

Population biology and diet of the southern kingcroaker Menticirrhus americanus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, southeastern Brazil

“…Lunardon-Branco and Branco (1993) observed reproduction during autumn, winter and spring in Paraná, characterized this species as a member of the summer reproductive guild in the Paranaguá estuarine complex. Furthermore, Braun and Fontoura (2004) observed, for the congener M. littoralis, a reproductive period between September and March (spring-summer) in southern Brazil. These marked differences in the reproductive periods may be a factor of the differences in climate, as proposed by Braun and Fontoura (2004).…”

“…Furthermore, Braun and Fontoura (2004) observed, for the congener M. littoralis, a reproductive period between September and March (spring-summer) in southern Brazil. These marked differences in the reproductive periods may be a factor of the differences in climate, as proposed by Braun and Fontoura (2004).…”

“…The sciaenid genus Menticirrhus comprises nine species that inhabit the tropical and temperate waters of the eastern Pacific and western Atlantic (BRAUN;FONTOURA, 2004). Two species are found in Brazilian waters: M. americanus (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. littoralis (Holbrook, 1847) (MENEZES; FIGUEIREDO, 1980;CARVALHO-FILHO, 1999;FISCHER et al, 2004).…”

Shore-based competitive recreational fisheries in southern Bahia, Brazil: A baseline study

“…A simple four stage scale of maturity was used (Vazzoler 1996): I -immature; II -developing; III -ripe; IV -post-spawning. Only detailed information for Menticirrhus littoralis (Holbrook, 1847) and Polydactylus virginicus (Linnaeus, 1758) were presented due to the availability of size at first maturity from the literature (Braun and Fontoura 2004) or the collection of sufficient data to fit a maturity curve (using the proportion of stages II, III and IV), allowing for the estimation of the proportion of juveniles in the catch. These species are caught by commercial fisheries and were also captured by recreational fishers in the neighbor state of Sergipe, the only state in northeastern Brazil where catch composition in fishing competitive events was provided by species (Freire et al 2017).…”