Reproduction and recruitment of sympatric fish species on an intertidal rocky shore

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of seven common species (Gobius paganellus, Gobius bucchichi, Gobius cobitis, Parablennius sanguinolentus, Salaria pavo, Tripterygion tartessicum and Symphodus roissali) on rocky shores in the Gulf of Cadiz and their relationship with the sea surface temperature (SST) is analysed. Partial data on Scorpaena porcus are also given. Fecundity of these short lifespan species shows a positive linear correlation between the number of oocytes and an increase in female size. Spawnings are concentrated in the first 7 months of the year. An analysis of reproductive growth with respect to SST shows that water temperature in the winter months affects the timing of the onset of reproduction in most species. Recruitment is takes place throughout the year, but a temporal segregation within different families occurs in their spawning as well as recruitment.

Lipophrys pholis is larger, grows faster and is in better condition in protected than in unprotected rocky shores

“…These habitats act as settlement, feeding and nursery grounds for piscivorous birds (Lindström & Ranta, 1992) and fish species that recruit to coastal fisheries (Mendonça et al, 2019; Ribeiro et al, 2012). In this sense, blennies contribute to the diet of commercially important species such as cod ( Gadus morhua ), sole ( Solea solea ), mackerel ( Scomber scombrus ) and black scorpionfish ( Scorpaena porcus ) (Compaire, Casademont, Gómez‐Cama & Soriguer, 2018; Pinnegar & Platts, 2011). Thus, as intertidal fish are key components of littoral food webs, it is important to understand the factors affecting their body condition and growth rate.…”

Reproductive biology of the bullseye puffer Sphoeroides annulatus: Gonadosomatic index and its suitability for estimating length at maturity

“…Usually, the input data for estimating are based on the maturity stage of the gonads and for this two main techniques are used: visual inspections (morpho‐chromatic features) and histology (Rhodes et al ., 2016). Other sources of data less frequently used in research are morphometric relationships (Agostinho, 2000; Fontoura et al ., 2009) and the use of empirical equations (Compaire et al ., 2018; Hossain et al ., 2017).…”