Variability in reproductive traits in the sex-changing fish, Coris julis, in the Mediterranean
The quantity and quality of propagules, i.e., reproductive output, play a key role in the dynamics of exploited populations, with particular implications for sex-changing fish. Here, we studied for the first time the effects of maternal traits on the reproductive output of the Mediterranean rainbow...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Hellenic Centre for Marine Research
2013-09-01
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| Series: | Mediterranean Marine Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/12413 |
| Summary: | The quantity and quality of propagules, i.e., reproductive output, play a key role in the dynamics of exploited populations, with particular implications for sex-changing fish. Here, we studied for the first time the effects of maternal traits on the reproductive output of the Mediterranean rainbow wrasse Coris julis, a sequential hermaphroditic fish widely distributed in temperate marine coastal regions. The quantity of the reproductive output (batch fecundity) was significantly related to maternal size, which is of special interest in a species submitted to size-selective harvesting (recreational angling). However, egg quality (egg size) was not significantly related to any maternal factor and the spawning fraction was related to a seasonal pattern only. These results should contribute to improving estimations of the annual reproductive output and the stock assessment of this species and some implications for management are discussed. |
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| ISSN: | 1108-393X 1791-6763 |