Studies on some reproductive aspects of Pseudotolithus elongatus in Cross River estuary, Nigeria

Authors

  • Sunday Ben Ekanem Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar
  • Marilyn Joan Achima Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar
  • Mfon Michael Ekere Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2004.68n2265

Keywords:

Pseudotolithus elongatus, spawning, Cross River estuary

Abstract


To determine the spawning time of Pseudotolithus elongatus the Cross River estuary, ovarian development, egg diameter, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of the female fish were studied from January to December 1998. All ovary developmental stages, including the spawning stage, were present every month, which indicated year-round spawning. High mean values of GSI and egg diameter in December-March and July-September indicated these as the two peak spawning periods for the species. The egg diameter ranged from 1 µm to 590 µm. The highest number of eggs found in an individual fish was 808911. Absolute fecundity of the species in The Cross River estuary can be calculated in relation to standard length using the formula F = 17557SL0.768 or F = 45532W0.277 in relation to weight. There were evidences to suggest that the species is an asynchronous partial spawner. The stock might be effectively conserved by the imposition of a closed fishing season during the two peak spawning periods.

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Published

2004-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Ekanem SB, Achima MJ, Ekere MM. Studies on some reproductive aspects of Pseudotolithus elongatus in Cross River estuary, Nigeria. Sci. mar. [Internet]. 2004Jun.30 [cited 2024Mar.28];68(2):265-71. Available from: https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/366

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Articles