Reproductive patterns of blacktail comber (Serranus atricauda,Serranidae) from south-west Portugal seamounts

The knowledge of the reproductive strategy is essential for the comprehensive understanding of the population dynamics of any fish species. This study intends to define the spawning season, verify the type of fecundity regulation and estimate relative annual fecundity for Serranus atricauda inhabiting the south-west of Portugal seamounts (Gorringe, Ampère and Lion). Monthly samples, between September 2010 and December 2011, were obtained from commercial vessels. This species is synchronously hermaphroditic, and mature individuals were found all year round, with gonadosomatic index peak from February to September. No clear relation between hepatosomatic index and Fulton’s condition factor and gonadal development was found, and therefore, it is probable that reproductive success depends more on environmental conditions and food availability during the spawning season than on body energy reserves. No gap exists between pre-vitellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes and the oocyte size-frequency distribution during the main spawning season show no dominant cohort progressing through time. The number of standing stock of advanced vitellogenic oocytes showed an increase trend along the spawning season decreasing only at its end and the relative intensity of α-atresia was always low throughout this period with an increase towards the end. All these criteria corroborate the indeterminate fecundity type assigned to S. atricauda in previous studies. Mean relative annual fecundity estimated was 5,655 ± 4,321 oocytes per gram of gutted weight.     

Reproductive ecology of the glacier lanternfish Benthosema glaciale

Myctophids play a key role in the transfer of energy in pelagic food webs, linking zooplankton to higher trophic levels. Data are presented, for the first time for the glacier lanternfish (Benthosema glaciale), on maturity ogives, size-at-maturity and reproductive strategy in terms of ovarian organization and fecundity type in two contrasting environments: North Atlantic and Mediterranean. We analysed 292 females collected in Flemish Cap during early summer 2009 and 2011 and off the Balearic Islands during late autumn 2009 and early summer 2010. The spawning season differed between areas. Size at 50% maturity in Flemish Cap was 47.6 and 49.1 mm in 2009 and 2011, respectively, but significantly smaller, 24.5 mm, in the Balearic sea. B. glaciale is a batch spawner with asynchronous ovarian development and indeterminate fecundity. Batch fecundity showed significant relationships with length and weight, although average relative batch fecundity was low (1031 ± 396 oocytes/gram). We compared two staining techniques: Hematoxylin–eosin and PAS–hematoxylin–metanil yellow with the latter being more useful to detect mature females and spawning indicators in regressing and regenerating females. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the reproductive potential and ecological role of this species, the most abundant myctophid in the northern Atlantic.     

Reproductive biology of wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri, off eastern Australia

A dearth of basic biological information for wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri, currently hinders the ability of scientists and managers to assess population sustainability and appropriately manage the dramatically increasing global catch. This study examined the gonads of 382 wahoo collected off eastern Australia during 2008–2011 to quantify their reproductive biology in the region. The overall sex ratio of the sample was 3.2:1 (females:males), however this differed significantly among fishing sectors and areas. The estimated fork length at which 50 % of female wahoo reach maturity was 1,046 mm. Similar to the Atlantic Ocean, female wahoo have a protracted summer spawning season during October-February. The mean spawning frequency of female wahoo was uncertain but may be approximately 2–3 days, with evidence of fish actively spawning on consecutive days. Batch fecundity of females was positively correlated with fish size and estimates ranged between 0.65 and 5.12 million oocytes. Relative fecundity was estimated at 122.0 (±9.7) oocytes per gram of ovary free body weight and did not differ with fish size or throughout the spawning season. Estimation of reproductive parameters such as size- and age-at-maturity may facilitate the construction of per-recruit stock assessments of wahoo in the region.     

Reproductive guilds (maturation,spawning frequency and fecundity) in the black pomfret,Parastromateus niger (Carangidae) in the Kuwaiti waters of the Arabian Gulf

Oogenesis, oocyte maturation pattern, spawning rhythm, spawning frequency, batch fecundity and oocyte diameter–frequency distribution of the black pomfret, Parastromateus niger (Bloch, 1795) in Kuwaiti waters were investigated from October 2003 to September 2005, using histological and morphological methods. The process of development is divided into four major phases: (i) primary growth phase; (ii) secondary growth phase; (iii) maturation phase; and (iv) spawning phase, followed by the regressed phase. Development of the yolky oocyte is an asynchronous process resulting, by the time of oocyte maturation, in a clear differentiation between a ready batch of oocytes (ready for spawning) and a reserve pool. Consequently, P. niger is capable of spawning multiple times throughout the reproductive season. Spawning frequency estimates, based on final oocyte maturation (FOM) method indicated that the species spawns once every 2.8 days during an 8‐month spawning season lasting from February to September, with a potential annual number of 22.4 spawns. Batch fecundity (BF) (2132–2001 648, mean 406 010 eggs), was significantly positively related to both standard length (SL) (P < 0.05) and ovary‐free body weight (OFBW) (P < 0.05), both parameters being good predictors of BF (r² = 30.8% for SL, from 22 cm onwards, and r² = 29.6% for OFBW, from 129.5 g onwards). No significant differences in monthly BF were found throughout the spawning season. Relative batch fecundity was 336 eggs/g OFBW; thus, estimate for potential annual relative batch fecundity was 7526 eggs g^?1 OFBW. The oocyte diameter–frequency distribution analysis revealed a multimodal distribution (at 100–200, 300–400 and 500–700 μm), confirming the evidence of multiple spawning.     

Spawning Dynamics and Size Related Trends in Reproductive Parameters of Southern Bluefin Tuna,Thunnus maccoyii

Knowledge of spawning behaviour and fecundity of fish is important for estimating the reproductive potential of a stock and for constructing appropriate statistical models for assessing sustainable catch levels. Estimates of length-based reproductive parameters are particularly important for determining potential annual fecundity as a function of fish size, but they are often difficult to estimate reliably. Here we provide new information on the reproductive dynamics of southern bluefin tuna (SBT) Thunnus maccoyii through the analysis of fish size and ovary histology collected on the spawning ground in 1993–1995 and 1999–2002. These are used to refine previous parameter estimates of spawning dynamics and investigate size related trends in these parameters. Our results suggest that the small SBT tend to arrive on the spawning ground slightly later and depart earlier in the spawning season relative to large fish. All females were mature and the majority were classed as spawning capable (actively spawning or non-spawning) with a very small proportion classed as regressing. The fraction of females spawning per day decreased with fish size, but once females start a spawning episode, they spawned daily irrespective of size. Mean batch fecundity was estimated directly at 6.5 million oocytes. Analysis of ovary histology and ovary weight data indicated that relative batch fecundity, and the duration of spawning and non-spawning episodes, increased with fish size. These reproductive parameter estimates could be used with estimates of residency time on the spawning ground as a function of fish size (if known) and demographic data for the spawning population to provide a time series of relative annual fecundity for SBT.     

Reproductive strategy of the invasive sharpbelly,Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky 1855), in Erhai Lake,China

This study describes the reproductive strategy of the sharpbelly Hemiculter leucisculus, an invasive and dominant species in Erhai Lake in China with the goal of understanding how reproductive strategy contributes to its environmental adaptability and invasive potential. Specimens (n = 3583) were collected monthly or bimonthly from July 2009 to June 2011 (min: 114‐Feb, max: 883‐Aug), using gill nets (inner/outer mesh = 30/110 mm, stretched mesh). Gonads were removed, weighed and preserved for further (histological) analyses. Oocyte size‐frequency distribution was continuous and had advanced vitellogenic oocytes with postovulatory follicles present in spawning females, both suggesting that sharpbelly is a multiple spawner with adhesive eggs. Spawning extended from April to September, with the peak period from May to August. Standard lengths (SL, cm) at minimal observed maturity/L₅₀/L_99.9 values were 4.6/5.6/10.5 for females and 5.1/5.5/7.5 cm for males, respectively. Females were over‐represented (P < 0.01) in SL‐classes over 9 cm and males completely absent from the 13 to 19 cm SL‐classes. Overall sex ratio was highly significantly (P < 0.01) biased towards females (♀ = 1518, ♂ = 685, ♀/♂  = 2.21), however this was reversed in the spawning stock (8.3–16 cm, ♀ = 58, ♂ = 142, ♂/♀  = 2.45, P < 0.01). Batch spawning, a long spawning period, high male investment in reproduction and adhesive eggs all represent local adaptations in reproductive strategy that, along with other environmental factors, contribute to the invasion success of sharpbelly in Erhai.     

Reproductive biology of Hemiramphus brasiliensis and H. balao (hemiramphidae): maturation,spawning frequency,and fecundity

Analyses of life-history data show that both the size-specific batch fecundities and the age-specific spawning frequencies differ for two halfbeak species, Hemiramphus brasiliensis, the ballyhoo, and H. balao, the balao. Halfbeak ages were determined from sectioned otoliths; histological data was used to describe oocyte development and estimate spawning frequency; and batch fecundity was measured from counts of whole oocytes in final maturation. Hemiramphus brasiliensis lived longer (4 versus 2 years) and had a higher survival rate (14.9% versus 7.5% annually) than H. balao did. Of the two species the larger and longer-lived congener, H. brasiliensis, reached sexual maturity at a larger size (fork length 198 versus 160 mm). The spawning period of age-0 females was strongly related to season, whereas spawning by older females occurred throughout the year. Reproduction by both species peaked during late spring or early summer, and all mature females were spawning daily during April (H. brasiliensis) or June (H. balao). This is the first demonstration of iteroparity for the family Hemiramphidae. H. brasiliensis had a lower batch fecundity (about 1164 versus 3743 hydrated oocytes for a 100-g female) than H. balao did. Such low batch fecundities are typical of the order Beloniformes, but quite different from those of other fishes that live in association with coral reef habitats. H. balao's higher batch fecundity is consistent with the life-history theory that predicts higher numbers of eggs for shorter-lived species; this is possible because H. balao produces smaller hydrated oocytes than H. brasiliensis (modal diameter about 1.6 versus 2.4 mm). The high spawning frequency of Hemiramphus species compensates for their low batch fecundity. The annual fecundity of both species is similar to that of other reef fish species, after adjusting for body size and spawning frequency. The lifetime fecundity of H. balao was very similar to that of H. brasiliensis, after accounting for the differences in survival for each species. This suggests a fine tuning of different reproductive traits over the entire life cycle that results in roughly equivalent lifetime fecundity for both species.     

Spawning frequency, fecundity, egg weight and spawning type of silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen) (Stromateidae), in Kuwait waters

Silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus, were collected by fishing with drift gillnets on one spawning ground in Kuwait waters during 1998–2000. Fish size frequency, sex ratio, maturation cycle, spawning frequency, fecundity and egg weight were assessed. The length–weight relationship differed between sexes whereby females were significantly bigger than males. Spawning started in mid‐May and continued until early October. During this time the water temperature ranged from 26.0 to 32.8°C, salinity was ? 39.0‰ and water depth ranged between 5 and 12 m. Large females spawned earlier than young spawners and the overall percentage of males during the spawning period was 70.3%. Spawning occurred after 13.00 h, with peak spawning between 15.00 and 18.00 hours during outgoing tide. Mean daily spawning frequency amounted to 63.2%. Spawning activity was found to be associated with the lunar cycle and spawnings were concentrated during the first and third quarters of the moon period, indicating a semilunar reproduction cycle. It was concluded that a female would spawn at least six times during the season. No change was observed in relative fecundity during the peak spawning season (June–August). Average relative batch fecundity was 176.3 eggs g^?1 somatic weight (SW), corresponding to a relative total fecundity of 1058 eggs g^?1 SW, which is 1.5 times higher than estimates obtained from counting the standing stock of oocytes. Bigger fish produced heavier eggs and the egg weight decreased as the spawning season progressed. Based on gonadal cycles, oocyte size frequency distribution and total fecundity, we concluded that silver pomfret is a multiple batch spawner with indeterminate fecundity.     

Population structure and reproductive biology of Schilbe intermedius (Teleostei: Schilbeidae) in the Pendjari River,Benin

This study, the first on fish reproduction in the Pendjari River, investigated aspects of the reproductive biology of Schilbe intermedius. A total of 429 females and 239 males were collected from March 2007 to February 2008. Females were larger than males and the sex ratio was 1:1.8 in favour of females. Size at first maturity was estimated to be 14.9 cm and 16.1 cm for males and females, respectively. Absolute fecundity ranged from 1 006 to 83 980 (22 421 ± 16 083) oocytes, and mean relative fecundity was 201 ± 162 oocytes g^?1 of total body mass. Frequency distributions of oocyte diameter suggested synchronous development, with total spawning. Spawning lasted from June to November, coinciding with peaks in rainfall and flooding. Larger females began spawning about two months before smaller ones.     

Reproductive Dynamics and Potential Annual Fecundity of South Pacific Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga)

The reproductive biology of albacore tuna, Thunnus alalunga, in the South Pacific Ocean was investigated with samples collected during broad-scale sampling between 2006 and 2011. Histology was done in a single laboratory according to standard protocols and the data analysed using generalized linear mixed-effects models. The sex ratio of albacore was female biased for fish smaller than approximately 60 cm FL and between 85 and 95 cm, and progressively more male biased above 95 cm FL. Spawning activity was synchronised across the region between 10°S and 25°S during the austral spring and summer where sea surface temperatures were ≥24 °C. The average gonad index varied among regions, with fish in easterly longitudes having heavier gonads for their size than fish in westerly longitudes. Albacore, while capable of spawning daily, on average spawn every 1.3 days during the peak spawning months of October to December. Spawning occurs around midnight and the early hours of the morning. Regional variation in spawning frequency and batch fecundity were not significant. The proportion of active females and the spawning fraction increased with length and age, and mature small and young fish were less active at either end of the spawning season than larger, older fish. Batch fecundity estimates ranged from 0.26 to 2.83 million oocytes with a mean relative batch fecundity of 64.4 oocytes per gram of body weight. Predicted batch fecundity and potential annual fecundity increased with both length and age. This extensive set of reproductive parameter estimates provides many of the first quantitative estimates for this population and will substantially improve the quality of biological inputs to the stock assessment for South Pacific albacore.     

Comparative oocyte morphology and fecundity of five characid species from São Francisco River basin,Brazil

The morphology of vitellogenic oocytes and the batch fecundity of five tropical forage species belonging to the family Characidae, were studied in 104 late‐maturing ovaries. Significant morphological differences between vitellogenic oocytes and ovarian follicles were found. The lowest batch fecundity values were recorded in Hemigrammus marginatus (480 ± 163) and Orthospinus franciscensis (1701 ± 562), which were the smaller species in terms of total length, body weight and oocyte diameter. The highest batch fecundity value was observed in Tetragonopterus chalceus (8384 ± 3944) having the highest GSI and oocyte diameter. Batch fecundity and gonad weight was highly correlated followed by body weight and total length. Relative fecundity was estimated per unit total length, body weight and gonad weight. The wide variation in fecundity observed between the specimens and the species analysed is possibly related to the multiple spawning reproductive strategy of these fishes. Since T. chalceus have higher values of batch and relative fecundity, it is concluded that this species has a higher reproductive potential than the other forage species studied.     

Reproductive biology of the armoured catfish Loricariichthys castaneus (Castelnau, 1855) in Lajes reservoir,southeastern Brazil

Sex ratio, gonadal development, breeding season and fecundity of the armoured catfish Loricariichthys castaneus were described to assess its reproductive strategy in a Brazilian tropical reservoir. In total, 226 specimens (199 females and 27 males) were captured from September 2005 to August 2006 and examined in the laboratory. Females outnumbered males and achieved sizes larger than 330 mm TL. Oocyte development, determined by histological analysis, was asynchronous with oocyte size, ranging from pre‐spawning (27–270 μm) to spawning (243–3460 μm), followed by a sharp decrease in the mean oocyte diameter postspawning (590–730 μm) as the spawning proceeded. Spawning occurred throughout most of the year, peaking in August–September and reaching a low in April–May, according to variations in GSI and frequencies of stages of gonadal development. Batch fecundity ranged from 242 to 833 vitellogenic oocytes (relative fecundity = 2.27 oocytes g^?1), averaging 483 oocytes, and was positively related to gonad weight (P = 0.00003). Oocyte diameters ranged from 0.027 to 5.59 mm, with vitellogenic diameters ranging from 2.08 to 5.59 mm. Continuous development of oocytes throughout the year suggests that L. castaneus presents indeterminate fecundity and is a batch‐spawner. These attributes, associated with parental care and a wide reproductive period, correspond to an equilibrium strategy that has proved to be effective in the Lajes reservoir.     

Spawning frequency in the eastern Australian river garfish, Hyporhamphus regularis ardelio (Hemiramphidae)

Patterns in the timing of spawning of the eastern Australian river garfish Hyporhamphus regularis ardelio were investigated by sampling fish throughout 24?h during their peak spawning period. Patterns in gonadosomatic indices, the presence of hydrated oocytes and post-ovulatory follicles in histological ovary sections, together with previously demonstrated polymodal distributions of oocytes undergoing final maturation, indicated that river garfish were capable of spawning at any time during the 24?h period. Spawning had either recently occurred or was imminent in all females sampled suggesting that river garfish could spawn multiple times in a given season. Although energy resources are used in the production of low numbers (<2500) of large (~2.5?mm diameter) eggs per batch, total fecundity during the reproductive season may be elevated through multiple spawning events. Implications of these findings on current fishery management regulations are discussed.     

Reproductive strategy of Psectrogaster rhomboides Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889, a freshwater fish from Northeastern Brazil

Several environmental parameters related to the spawning season of the freshwater fish, Psectrogaster rhomboides were identified. The hypothesis predicts synchrony of the spawning season with the rainy period, presenting a seasonal reproductive strategy. This study investigated the total body length and body mass, sex ratio, body size at first sexual maturity, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, fecundity and reproductive period of P. rhomboides in the natural environment. Twelve monthly samplings (mean n = 20) were carried out from March 2009 to February 2010. Fish were captured using 4 cm diameter cast nets and environmental parameters such as rainfall, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and electrical conductivity of the water were registered. The sampled population of P. rhomboides (n = 444) showed a sex ratio of 1 : 1. Females attained first sexual maturity at 15 cm total length and males at 15.3 cm total length. Spawning occurred from March to May, with high gonadosomatic index values during the rainy season. This species is a total spawner, with a mean fecundity of 6188 (±367) mature oocytes. P. rhomboides presents a seasonal reproductive strategy, providing a population increase and exploitation of the environmental resources during the rainy period. Rainfall (196.5 ± 4.9 mm) and the concentration of dissolved oxygen (7.82 ± 0.7018 mg L^?1) were influential factors during the spawning season. Gonadosomatic index and the condition factor were negatively correlated during the gonadal development cycle of this species. The monthly gonadosomatic index values show that spawning begins when the rainy season is at its maximum and ends synchronously (females r = 0.9171; males r = 0.889) with the end of the rainy season.     

Reproductive ecology of Odontostilbe pequira (Steindachner, 1882) (Characidae, Cheirodontinae) in the Paraguay River, southern Pantanal, Brazil

The reproductive biology of Odontostilbe pequira was studied aiming to determining differences in population structure, reproductive tactics and correlating the reproductive period with rainfall, temperature and level of the Paraguay River, in the southern Pantanal, Brazil. Data were obtained for 623 individuals (366 females and 257 males), and of these, 253 females and 126 males were dissected for reproductive analysis. No significant variation was observed in the distribution of standard length and total weight between the sexes. The sex ratio was 1.42:1 (female: male), but the ratio did not differ over most months and between most length classes. The reproductive period was long (10 months). No correlation was found between the gonadosomatic index (GSI) of both sexes with water temperature and rainfall over the months analyzed. Males showed no significant association between the GSI and river level, but a marginally significant correlation was observed for females. Moreover, an effect of the mean historical river level on GSI was observed in both sexes, indicating that the flooding regime drive the reproductive activity, which proportions spawnings even when rainfall and temperature levels are low. Length at first maturity of the females was 24.2 mm and of the males 22.2 mm, with a significant difference between the sexes. The mean absolute fecundity was 181.4 oocytes/female, while mean relative fecundity was 0.544 oocytes/mg. Absolute fecundity was positively related to total weight, gonad weight and standard length. The mean diameter of the mature oocytes was 0.46 mm and the frequency distribution of the diameters showed various modes, indicating a multiple spawning. Thus, the reproductive tactics of O. pequira was characterized as “opportunistic strategist”, with reproductive activity strongly associated with the flood pulse.     

Spawning frequency and batch fecundity of horse mackerel, Trachurus trachurus (L.), in the Saronikos Gulf (Greece)

Horse mackerel, Trachurus trachurus (L.), is a multiple spawning fish with most probably an indeterminate fecundity. Histological sections of gonads were used to identify the hydrated oocytes, the migratory-nucleus stage oocytes, and the new and old post-ovulatory follicles. Spawning frequency determination, based on the mean percentage estimation of the females that occurred in different spawning states such as migratory-nucleus stage oocytes and post-ovulatory follicles during two successive reproductive periods, was found to average once every 5.8 and 4.8 days, respectively. High spawning frequency was observed at the peak of spawning. Relative batch fecundity of 205 oocytes/g fish weight was estimated by the hydrated and migratory-nucleus method. Since potential annual spawnings were found to be equal to 16, potential annual relative fecundity could be 3280 oocytes/g fish weight.     

Reproductive strategy of Leporinus piau (Fowler, 1941), a neotropical freshwater fish from the semi‐arid region of Brazil

This study concerns the reproductive strategy of the freshwater fish, Leporinus piau, native to the Brazilian semi‐arid region. The hypothesis of this work predicts that the species would spawn during the rainy season, presenting a seasonal reproductive strategy. The study investigated the structure of total body length and body mass, sex ratio, body size at first sexual maturity, developmental stages of gonads, fecundity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), condition factor (K) and the spawning season of L. piau. Twelve monthly samplings (mean n = 18) were carried out in 2009 and environmental parameters such as rainfall, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and concentration of dissolved oxygen of water were registered. The sampled population of L. piau (n = 211) showed a slight predominance of males (55%), but with larger and heavier females. First sexual maturation in males occurred earlier (16.5 cm total length) than in females (20.5 cm total length). The species is a total spawner with an average fecundity of 55 000 mature oocytes. Rainfall (225 ± 7.2 mm) and concentration of dissolved oxygen (8.5 ± 0.2 mg L^?1) acted as influential factors during the spawning season. The monthly GSI shows that spawning starts when the rainy season is at its maximum and ends synchronously (females r = 0.91; males r = 0.89) with the end of the rainy season. L. piau presents a seasonal reproductive strategy with high reproductive output, providing a population increase and exploitation of the environmental resources.     

Reproductive biology of Chinese minnow Hemiculterella sauvagei Warpachowski, 1888 in the Chishui River,China

This study describes the reproductive biology of the Chinese minnow Hemiculterella sauvagei. The length‐weight relationship, sex ratio, spawning season, size at first maturity, and fecundity were analyzed based on 685 specimens collected from the Chishui River between July 2011 and July 2012. The relationship between standard length (SL) and body weight (BW) were estimated as BW = 2.14 × 10^?4 × SL^2.801 (R² = 0.839; N = 413; P < 0.05) for females and BW = 1.31 × 10^?4 × SL^3.001 (R² = 0.868; N = 272; P < 0.05) for males. The female to male sex ratio, 1.52 : 1, differed significantly from a 1 : 1 ratio. Females predominated in standard lengths >12 cm. Analyses of the monthly variation in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), the monthly proportions of macroscopic gonadal maturity, and the size distribution of oocytes consistently suggested a prolonged spawning season of H. sauvagei from March to August, with a peak from April to May. Logistic curves describing the relationship between proportion of maturity (P_r) at each length interval and standard length were estimated as P_r = 1/(1 + e^{26.867–0.306SL}) (R² = 0.999; N = 413; P < 0.05) for females and P_r = 1/(1 + e^{10.522–0.142SL}) (R² = 0.999; N = 272; P < 0.05) for males. Size at first maturity was estimated as 7.4 cm for males and 8.8 cm SL for females. Absolute fecundity varied from 563 to 5052, with a mean of 2413 ± 874 oocytes per ovary. The relative fecundity was estimated to be 41–299, with a mean of 171 ± 55 oocytes per ovary. The present study provides useful information for fishery management and resources conservation.     

Enhancing knowledge on low-value fishing species: the distinct reproductive strategy of two gurnard species

The depletion and overexploitation of several fish stock demands for a valorisation of non-target and discarded species. Nonetheless, such species are often poorly studied, and information on their biological parameters must be gathered for effective population management. For 1 year, the reproductive strategy of the piper gurnard Trigla lyra and the red gurnard Chelidonichthys cuculus was studied by monthly samples obtained from commercial boats operating on western Portuguese coast. Both species showed a biased sex ratio towards females, especially for larger length classes. Length at first maturity could be estimated only for red gurnard (22.1 and 19.9 cm for females and males, respectively) because all piper gurnard individuals caught were mature. Piper gurnard showed determinate fecundity and a short spawning season, from November to February with a peak in January, whereas red gurnard showed indeterminate fecundity and a wide spawning season, from late December to May. The relative annual fecundity estimated for red gurnard (1893 ± 728 oocytes × g⁻¹ eviscerated weight [EW]) was higher than the one estimated for piper gurnard (1018 ± 250 oocytes×g⁻¹ EW). Although important information for understanding the species dynamics is presented in this study, additional information on other life-history parameters and of species landings is required.