Life history traits of Aphanius ginaonis Holly, 1929 (Cyprinodontidae) and potential risks of extinction in the Geno hot spring (Iran) population

This study presents some traits of the Aphanius ginaonis life history in the Geno hot spring and explains the potential risks of its extinction. Sampling was from March 2009 to February 2010. A total of 61 males and 71 females were measured (total length) and weighed, with data on reproductive biometry also taken. Growth parameters were determined in addition to weight–length relationships: W (t) = 0.012TL^3.42, R² = 0.96 for females and W (t) = 0.0101TL^3.38, R² = 0.94 for males. A. ginaonis females showed an asymptotic total length (TL_∞) of 53.03 mm; the growth coefficient, K (year^?1) 0.15, t₀ (year) 1.01; and natural mortality coefficient M (year^?1) 0.62. In males the value for TL_∞ was 48.83 mm; for K (year^?1) 0.2, t₀ (year) 0.44; and M (year^?1) 0.49. The relationship between absolute fecundity and fish size (total length, body weight or age) showed a strong correlation to body weight. The A. ginaonis population is threatened with extinction – and a co‐management in cooperation with the local population for strong protection measures is urgently needed.     

The potential fecundity of cod in the Baltic Sea from 1993 to 1999

Investigations on the reproduction biology of cod in the Baltic Sea (Gadus morhua L. and G. morhua callarias L.) were carried out beginning in 1993, with yearly sampling of gonads to estimate the potential absolute and relative individual fecundity in the Belt Sea (subdivision, SD: 22) and in the Arkona Sea (SD: 24). Additional samples were taken in the Bornholm Sea (SD: 25). The potential absolute fecundity of the total area of investigation is described by the regression models: F_a = 6.89 × TL^3.09 and F_a = ?40 586 + 977.7 × W. As a further result the mean relative fecundity was 978 oocytes per gram body weight. Furthermore, it was shown that there was a difference in development of the potential individual fecundity between the Belt Sea cod and the original eastern Baltic cod stock. In contrast to the stable fecundity of cod in the Belt Sea, the fecundity of the large females in the Bornholm Sea significantly increased from 1993 to 1999. This change is related to a decrease in the dry weight of oocytes in the ovaries. In the same period this cod stock dramatically decreased.     

Some biological aspects and life history strategies of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in Lake Victoria, Kenya

The life history characteristics of introduced Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) in Lake Victoria, including, sex ratio, fecundity, reproduction, weight‐length relationship and body condition were studied and compared with those of other populations. Samples were collected by trawling and seining in the Kenyan sector of Lake Victoria between June 1998 and December 2000. Males predominated over females (sex ratio 1.42 : 1 : 00). O. niloticus spawned throughout the year but with a peak between December and June. Length at first maturity was (mean ± SD) 30.81 ± 0.09 for females and 34.5 ± 6 0.48 for males. There was little seasonal variation in relative condition, which ranged from 0.92 to 1.05 in males and 0.94 to 1.07 in females. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) was low during the postspawning period (July to October) and high during the protracted breeding period (December and June). Fecundity ranged from 905 to 7619 oocytes for fish of 28 to 51 cm total length (TL) respectively. The relationships between fecundity (F) and total length (L), weight (W) and ovary weight (OW) were: F = 8.159L^1.53, F = 96.269W^0.4504, F = 1806 + 39.4OW. The slope b of the weight‐length relationship was 3.08–3.32 for males and 3.07–3.22 for females. Growth was allometric in both cases and was significantly different from the expected value of 3. The life history strategy of O. niloticus is discussed in context of environmental changes occurring in the lake.     

A study on age and growth characteristics of spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei Blanc & Hureau, 1973), northeastern Mediterranean Sea

This study investigated the age and growth characteristics of spiny gurnard, Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei, from the northeastern Mediterranean. Samples were collected by commercial trawls during the 2012–2013 fishing seasons. A total 1,878 speciments ranged from 7.10 to 15.90 cm total length and 2.28–35.88 g in weight. Female/male ratio was 1.2/1. The total length–weight relationship was W = 0.002 TL^3.579 (r² = .909) for sexes combined, W = 0.0021 TL^3.551 (r² = .914) for males and W = 0.0019 TL^3.602 (r² = .904) for females. Age determination was conducted using the sagittal otoliths. Ages of examined individulas ranged from 3 to 11 years. Total length‐at‐age data were fitted using the von Bertalanffy growth model. Estimated growth functions were TL_t = 18.100 [1?e^{?0.14 (t + 0.63)}] for sexes combined, TL_t = 23.587 [1?e^{?0.08 (t + 1.56)}] for males and TL_t = 16.612 [1?e^{?0.19 (t + 0.15)}] for females.     

Determination of batch fecundity in Uranoscopus scaber Linnaeus, 1758 from the Aegean Sea, Turkey

This work focuses on reproductive biology aspects of Uranoscopus scaber from the coast of the Aegean Sea. In total, 175 U. scaber specimens were collected in Izmir Bay using trawl nets from January to December 2005. The reproduction period according to gonadosomatic index (GSI) values extents from March to September, with a peak in May (6.32 ± 1.2). Oocyte diameters taken from 59 mature gonads ranged from 62 to 1860 μm. Maximum batch fecundity (BF) was 58091 (mean: 11556 ± 1445) in large oocytes in May, and 8408 (mean: 2821 ± 945) in hydrated oocytes in September. The BF increased with total length and body weight, excluding the ovaries. Total length (TL)–BF relationships and fish weight–BF relationships were BF = 0.0034TL^4.6248 (r = 0.47) and BF = 59.166W?3101 (r = 0.49), respectively, according to the oocyte size frequency method. There was a linear relationship between BF and fish size.     

Growth and length–weight relationships of Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Alcántara Reservoir,south‐western Spain: comparison with other water bodies in Eurasia

Growth parameters in pikeperch may be affected by several factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth and length–weight of pikeperch in a reservoir in south‐western Spain and compare the results with previous published data. Age and growth are described for Sander lucioperca from the Alcántara Reservoir (south‐western Spain) from March to October 2009. A total of 285 fish were examined; the ratio of males to females was estimated as 0.78:1 and age ranges as 1–5 years. Total lengths ranged from 16.1 to 52.5 cm. The length–weight relationships were described as W = 0.00 462 TL^3.09 (r = 0.9865) for males and W = 0.00279 TL^3.16 (r = 0.9921) for females. Growth was expressed in length and the von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as L∞ = 92.14 cm, k = 0.09, t₀ = ?1.05 for males and L∞ = 107.72 cm, k = 0.08, t₀ = ?1.16 for females. Growth performance indexes were also estimated as Φ’ = 2.88 for males and Φ’ = 2.96 for females. Differences in growth and length–weight relationships between sexes were not found.     

Population biology and status of exploitation of introduced garfish Belone belone euxini (Günther, 1866) in the Black Sea

The garfish Belone belone euxini (Günther, 1866) is a commercially important pelagic fish species in Sinop artisanal fishery, which is showing a decreasing trend in catch results. As a basis for fisheries management a sampling program was carried out between October 2000 and September 2001 along the Turkish coast of the Black Sea, to study the population structure, growth, and reproduction cycle of garfish in the area, and to achieve a rough estimate of exploitation. The length–weight relationship and von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as W = 0.00076 L^3.137, L_∞ = 74.64 cm, K = 0.13 year^?1, t_o = ?3.67, respectively. First sexual maturity was estimated at age 2 and at a total length of 38.8 cm for females. The spawning period was from May to September. The total fecundity–length relationship was estimated as F = 0.0041 L^4.1086 (r² = 0.92). Mortality rates were Z = 1.24 year^?1, M = 0.23 year^?1and F = 1.01 year^?1 for total, natural, and fishing mortality, respectively. The exploitation ratio E = 0.81 indicates that the population is heavily exploited.     

Length–weight relationships and biological data of Odontobutis sinensis (Wu,Chen & Chong, 2002) from Liangzi Lake,China

This study provides the first biological information on a small freshwater benthic fish species Odontobutis sinensis (Wu, Chen & Chong, 2002) from Liangzi Lake, China. The length‐weight relationship was BW = 0.0080TL^3.23. The male : female sex ratio was 1.56 : 1. Based on the gonadosomatic index (GSI), the spawning season is from April to June. Females first matured at 7.90 cm total length (TL). Absolute fecundity varied from 346 to 2588 eggs. Main food items consisted of crustaceans and smaller fishes.     

Body condition (Wr) and reproductive potential of bighead and silver carp hybrids: Postzygotic selection in the Mississippi River Basin

Invasive bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) are reproductively isolated in their native range, but form a bimodal, multigenerational hybrid swarm within the Mississippi River Basin (MRB). Despite observed F₁ hybrid superiority in experimental settings, effects of postzygotic selection on bighead and silver carp hybrids have not been tested in a natural system. Individual parent and hybrid genotypes were resolved at 57 species‐specific loci and used to evaluate postzygotic selection for body condition (W_r) and female reproductive potential (presence of spawning stage gonads and gonadosomatic index [GSI]) in the MRB during 2009–2011. Body condition in the Marseilles Reach, Illinois River declined with a decrease in species‐specific allele frequency from 1.0 to 0.4 for each species and early generation hybrids (F₁, F₂, and first‐generation backcross) had lower mean W_r than late generation hybrids (2nd+ generation backcrosses) and parentals. Proportions of stage IV and stage V (spawning stage) female gonads differed between bighead and silver carp, but not among parentals and their early and late generation hybrids within the MRB. Mean GSI values did not differ between parentals and hybrids. Because reproductive potential did not differ between hybrids and parentals, our results suggest that early generation hybrids occur in low frequency either as a factor of poor condition (W_r) and postreproductive survival, infrequent reproductive encounters by parental bighead and silver carp, or selection pressures acting on juvenile or immature life stages. Our results suggest that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the postzygotic success of bighead and silver carp hybrids in the Mississippi River Basin.     

Length–weight relationships for three fish species from Yalong River in China

This study provides the first report of length–weight relationships (LWRs) for three fish species collected from the Yalong River, one of the tributaries to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, China. The LWRs of these fish species were BW = 0.0070TL^3.0539 (r² = 0.9662) for Schizothorax wangchiachii, BW=0.0134TL^2.8523 (r² = 0.9676) for Schizopygopsis malacanthus, and BW=0.0143TL^2.9253 (r² = 0.8538) for Euchiloglanis kishinouyei, respectively. Also investigated were the spawning season, absolute fecundity and main food items of the three fish species in the natural environment. In addition, new maximum sizes for the three species are provided.     

Aspects of the fecundity of the feral catfish,Clarias macrocephalus (Gunther), population obtained from the rice fields used for rice-fish farming,in Malaysia

The catfish, Clarias macrocephalus, harvested from the irrigated rice fields of Malaysia, exhibited spawning activities that are influenced by water level management. The multiple spawning potential of the fish is negated by declining water level and the fish spawned only once per growing season. Although oocyte development started in conjunction with water level increase, subsequent oocyte development did not take place due to low water level. Absolute and relative fecundity also decreased with declining water level, however, mean relative fecundity is relatively constant (17.6–53.7 oocytes g^–1 body weight) and not related to body size. Absolute fecundity ranged between 785 to 14066 oocytes female^–1, whereas relative fecundity is between 7.1 to 83.5 oocytes g^–1 body weight, respectively.     

Life‐history traits of Aphanius danfordii (Boulenger, 1890) (Pisces: Cyprinodontidae), endemic to Kızılırmak Basin (Turkey)

The life‐history traits of Aphanius danfordii in Hirfanl? Reservoir were studied on the basis of 2252 specimens caught between April 2008 and April 2009. Maximum age was determined as five years for both sexes. The overall sex ratio of males to females was 1 : 1.21; however, this ratio varied by age and season. Mean total length at age data derived from scale readings were used to estimate growth. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were: L_∞ = 126.63 mm, K = ?0.09, t₀ = 2.35 for females; and L_∞ = 61.2 mm, K = ?0.19, t₀ = 2.76 for males. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) values indicated spawning to be from May to September. Absolute fecundity varied from a minimum of 143 eggs for age one to a maximum of 698 eggs for age five. Relationships between fecundity–length and fecundity–weight were described by the equations: F = 0.0002 TL^3.3222 and F = 36.032 W^1.0053, respectively. The equation of the relation between absolute fecundity and age was F = 25.372 t^1.2343.     

Length–weight relationships of four small indigenous fish species from an inland artisanal fishery,Bangladesh

This study reports the length–weight relationships (LWRs) of four small indigenous species, Trichogaster lalius (Hamilton, 1822), Nandus meni (Hossain & Sarker, 2013), Lepidocephalichthys annandalei (Chaudhuri, 1912) and Botia dario (Hamilton, 1822) collected between July 2015 and August 2016 from fishermen's catches landed in an inland fish landing center, northeastern Bangladesh. In the study, a new maximum total length (TL) is given for L. annandalei and LWRs of three species T. lalius, N. meni and L. annandalei for the first time in FishBase. Estimated LWRs were W = .014 TL^3.17, (r² = .982) for T. lalius, W = .006 TL^3.38, (r² = .961) for N. meni, W = .004 TL^3.27, (r² = .965) for L. annandalei and W = .020 TL^2.87, (r² = .978) for B. dario.     

Age and growth of Monopterus albus Zuiew, 1793 (Synbranchidae)

Age and growth of Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1787) in Lake Nanhu, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, were studied from January to December 2007. A total of 418 samples were collected ranging from 18 to 86 cm total length (TL). Among these samples, ages of female were 1 ⁺ –5 ⁺ years while males were 3 ⁺ –9 ⁺ years as estimated by basihyal. The length–weight relationships and the von Bertalanffy growth curve were described for all individuals as: W_T = (2 × 10^?7) TL^3.2366 and L_t = 104.1{1‐e^{?0.108 (t + 1.625)}}. To the best knowledge of the authors, this study presents the first reference on the relationship between age and growth of this species for the management of fishery resources.     

The reproductive biology of the two-banded sea bream (Diplodus vulgaris) from the southwest coast of Portugal

The study of the reproduction of Diplodus vulgaris (Geoff.) as part of a base‐line study of the fishery resources of the south‐west coast of Portugal, was based on the analysis of the spawning season, gonad maturation, size at maturity, fecundity and hermaphroditism. The spawning season is relatively long, from December to March, with peaks in January and February. No significant differences were found either in the sex ratio (M : F = 1.01) over the year or by size. The size at first maturity (L₅₀) for all sexes and undetermined individuals combined was 18.33 cm total length (TL), with no significant differences between males and females. The estimated L₅₀ is considerably greater than the minimum legal size in Portugal of 15.0 cm. Mean absolute fecundity (F_a) was 131 127 oocytes, ranging from 31 523 to 250 608. The relationship between absolute fecundity and total length (TL) (F_a = 25 398 TL – 484 426) and somatic weight (SW) (F_a = 878.8SW – 71 416) was of the linear type. The mean number of oocytes per gram of somatic weight was 526, ranging from 194 to 887. The reproductive strategy of this species is characterized by a rudimentary hermaphroditism with possible protandry, as evidenced by the existence of individuals in sexual transition.     

Length–weight,length–length relationships and feeding habits of wild Indus Mahseer,Tor macrolepis,from Attock,Pakistan

In this study the length–weight (LWR) and length–length relationships (LLR) were carried out for Indus Mahseer, Tor macrolepis, from the Haro River and Nalah Kala, Attock, Pakistan. A total of 118 specimens were used to estimate the relationship parameters. The results of LWR (W = a TL^b) from five different sites indicated W = 0.0044 TL^3.14, W = 0.0054 TL^3.08, W = 0.0059 TL^3.21, W = 0.0076 TL^3.12, and W = 0.0107 TL^2.99, respectively, with an overall value of W = 0.0100 TL^2.94. All regressions for LLR were highly significant (P ≤ 0.001), with coefficient of determination (r²) values of > 0.90. All relationships for LWR and LLR were found to be isometric. T. macrolepis is principally a herbivorous bottom feeder, mainly feeding on aquatic plants and algae, supplemented by insects.     

Size at first sexual maturity,fecundity, length–weight and length–length relationships of Puntius sophore (Cyprinidae) in Bangladeshi waters

The present study describes the size at first sexual maturity, fecundity, length–weight (LWRs) and length–length relationships (LLRs) of the pool barb, Puntius sophore, using data obtained from different geographical locations in Bangladesh. A total of 905 specimens were caught by traditional fishing gear from March 2010 to February 2011. Additionally, a total of 121 females were collected from a commercial catch of the Padma River during June–July 2011 to estimate size at first maturity and to determine fecundity. Total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) were measured with digital slide calipers. Individual body weights (BW) were determined for all specimens, and gonad weights (GW) from 121 females were weighed to an accuracy of 0.001 g. The female gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated as [GSI (%) = (GW/BW) × 100]. Female size at first maturity was estimated using GSI and TL as indicators, and estimated as 5.00 cm TL in the Padma River. Specimens larger than 5.00 cm TL were used to determine fecundity. Mean total fecundity was 5300 ± 2700, ranging from 1580 to 16590. A positive exponential correlation was recorded between total fecundity and total length (r² = 0.421). Relative fecundity ranged from 466 to 4036 (mean 1100 ± 580) in the Padma River. The LWR of pooled data for sexes combined was estimated as BW = 0.0155 TL^2.98 as ancova revealed no significant differences in LWRs between rivers (P > 0.05). All LLRs were highly correlated (r² > 0.983; P < 0.001), and ancova analyses further indicated that LLRs did not differ between rivers (P > 0.05). These results will help in further studies on the population assessment of the species.     

Reproductive biology of female shovelnose sturgeon in the upper Wabash River, Indiana

Shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus are commercially important, supporting a viable roe fishery throughout much of the Mississippi River drainage. We examined the reproductive attributes of stage‐5 female shovelnose sturgeon captured from the upper Wabash River, Indiana, from March to June 2004. Shovelnose sturgeon were collected using boat electrofishing and experimental gill nets, measured for fork length (FL) and wet weight, and sexed externally if possible. Size‐ and age‐at‐maturity, absolute and relative fecundity, relative egg size, and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were determined for 49 female shovelnose sturgeon (range, 601‐ to 858‐mm FL). Female shovelnose sturgeon reached sexual maturity at approximately 600 mm and age‐at‐maturity ranged from ages 6 to 12 (median age = 9). Relative fecundity ranged from 11 220 to 23 956 eggs kg^?1 (mean = 18 156 eggs kg^?1). Absolute fecundity ranged from 14 294 to 65 490 eggs female^?1 (mean = 30 397 eggs female^?1) and was positively related to FL (r² = 0.76) and wet weight (r² = 0.82). The number of eggs g^?1 of ovary weight ranged from 72 to 170 (mean = 98 eggs g^?1) and was negatively correlated with GSI. GSI values ranged from 9.4 to 27.2 (mean = 19.3) and were positively correlated to FL (r² = 0.18). Our results increase our understanding of shovelnose sturgeon reproductive biology and recruitment dynamics and provide input for models to evaluate the effects of harvest on this species.     

Length–weight relationships of two sympatric species (Knipowitschia byblisia Ahnelt, 2011 and K. caunosi Ahnelt, 2011) in Köycegiz Lake,Turkey

This study provides basic information on length–weight relationships for Knipowitschia byblisia Ahnelt, 2011 and Knipowitschia caunosi Ahnelt, 2011, two endemic species of Köycegiz Lake Basin (Southern‐West of Turkey). Samplings were carried out seasonally from 2014 to 2015 by means of beach seine nets with mesh sizes from 10 to 35 mm. A total of 343 individuals from the two fish species were examined, with more specimens belonging to K. byblisa (90.4%). The total length–weight relationships were calculated as: W = 0.0054 TL^3.384for K. byblisia and W = 0.0058 TL^3.417for K. caunosi, respectively.     

Life‐history characteristics of the endangered Aristotle’s catfish (Silurus aristotelis Garman, 1890), Lake Pamvotis,north‐western Greece

The life history characteristics of Aristotle’s catfish, Silurus aristotelis (Agassiz 1856) were studied in Lake Pamvotis (northwestern Greece). Samples were collected on a monthly basis using gillnets, trammel‐nets and traps. Total lengths ranged from 11.1 to 36.7 cm. Sex ratio was biased toward females (F : M = 1.8 : 1) and was statistically different from unity (χ² = 46.94, P < 0.001). Spawning is from April to June. The relationship between total length and total weight showed positive allometric growth for males (TW = 0.0035 × TL^3.21, r² = 0.93, n = 198, P < 0.001) and females (TW = 0.0066 × TL^3.02, r² = 0.95, n = 363, P < 0.001). Age was determined on the annual growth marks formed on the spine of the pectoral fin. Based on cross‐section readings of the spine, lifespan of the Aristotle’s catfish was 5 years. Age classes 1 and 2 dominated the catches (39.1 and 40.0% of the total sample, respectively). Back‐calculated lengths at age showed a rapid increase in fish size during the first year of life, reaching 61.1% of maximum attainable length, and a declining growth rate thereafter. Growth parameters were calculated as L_∞ = 36.12 cm, K = 0.37 year^?1, t₀ = ?0.76 year based on the observed lengths at age and as L_∞ = 28.19 cm, K = 0.53 year^?1, t₀ = ?0.62 year based on the back‐calculated lengths at age. It seems that some of the life history traits (longevity, growth pattern, reproductive period) are influenced significantly by adverse effects of pollution and eutrophication on the lacustrine ecosystem.