scholarly journals Seasonal changes in size, sex-ratio and body condition of the damselfishChromis chromisin the central Mediterranean Sea

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 1053-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Bracciali ◽  
Susanna Piovano ◽  
Gianluca Sarà ◽  
Cristina Giacoma
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Rocky Shores ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Spawning Period

Chromis chromisis one of the most abundant fish species on the Mediterranean rocky shores. Acting as a by-pass of nutrients from the pelagic to the rocky littoral system, it plays an important role as a resource provider and has a relevant function in the community assemblage.Chromis chromishas many of the characteristics required of an indicator species (e.g. it is easy to recognize in the field, small sized, widespread and abundant). In this study we focused on individual size, sex-ratio and body condition in a damselfish population occurring in a central Mediterranean marine protected area. Fishing trials on a monthly basis (April–November) allowed us to assess seasonal changes in population structure. Fish were measured and weighed and a subsample was aged and sexed. On average, males were larger than females. The allometric coefficient,b, for the whole population was 2.99; the maximum age recorded was 7.5 yr. Before reproduction sex-ratio was close to parity (M:F 1:0.78), while a larger proportion of females was captured during the reproductive period. In conclusion, our results show that the population dynamics ofC. chromisis influenced by both sex and size. Since males and females have different behavioural strategies, and since the length of the spawning period is shorter in the smaller than in the larger-sized individuals, this is reflected in temporal changes observed in the population structure.

scholarly journals Population structure and reproductive characteristics of the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis (Müller & Henle, 1839) (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae) off the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 513-524
Author(s):  
María del Carmen Alejo-Plata ◽  
Miguel Ángel Ahumada-Sempoal ◽  
José Luis Gómez-Márquez ◽  
Adrián González-Acosta
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Landing Sites ◽  
Silky Shark ◽  
Oceanic Species ◽  
Carcharhinus Falciformis ◽  
Gravid Females

Carcharhinus falciformis is an abundant oceanic species, which occurs in equatorial and tropical zones, with an important catch in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Mexico. Samples were taken from December 2000 to December 2007 in four landing sites of the artisanal fleet on the coast of Oaxaca. During the period of study 1236 specimens (602 females and 634 males) of C. falciformis were registered. Total length (TL) ranged from 49 to 217 cm for females (mean = 111.3 cm) and from 59 to 265 cm for males (mean = 111.7 cm). The sex ratio of females to males was 1:1 ( 2 0.05 = 0.78, P > 0.05). The present data suggest a size at first sexual maturity of about 184.8 cm TL for females and 178.5 cm TL for males. The catches were composed mainly of young. In the 52 gravid females examined, the average number of embryos per female was seven; with a range of 3-14 embryos. Mean TL of embryos ranged from 10 to 66 cm with evidence of seasonal changes in the size structure. Results obtained showed that C. falciformis gives birth most of the year, with the highest proportion of births during the rainy season (May to October).

scholarly journals Population biology of shrimp Macrobrachium jelskii (Miers, 1778) (Decapoda, Palaemonoidea) at the Grande River at northwest of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samara de Paiva Barros-Alves ◽  
Ariádine Cristine Almeida ◽  
Vivian Fransozo ◽  
Douglas Fernandes Rodrigues Alves ◽  
José Carlos da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Frequency Distribution ◽  
Population Biology ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Length Frequency Distribution ◽  
Length Frequency ◽  
Monthly Basis

AIM: The population biology of the freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium jelskii was investigated here emphasizing the length-frequency distribution, sex ratio, reproductive period and juvenile recruitment. In addition, the abundance of individuals was correlated with the abiotic factors. METHODS: Samples were collected on a monthly basis from July 2005 to June 2007 along the river margin in shallow water of Grande River, at Planura region, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil (20º 09' S and 48º 40' W), using a trawl net (1.0 mm mesh size, and 2.0 m × 0.5 m wide). The fishing gear was handled by two people along the marginal vegetation of the Grande River in a course of 100 m, covered for one hour. In the laboratory, the specimens were identified, measured and sexed. RESULTS: A total of 2,789 specimens was analyzed, which corresponded to 1,126 males (549 juveniles and 577 adults) and 1,663 females (1,093 juveniles, 423 adults non-ovigerous and 147 ovigerous). The sex ratio differed significantly in favor of the females of M. jelskii (1:1.48; χ² = 103.95; p < 0.0001). The mean size of carapace length (CL) of females (6.32 ± 1.84 mm CL) was statistically higher than of males (5.50 ± 1.07 mm CL) (p < 0.001). The length-frequency distribution of the specimens revealed an unimodal pattern and non-normal distribution for males and females (W = 0.945; p < 0.01). No significant relationship between the abundance of M. jelskii and the environmental variables was observed (p = 0.799). CONCLUSION: The presence of ovigerous females and juveniles in the population suggests a continuous reproduction pattern and recruitment for M. jelskii at Planura region.

scholarly journals Population structure and reproductive behavior of Sinaloa cichlid Cichlasoma beani (Jordan, 1889) in a tropical reservoir

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 593-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melgen A. García-Lizárraga ◽  
Francisco Enrique Soto-Franco ◽  
Javier Marcial de Jesús Ruiz Velazco-Arce ◽  
José Iván Velázquez-Abunader ◽  
Jorge Saúl Ramírez-Pérez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Multinomial Distribution ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Tropical Reservoir ◽  
Timing Of Reproduction ◽  
First Maturity ◽  
Size At First Maturity

The population structure and reproductive condition of the Sinaloa cichlid Cichlasoma beani from samples obtained from June 2000 to July 2001 were determined. Samples in the first week each month from the largest trader of tilapia in the Aguamilpa Reservoir in Mexico and were caught in gillnets (9.6 and 11.4 cm stretch-mesh size). Of 596 specimens, there were 427 males and 169 females; monthly sex ratio, frequency of lengths by the multinomial distribution, timing of reproduction, condition index, and size at first maturity was determined. Differences in the sex ratio and monthly totals were significant, favoring males, except for September 2000 and March 2001. From one (August 2000) to three modal groups (July 2000 and June 2001) were identified by size. There were no significant differences in standard length weight relationships by sex, which indicated that a shared model for both genders is appropriate, and isometric growth was detected. Based on the proportion of mature and partially matures fish, the main reproductive period was April through June; size at first maturity was 18.9 cm. Water temperature was not significantly related to the percentage of mature and partially matures Sinaloa cichlids or spawning. These findings provide information for regulating the Cichlasoma beani fishery in this region such minimum legal size and non-fishing period.

scholarly journals Population structure, condition factor and reproductive period of Astyanax paranae (Eigenmann, 1914) (Osteichthyes: Characidae) in a small and old Brazilian Reservoir

2008 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 503-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milza Celi Fedatto Abelha ◽  
Erivelto Goulart
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Condition Factor ◽  
Regression Coefficient ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Small Reservoir ◽  
Structure Condition ◽  
Maximum Value

The population structure, condition and reproductive period of Astyanax paranae adult individuals inhabiting a small reservoir were investigated. The fishes were quarterly captured from the riverine and lacustrine zones of the Alagados Reservoir, Paraná, Brazil, during 1996/1997 and 1998/1999. The sex ratio differed from 1:1 with the predominance of the females in all standard length classes and total population sample. The females showed higher condition than the males. Both the sexes presented lower mean condition values in April and higher mean condition values in July. The estimated values of the regression coefficient indicated isometric growth for the females and males. The gonadosomatic relationship reached a maximum value of 14.80% for the females and 8.43% for the males. The reproductive period possibly occurred from October to April.

scholarly journals Shift in Sabella spallanzanii (Polychaeta, Sabellidae) spawning period in the Central Mediterranean Sea: a consequence of climate change?

2010 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 373 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. GIANGRANDE ◽  
M. LICCIANO ◽  
L. MUSCO ◽  
L. STABILI
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Filter Feeder ◽  
Spawning Period ◽  
The Past ◽  
Central Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fouling Assemblages

Sabella spallanzanii is a large tubicolous filter feeder polychaete common in the Mediterranean fouling assemblages where it plays an important role in structuring the community. Its reproductive biology is well known and had been investigated since 1993. During the past few years a shift in its reproductive period has been observed. In 2008 the presence of ripe eggs in the females was observed at least two months in advance compared to the past. This was confirmed during the 2009 when spawning and fertilization were observed three months in advance compared to the past. Possible causes of this shift may be related to the increasing surface temperature in the Central Mediterranean Sea.

Reproduction and population structure of Octopus mimus fished in a Marine Protected Area of Ecuador

2017 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 1383-1389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Unai Markaida ◽  
Luis Flores ◽  
Evelyn Arias ◽  
Elba Mora
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Mantle Length ◽  
Eastern Pacific ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Spawning Period ◽  
Sampling Programme ◽  
Santa Elena

Octopus mimus is the main octopus targeted by the small-scale fishery in the Eastern Pacific. Commercial catches of octopus from the Reserva de Producción Faunística Marino-Costera Puntilla de Santa Elena (REMACOPSE) Marine Protected Area in Ecuador were sampled from July to December 2013 in order to describe the reproduction and population structure of this octopus. The 4171 sampled octopuses ranged from 56 to 250 mm in mantle length (ML) and 45 to 3178 g in body weight (BW). Mean octopus weight did not change monthly. Males were mostly mature while the majority of females were immature. Presence of some mature and a few spent females in all months sampled suggests that the population shows an extended spawning period. No spawning peak could be properly defined. Sex ratios did not significantly shift from the expected 1:1 in most samples. Females mature at a larger size (1234 g, BW; 165 mm, ML) than males (487 g BW; 114 mm ML). We recommend considering a minimum legal size of 1200 g BW. A year-long sampling programme for O. mimus should also be completed in order to detect any spawning peak.

Population dynamics of the hermit crab Paguristes erythrops (Diogenidae) from Anchieta Island, southern Brazil

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
pp. 955-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata B. Garcia ◽  
Fernando L.M. Mantelatto
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Size Frequency Distribution ◽  
Spawning Period ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Coexisting Species ◽  
Animal Size ◽  
Shield Length

The population of Paguristes erythrops (Crustacea: Anomura) was studied based on seasonal abundance, size–frequency distribution, sex ratio and reproductive period (percentage of ovigerous females). Specimens were collected monthly by SCUBA diving in the infralittoral area of Anchieta Island, Ubatuba. A total of 543 individuals was analysed. Animal size (minimum and maximum shield length, respectively) was 1·7 and 11·8 mm for males, 1·7 and 10·3 mm for non-ovigerous females, and 3·2 and 7·8 mm for ovigerous females. The sex ratio was 0·91:1. Sexual dimorphism was recorded by the presence of males in the largest size-classes. The absence of ovigerous females during winter months (June to August) and their high incidence from January to March indicated discontinuity in the reproductive cycle, suggesting that females become ovigerous and breed in the summer, with the spawning period lasting from spring to autumn. This strategy of reproduction probably was based on competition with other coexisting species in this area.

scholarly journals Reproductive biology of Astyanax janeiroensis (Osteichthyes, Characidae) from the Ubatiba River, Maricá, RJ, Brazil

2005 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Mazzoni ◽  
R. S. Mendonça ◽  
E. P. Caramaschi
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Annual Cycle ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Standard Length ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Expected Frequency

Aspects of the reproductive biology of Astyanax janeiroensis in the Ubatiba river in Maricá, RJ, Brazil were evaluated in order to ascertain whether the strategy adopted by the species is causally related to environmental variables. Specimens were collected on a monthly basis from October 1994 to September 1995, through electrofishing. The Sex ratio was not significantly different from the expected frequency of 1:1 (G = 1.29; p > 0.50); nonetheless, considering three standard length classes, significantly larger numbers of females were recorded for the higher SL class (G = 11.07; p < 0.01). Size at first maturation showed no significant differences between sexes. Length-weight ratio analyses showed negative allometry for males and isometry, for females. Length structure was significantly different between sexes, suggesting that females are larger than males (D = 0.027, p < 0.01). Reproductive specimens were recorded during nine months of the annual cycle. Seasonal variations of reproductive specimens belonging to two different standard length classes displayed an asynchronous behavior, with larger specimens having a longer reproductive period and smaller ones reproducing for fewer months during the annual cycle. High values of fecundity (F), varying from 3169 to 18714 oocytes, were recorded for fish of 9.1 and 10.2 cm lengths, respectively. The correlation between weight and number of oocytes/unit of weight was positive, indicating that larger specimens produced more eggs.

scholarly journals A Quantitative Genetic Analysis of Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Structured Populations of Silene vulgaris

Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 158 (2) ◽  
pp. 833-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas R Taylor ◽  
Matthew S Olson ◽  
David E McCauley
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Cytoplasmic Male Sterility ◽  
Male Sterility ◽  
Sex Expression ◽  
Silene Vulgaris ◽  
Population Variance ◽  
Quantitative Genetic ◽  
Quantitative Genetic Analysis

Abstract Gynodioecy, the coexistence of functionally female and hermaphroditic morphs within plant populations, often has a complicated genetic basis involving several cytoplasmic male-sterility factors and nuclear restorers. This complexity has made it difficult to study the genetics and evolution of gynodioecy in natural populations. We use a quantitative genetic analysis of crosses within and among populations of Silene vulgaris to partition genetic variance for sex expression into nuclear and cytoplasmic components. We also use mitochondrial markers to determine whether cytoplasmic effects on sex expression can be traced to mitochondrial variance. Cytoplasmic variation and epistatic interactions between nuclear and cytoplasmic loci accounted for a significant portion of the variation in sex expression among the crosses. Source population also accounted for a significant portion of the sex ratio variation. Crosses among populations greatly enhanced the dam (cytoplasmic) effect, indicating that most among-population variance was at cytoplasmic loci. This is supported by the large among-population variance in the frequency of mitochondrial haplotypes, which also accounted for a significant portion of the sex ratio variance in our data. We discuss the similarities between the population structure we observed at loci that influence sex expression and previous work on putatively neutral loci, as well as the implications this has for what mechanisms may create and maintain population structure at loci that are influenced by natural selection.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document