Age and size at sexual maturity of the smooth skate Malacoraja senta from the western Gulf of Maine

Abstract

Age and size at sexual maturity was determined for 185 male and 96 female smooth skates Malacoraja senta (ranging in size from 370 to 680 mm total length L(T)), collected from the western Gulf of Maine. Maturity ogives for males, based on clasper length, testis mass and the proportion of mature spermatocysts in the testes, suggest that 50% maturity occurs between 9 and 10 years and 560 mm L(T). Maturity ogives for females, based on ovary mass, shell-gland mass and maximum follicle size, suggest that 50% maturity occurs at age 9 years and 540 mm L(T).