Abstract

The European bass, Dicentrarchus labrax L., in common with most temperate marine teleosts, exhibits a distinct seasonal reproductive cycle. Its reproductive strategy is characterized by a high absolute fecundity (2‐25 × 105), both absolute and relative fecundity increasing with size and age. The cyclic pattern of oocyte development has been determined by histology and from oocyte size frequency analysis. Results show that the bass exhibits group‐synchronous oocyte development and is a ‘fractional spawner’, i.e. it spawns a number (3–4) of discrete clutches in quick succession, successive clutches containing fewer oocytes. All oocytes which are recruited into the secondary growth phase (> 110 μrn) are either spawned that season or become atretic, i.e. no secondary oocytes are held over for the subsequent reproductive season.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.