Gonad development and reproduction of the ballyhoo half beak, Hemiramphus brasiliensis from the coastal waters of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Mr Oliveira,S Chellappa,Me Yamamoto,Nb Silva

doi:10.1590/1519-6984.12113

Mr Oliveira, S Chellappa + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.12113

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Abstract

The gonad development and reproductive aspects of Hemiramphus brasiliensis from the coastal waters of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil were verified. This paper presents data on the length-weight relationship, sex ratio, length at first sexual maturity, gonad development, reproductive period and fecundity of H. brasiliensis. Females of this species predominated in the sampled population and were larger in size than the males. The length at the first sexual maturation of males was 20.8 cm and that of females was 21.5 cm. The macroscopic characteristics of the gonads indicated four maturation stages. Histological studies of gonads of H. brasiliensis showed six phases of oocyte development and four phases of spermatocyte development. The batch fecundity of this species is 1153 (± 258.22) oocytes for 50 g body weight of female. The microscopic characteristics of gonad development indicate that H. brasiliensis is a multiple spawner, with active reproductive period during the months of January to June and October. The reproductive period of this species is independent of the rainy period of the region.

Highlights

The reproductive strategies are used by fish to maximize production and ensure the survival of offspring to adulthood
Considering the economic importance of H. brasiliensis, the objective of this work was to verify the reproductive aspects of this species which occurs in the coastal waters of Caiçara do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Samples of H. brasiliensis were not captured during the month of September, 2011 due to the strong winds that prevented the fishermen from going to the sea

Summary

Introduction

The reproductive strategies are used by fish to maximize production and ensure the survival of offspring to adulthood. Each strategy is expressed by tactics, such as, size at first maturation, spawning period and fecundity (Potts and Wootton, 1984) which are important information for making rational measures to regulate fishing and conservation of fish stocks (King and McFarlane, 2003). In the coastal waters of Brazil the following species have been registered: Hemiramphus brasiliensis, Hemiramphus balao, Hyporhamphus roberti, Hyporhamphus unifasciatus, Euleptorhamphus velox, Hyporhamphus coroa and Hyporhamphus salvatoris (Sampaio, 1996). Among these species, Hemiramphus brasiliensis and Hyporhamphus unifasciatus are commercially important (Lessa and Nóbrega, 2000)

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