Abstract
Studies focusing on reproductive biology play a key role in deciphering fish population dynamics. We studied the main features of the reproductive biology of the greater weever Trachinus draco based on gonad histology and digital image analysis techniques and the main hypothesis of the study is that males of T. draco exhibit a nuptial colouration. The biological samples of 311 individuals along the Atlantic coast of Spain, covering the twelve months of the year (from 2020 to 2022), in combination with the gonadosomatic index trend revealed a spawning season from May to August, consistent with similar studies in different geographical areas. Length-weight relationship presented differences by sex (females reach higher weight at the same length). The maturity ogive for females indicated that 50 % were mature at a length of 182 mm. Histological analysis confirmed asynchronous development of secondary growth oocytes, pointing to a batch spawning strategy. Digital image analysis of the nuptial coloration showed that the presence of a black spot above the pectoral fin in males was significantly correlated with the spawning capable phase, while blueish coloration was influenced by sex, size and maturity phase, with larger spawning males having the largest areas of blueish coloration. The results of this study represent a significant improvement of our understanding of the reproductive biology of T. draco.
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