Abstract
Menticirrhus littoralis is an important sport and commercial fish species in southern Brazil. This paper aims to analyze the reproductive biology of the species in Rio Grande do Sul coastal waters. Captures were carried out at Cidreira's fishing pier (30º 08' S; 50º 11' W) located on the Northern Coast of Rio Grande do Sul, where sport-fishing takes place throughout the year. Sport fishermen using hook-and-line with different hook sizes and varied baits exclusively made the captures. A total of 807 individuals were obtained from June 1997 to May 1998. Sexual proportion was 0.67 female for each male (323 females and 484 males; chi2c = 32.120; DF=1; P<0.001). The smallest individual (total length) for captured animals was a male of 13 cm whereas the largest was a female of 46 cm. The minimum size (total length) for a mature female was 19.8 cm. The size at first maturation (L50) was 23 cm and females larger than 27 cm spawned at least once (L100). The reproductive period for M. littoralis is from September to March. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed a clear seasonal pattern. Mean ovarian weight was highest in November when it reached 5% of total body weight. Apparently, there is a size gradient for M. littoralis in the area. Larger individuals inhabit deeper water, and they move to the coast mainly for spawning.
Highlights
The genus Menticirrhus comprises 9 species and inhabits tropical and temperate waters of the Eastern Pacific and Western Atlantic
This paper aims to analyze the reproductive biology of the species in Rio Grande do Sul coastal waters
Spent females were only caught at the end of the reproductive period: from January to March
Summary
The genus Menticirrhus comprises 9 species and inhabits tropical and temperate waters of the Eastern Pacific and Western Atlantic. Two species are found in Brazilian waters: M. americanus and M. littoralis (Menezes & Figueiredo, 1980; Jardim, 1988). Menticirrhus littoralis (Holbrook, 1860) presents a known distribution from Florida (USA) to southern Brazil. The species prefers shallow water with sandy or muddy bottoms The reproductive biology of the species is still unknown, despite its abundance in coastal waters and surf zones (Lewis et al, 1999). M. littoralis larvae are found in all seasons off the Paraná state coast, they are more abundant during the spring (Godefroid et al, 2001). In Rio Grande do Sul, larvae were captured in summer and fall (Ibagy & Sinque, 1995; Sinque & Muelbert, 1998). A summary of the available information on the spawning period and size at first maturation for M. americanus is given (Table 1)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
