Reproductive biology of racer goby Neogobius gymnotrachelus in the Wloclawski Reservoir (Vistula River, Poland)

Abstract

Summary Initial studies on the reproductive parameters and spawning behaviour of racer goby Neogobius gymnotrachelus, one of three Ponto-Caspian gobiid species recently invading Polish waters, were carried out in Wloclawski Reservoir (lower River Vistula, Poland), where spawning lasted from April to August. Males were on average about 23.3% longer and 53.8% heavier than females. The smallest female with mature gonads was 58 mm TL (estimated age 2+ years), and males were sexually mature at 59 mm TL (age of 1+ years). Gonado-somatic index at the beginning of spawning was seven times larger in females (mean = 8.4) than that in males (mean = 1.2). Mean absolute fecundity was 952 eggs per female (361–2236). Egg diameter ranged from 0.140 to 1.558 mm, being of bi-modal distribution, which suggests two or three spawning bouts. Length–frequency analysis of juveniles revealed a multimodal distribution. Specialized reproductive behaviour (nest construction and parental care of eggs) and an extended spawning period increase the probability that racer goby can successfully establish self-sustaining populations in novel environments.