Abstract
The shorthead drum Larimus breviceps is one of the main bycatch species of the shrimp fisheries in Brazil. However, studies addressing the biology and fisheries impacts on this species are still scarce. Here we describe the main aspects of the reproductive biology and the female gonadal development of L. breviceps on Paraíba, northeast Brazil. The reproductive tract was described by macroscopic and microscopic analysis. The ovaries were composed by oogonia, pre-vitellogenic, vitellogenic, mature, and atretic oocytes. A total of 970 individuals (549 females and 421 males) were caught between December 2016 and November 2017 through beach seining. The total length (TL) varied from 4.2 to 23.0 cm. Females dominated over males (1 female: 0.77 male). The length–weight relationship did not differ between the sexes, presenting a positive allometric growth. The following stages were thus defined for females: immature, initial development, advanced development, mature, and regressing. The period of highest reproductive activity occurs between November and March and immature individuals occur throughout the year. Mean length at first maturity (L50) was estimated as 11.1 cm TL. The information provided here contributes to the overall knowledge of this species and may be helpful for further development of management practices that ensure the sustainability of marine species exploitation.
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