Spawning of a Captive Population of California Sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcher

Abstract

Abstract.— California sheephead are an important commercial and sport fish species in southern California. This study represents the first detailed description of spawning and patterns of egg production in a captive population of California sheephead. In March 2004, females ranged in size from 369 to 430 mm total length (TL) and weighed 0.8–1.5 kg. Males ranged in size from 475 to 510 mm TL and weighed 1.7–2.3 kg. Spawning began in April and continued daily through September and then sporadically through October. Egg production ranged from 1000 to 375,000 eggs/d, with an average of 130,000 eggs/d. Egg production peaked in May at 222,000 eggs/d and decreased throughout the remainder of the season. Total annual fecundity from this group was 1,942,000 eggs/kg female body weight. Egg viability ranged from 0 to 80% with an average of 50%. Viability showed a general increase at the beginning of the season and a decrease at the end of the season. Eggs were 0.9–1.0 mm in diameter and hatched in approximately 48 h at 18–19 C. Hatch rates showed a general decline throughout the season. This study shows that California sheephead will spawn readily in captivity providing thousands of viable eggs daily and lays the groundwork for culture of this species.