Reproductive biology of the pike glassfish Champsocephalus gunnari from the area of South Georgia Island and Shag Rocks
Alekseeva, E.I.; Alekseev, F.E.
Voprosy Ichtiologii 37(3): 385-392
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-8752
Accession: 009341743
Larvae and fingerlings of the pike glassfish Champsocephalus gunnari were studied in the area of South Georgia Island and Shag Rocks (South Atlantic Ocean). Data are presented on fecundity, sexual cycle elements and seasonal distribution of fishes. A scale is suggested for determining the degree of maturity of female gonads. Significant interannual variability proved to be associated with weight differences in females of equal dimensions and possibly either by their belonging to different age classes or varying feeding conditions during the year of fecundity development. Variations in spawning terms and presence of all ontogenetic stages in the area of Shag Rocks and South Georgia Island do not eliminate the possibility of existing independent groups in each of these regions which are isolated by oceanic depths and currents dividing them.