Fisheries science
Print ISSN : 0919-9268
Reproduction and Estuarine Utilization of the Grey Mullet, Liza macrolepis (Smith, 1846), in the Area of Kaohsiung Harbor, Southern Taiwan
Meng-Hsien ChenDah-Jye WenChiee-Young Chen
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1999 Volume 65 Issue 1 Pages 1-10

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Abstract
This study investigated various aspects of the reproduction of Liza macrolepis and its estuarine utilization in Kaohsiung River and the harbor area. Among ca. 2100 samples collected between February 1992 and June 1996, one hermaphrodite (fork length=22.0cm) was found. The sizes of 50% sexually mature females and males were estimated as 17.0-17.8cm and 16.1-16.7cm in fork length, respectively. The standard fecundity was 6.48±2.82×103. The relationship between absolute fecundity (AF) and fork length (FL) was expressed as AF=0.00891 FL2.349. Spawning of L. macrolepis occurred between December and May, and is related to the decreases in sunshine hours, in precipitation and in temperature. The nearshore waters are the spawning grounds of the fish, where spent and mature fish aggregate. The species is a total spawner. One-to-two-months-old fish (1-2cm fork length) probably enter the inner harbor area for its abundant food supply. More females than males move into the inner estuary in the pre-spawning period, and then the fish undertake a seaward spawning migration to the nearshore areas in the spawning season. However, males gather in a greater number than females on the spawning ground during the spawning season. The estuary is a very important feeding ground for juvenile, pre-spawning and post-spawning females L. macrolepis. Our results also indicate a geographic differences in the reproductive characteristics of L. macrolepis.
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© The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science
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