Reproductive biology of the large freshwater crayfish Cherax cainii in south-western Australia

2003 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Beatty ◽  
David L. Morgan ◽  
Howard S. Gill
Keyword(s):  
Histological Examination ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Ovarian Development ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Freshwater Crayfish ◽  
Potential Fecundity ◽  
The Mean

The reproductive biology of Cherax cainii was studied in an impoundment dam in south-western Australia using histological examination of ovarian development (previous studies describing the reproductive biology of freshwater crayfish have relied solely on macroscopic descriptions of gonadal development). Spawning occurred between August and November and peaked in late August and September, with the percentage of berried females increasing from 50% in September to 96% in November before declining to 11% in December. Juveniles were released from berried females between late November and early December. Female gonads recovered dramatically after spawning with 81% of mature females possessing stage IV (maturing) gonads in March. The respective orbital carapace lengths at which 50 and 95% of C. cainii reached maturity were 32.1 and 37.9 mm for females, and 28.6 and 38.8 mm for males. The mean potential fecundity (i.e. number of mature ovarian oocytes prior to spawning) was 443 compared with 286 for the mean effective fecundity (i.e. number of pleopodal eggs, embryos or juveniles following spawning). The fact that the full ovarian reproductive potential of C. cainii is not attained is probably due to the limitation of egg attachment space on the pleopods.

Aspect of the reproductive biology of the Gummy Shark, Mustelus antarcticus Gunther, from waters off the South coast of Western Australia

1990 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 807 ◽  
Author(s):  
RCJ Lenanton ◽  
DI Heald ◽  
M Platell ◽  
M Cliff ◽  
J Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Major Target

The gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus) is a major target species in two substantial shark fisheries that operate in temperate Australian waters. Data on the reproductive biology of M. antarcticus in the waters off south-western Australia were obtained from samples collected by commercial vessels operating from Albany to Esperance, Western Australia. The samples contained a ratio of four females to one male. M. antarcticus is a viviparous, aplacental species. Males mature at a smaller size than females. Since the overwhelming majority of sharks sampled were mature, it was not possible to estimate precisely the mean size at which sexual maturity was attained. Examination of seasonal changes in the development of ova and testes, in uterine contents, and in embryo growth established that the period of parturition, mating and ovulation occurred over the 3 months between early November and early February. The gestation period was 11-12 months. Full-term embryos ranged in size from 30 to 36 cm total length and occurred in a sex ratio of one male to one female. The ovarian and gestational cycles proceed concurrently, with reproduction occurring annually. Only one of the 224 females analysed for uterine content was considered to be in a true post-partum condition. The number of embryos (N) per mother increased with the length of the mother (L) according to the regression N = exp(-4.13398 + 0.049171L). The reproductive biology of females collected off Albany and Esperance differed in some respects from that of females collected off south-eastern Australia.

Fecundity of mooneye, Hiodon tergisus, in the Assiniboine River

1976 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. Glenn ◽  
R. R. G. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Ovarian Development ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Spawning Activity ◽  
Total Fecundity ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
The Mean ◽  
October 17 ◽  
Sexually Mature

Age at sexual maturity, seasonal gonadal development, and fecundity estimates of mooneye were determined from 695 samples captured in the Assiniboine River between November 17, 1972, and November 2, 1973. Most mooneye became sexually mature in their 4th (III +) or 5th (IV +) year of life, with more males mature at age III + than females. During 1973, spawning began after May 8 and was completed by June 12. The peak spawning activity occurred during mid-May when water temperatures ranged from 10 to 13 °C. All age groups of sexually mature females had rapid ovarian development during the summer months with about 80% of maximum ovarian weight present by October 17. Ripe ova have a mean diameter of 1.98 ± 0.07 mm. The mean annual total fecundity of Assiniboine River mooneye was about 5000–9000 ova per female. The mean annual relative fecundity was about 2000–2400 ova per 100 g body weight.

Comparative reproductive biology of Sciaenidae family species in the Río de la Plata and Buenos Aires Coastal Zone, Argentina

2012 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 413-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.I. Militelli ◽  
G.J. Macchi ◽  
K.A. Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Buenos Aires ◽  
Stock Assessment ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Size At Maturity ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Oocyte Size ◽  
Spawning Frequency ◽  
Relative Fecundity ◽  
The Mean

A comparative analysis on various aspects of the reproductive biology of 7 Sciaenidae family species was done. In addition the reproductive parameters needed for stock assessment models were provided. The research covered the analysis of the duration of the breeding season and the estimation of reproductive variables such as size at maturity, fecundity and spawning frequency. When all species were considered together, some aspects of reproduction were similar, regarding the reproductive strategy; all species are batch spawners with indeterminate fecundity and an extensive reproductive season (approximately six months) except for Pogonias cromis, which showed a more limited spawning season (three months). With regard to reproductive potential, wide differences in fecundity values mainly due to the different sizes attained by each species were observed (range in batch fecundity values between 5000 and 2,800,000 hydrated oocytes). However, when relative fecundity was compared, average values were generally similar, ranging approximately between 150 and 200 hydrated oocytes per female gram. Pogonias cromis is the exception within this group, because the mean relative fecundity ranged between 75 and 98 hydrated oocytes per ovary-free female gram. This difference may be a consequence of the greater oocyte size reached by P. cromis eggs (1100–1400 μm) compared to the rest of sciaenid analysed (750–900).

The reproductive biology of two epibenthic species of Antarctic nototheniid fish of the genus Trematomus

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario La Mesa ◽  
Vincenzo Caputo ◽  
Joseph T. Eastman
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Reproductive Strategies ◽  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Histological Analysis ◽  
Ross Sea ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Potential Fecundity ◽  
Antarctic Notothenioids ◽  
Antarctic Continental Shelf

AbstractTrematomus eulepidotus and T. loennbergii are two of the most common epibenthic fish in the waters of the High Antarctic continental shelf. Since the reproductive biology of these species has not been studied in the Ross Sea, we provide a macroscopic and histological analysis of the reproductive effort and gonadal development in both sexes. Most samples were collected during benthic trawl surveys in the south-western Ross Sea in the 1996 and 1997 summer seasons. The aim of the study was to define the reproductive characteristics of these two sympatric species and to examine the hypothesis that different reproductive strategies mitigate interspecific competition. We found that, in common with most Antarctic notothenioids, both species possess a suite of similar reproductive strategies including delayed sexual maturity, prolonged gametogenesis, group-synchronous oocyte maturation, a single spawning event per year and iteroparity. Both species show a comparable reproductive effort in terms of potential fecundity with between 2000 and 20 000 eggs per female per season. Nevertheless, the two species exhibited a considerable difference in the timing of the breeding season, spawning in summer (T. eulepidotus) and in autumn (T. loennbergii). This gives rise to a mismatch in the time of appearance of larvae in the environment and probably leads to reduced competition.

scholarly journals The Reproductive Biology of the Softshell Clam,Mya arenaria, in Ireland, and the Possible Impacts of Climate Variability

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Cross ◽  
S. Lynch ◽  
A. Whitaker ◽  
R. M. O'Riordan ◽  
S. C. Culloty
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Histological Examination ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Mya Arenaria ◽  
Eastern North America ◽  
Fertilisation Success ◽  
Male Ratio ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Softshell Clam

Little is known about the biology of the softshell clam in Europe, despite it being identified as a potential species to culture for food in the future. Monthly samples of the softshell clam,Mya arenaria, were collected intertidally from Co. Wexford, Ireland, over a period of sixteen months. The mean weight of sampled individuals was74±4.9 g and mean length was8.2±0.2 cm. Histological examination revealed a female-to-male ratio of 1 : 1.15. In 2010,M. arenariaat this site matured over the summer months, with both sexes either ripe or spawning by August. A single spawning event was recorded in 2010, completed by November. Two unusually cold winters, followed by a warmer-than-average spring, appear to have affectedM. arenariagametogenesis in this area, potentially affecting the time of spawning, fertilisation success, and recruitment of this species. No hermaphrodites were observed in the samples collected, nor were any pathogens observed. Timing of development and spawning is compared with the coasts of eastern North America and with other European coasts.

Behavioural responses of Australian freshwater crayfish (Cherax cainii and Cherax albidus) to exotic fish odour

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 399 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. G. Height ◽  
G. J. Whisson
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Predatory Fish ◽  
Behavioural Plasticity ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Freshwater Crayfish ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Exotic Fish ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Invasive Crayfish ◽  
Australian Freshwater

Exotic finfish and crayfish have been translocated into Western Australia for more than 100 years. Deliberate stocking and subsequent escape from man-made impoundments have resulted in widespread distribution of non-native yabbies (Cherax albidus) and the exotic redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) in the State’s south-west. Both species are considered invasive and are known to compete with indigenous species for resources. The nature and degree of impact on native marron (Cherax cainii) is unclear and the subject of current debate. Other researchers have hypothesised that invasive species modify their behaviour in the presence of predators in a more rapid and advantageous manner than native species. This greater behavioural plasticity can result in displacement of indigenous species and successful colonisation of invaders. The aim of this study was to investigate behavioural responses of an indigenous crayfish (C. cainii) and an invasive crayfish (C. albidus) to odours from a native predator (Tandanus bostocki) and an exotic predatory fish (P. fluviatilis) present in Western Australia. Crayfish behaviour was observed in individual glass tanks following the addition of odours from native (T. bostocki) or exotic (P. fluviatilis) finfish predators. Marron exhibited minor behavioural modifications when presented with odours from native or exotic finfish. In contrast, the invasive yabby showed greater detection of odours, displaying significant changes in behaviour (P < 0.05). Yabbies also appeared to distinguish between food odour (commercial crayfish feed) and predator odour; however, neither marron nor yabbies displayed behaviour indicating that they could distinguish between a native or exotic fish predator. Results support the hypothesis that invasive crayfish species have a greater capacity for behavioural plasticity than non-invasive crayfish.

Cadmium concentrations in kidneys of sheep and cattle in Western Australia. 1. Regional distribution

1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 851 ◽  
Author(s):  
PW Morcombe ◽  
DS Petterson ◽  
HG Masters ◽  
PJ Ross ◽  
JR Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Regional Distribution ◽  
Adult Cattle ◽  
Agricultural Region ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Winter Annual ◽  
Rate Of Accumulation ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

A sample of 4973 kidneys from sheep stratified by age and shire of origin within the Agricultural Region of Western Australia, was analysed for cadmium (Cd) content during the period August 1989 to April 1991. The geometric mean Cd concentration in the kidney of hogget ewes was 0.9 mg/kg, in 4-tooth ewes 1.47 mg/kg and in adult ewes 3.34 mg/kg on a wet weight basis. The mean Cd concentrations of either ewe or hogget flocks from different Divisions of the Agricultural Region did not differ from each other. The annual increase in Cd concentration of kidney from hogget sheep was estimated to be 0-65 mg/kg. The rate of accumulation of Cd in kidney from cattle and sheep grazing the same properties was similar. Kidneys from a sample of 354 adult cattle from the Kimberley Region and 483 aged sheep from the Pastoral Region, both areas of unimproved rangelands, had geometric mean Cd concentrations of 0.15 mg/kg and 0-31 mg/kg respectively. A higher Cd concentration in flocks from the divisions adjacent to the Agricultural Region may have resulted from the establishment of some volunteer species of winter annual pastures in the rangeland.

The Status of the School Shark Fishery in South-Eastern Australian Waters

1959 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 150 ◽  
Author(s):  
AM Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Slow Growth Rate ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
The Status ◽  
History Of ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
The Mean

The maximum yield of the school shark fishery in south-eastern Australian waters was 4.09 million lb in 1949. The catch has fluctuated since then about a declining trend to 3.18 million lb in 1956. In 1944, 7.3 hooks were required to catch a shark of mean weight 14.7 lb. In 1956 the number of hooks required was almost doubled: 13.6 hooks were needed to catch sharks of mean weight 13.7 lb; the catch per hook dropped from 2.01 to 0.99 lb. Whereas the catch per boat-month remained relatively stable at 4765 lb for 1944 and 4643 for 1956, the number of hooks used per boat-month increased from 2366 to 4668 hooks in 12 years. Throughout this period the mean weight of sharks in eastern Bass Strait remained fairly steady (11-13 lb) whereas there was a drop of 3 lb from a mean weight of 17-20 lb in the predominantly mature portion of the stock in western Bass Strait. Fishermen in South Australia have reported a comparable drop in the mean weight of sharks in their catches. During the period 1941-46 there was unrestricted inshore fishing of juveniles and pregnant females with a consequent severe drop in the inshore population. The subsequent decline in the annual total catch is believed to be due not only to a too intensive offshore fishery but also to the resultant reduced recruitment and depressed reproductive potential caused by the earlier destruction of juveniles and pregnant females. In the data presented in this paper there is evidence that the school shark fishery, which is operating on a single stock of sharks with a slow growth rate, a late sexual maturity, and a low fecundity, shows trends which are suggestive of depletion. Because similar trends in the soupfin shark fishery of California and in the dogfish fishery of British Columbia were followed by depletion, it has been inferred that regulations to protect the vulnerable phases of the life history of the school shark of Australia may be required. Measures for conservation are discussed.

Ovigeny strategy of the parasitic wasp Cosmocomoidea annulicornis (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae): effect of female age, feeding and host availability on reproductive traits

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Carolina Manzano ◽  
Eduardo G. Virla ◽  
Maria V. Coll Araoz ◽  
Erica Luft-Albarracin
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Parasitic Wasp ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Egg Load ◽  
Biological Traits ◽  
Potential Fecundity ◽  
Female Age ◽  
Host Availability ◽  
Egg Maturation

Abstract The reproductive traits of the mymarid wasp Cosmocomoidea annulicornis (Ogloblin) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) attacking eggs of the sharpshooter Tapajosa rubromarginata (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Bioassays were carried out to estimate the realized fecundity and egg load of females. The ovigeny index was calculated and different biological traits, such as body size, oöcyte length, gaster length and wing length, were analysed to assess significant associations between these traits and the species fitness. In addition, the effect of host availability and feeding on longevity and potential fecundity throughout life and the effect of female age on egg maturation dynamics were assessed. The results showed that C. annulicornis is a strongly synovigenic species. A positive correlation was found between fecundity and longevity of the females and between body size and oöcyte length. Contrary to expected, body size was not related to fecundity and longevity. Females lived significantly longer in the presence of hosts and honey than when they were host-deprived and honey-fed or both host and honey deprived. Host availability had a significant effect on the amount of eggs laid by C. annulicornis females. Female age was negatively associated with oöcyte length. Furthermore, females were able to mature additional eggs as they aged, nevertheless, when host-deprived, senescent females presented significantly less mature eggs than younger ones, suggesting a possible egg oosorption. These results might contribute to a better understanding of the reproductive potential of this species as a biocontrol agent.

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