The link between migration, the reproductive cycle and condition of Sardinella aurita off Mauritania, north-west Africa
ter Hofstede, R.; Dickey-Collas, M.; Mantingh, I.T.; Wague, A. (2007). The link between migration, the reproductive cycle and condition of Sardinella aurita off Mauritania, north-west Africa. J. Fish Biol. 71(5): 1293-1302. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2007.01577.x
In: Journal of Fish Biology. Fisheries Society of the British Isles: London,New York,. ISSN 0022-1112; e-ISSN 1095-8649, more
|   |
| Keywords |
Behaviour > Migrations
Periodicity > Seasonality
Spawning
Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847 [WoRMS]
Mauritania [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
mauritania; migration; sardinella; seasonality; small pelagic fish;spawning |
| Authors | | Top |
- ter Hofstede, R., more
- Dickey-Collas, M., more
- Mantingh, I.T.
- Wague, A.
|
|
|
| Abstract |
The annual migration pattern of round sardinella Sardinella aurita up and down the north-western African coast between 12°N (Senegal) and 22°N (western Sahara) was shown to be associated with spawning activity and a distinct seasonality in fish condition, based on monthly sampling from commercial catches (2000-2003). Some S. aurita were found to spawn throughout the entire year, but a peak in spawning existed during the summer (June to September). The spawning cycle is apparent from seasonality in maturity stages, but is also demonstrated by the increase in gonad mass and fat content of the fish in springtime, the period preceding spawning. During the months after spawning, although feeding is maintained, the physical condition of the fish collapses, and fat content rapidly declines. |
|
